The LBD is truly a heroic multi-tasker with at least 9 fashion lives. This version from Bottega Veneta
may initially seem pricey at $2100, but factor in the timelessly flattering A-line silhouette, classy fabric (silk), and mindboggling number of different ways you can wear it...and thanks to Fashion Math, suddenly its cost-per-wear magically plummets to pennies. Whether you're headed for cocktails, the office, art galleries, shopping, or lounging glamorously at a resort, this dress is a fabulous neutral foundation that takes its style cues from whever you pair it with. Here are 9 completely different ways to rock the exact same dress:
#1 Cocktails & Dinner
How to get the look: When going minimalist, the accessories take center stage, so they'd better be luxe and eyecatching; in other words, this is not the time to scrimp. Be prepared to shell out some cash for either high-end designer labels or top-shelf vintage. These t-strap sandals stamped to look like a rich exotic leather and fab clutch are both timeless, yet right on trend.
Bottega Veneta asymmetric black silk dress
Bottega Veneta leather T-bar sandals
Bottega Veneta Intrecciato clutch bag
9 LIVES OF THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS:
#2 Slick Rocker Chic
How to get the look: Take your LBD for a walk on the wild side with a leather motorcycle jacket, and tough knee-high leather boots. For a rocker chic vibe, the metal of choice is never dainty and always silver (or platinum), so pile on accessories like bangles by the bunch. Sleek futuristic shades and a hands-free cross-body bag make you look ready for action, while diamond panther earrings confirm that this kitty has a dangerous side.
Bottega Veneta asymmetric black silk dress
Miu Miu rosette leather biker jacket
Thomas Wylde Warrior skull boots
Prada oversized round frames
Anita Ko diamond-encrusted panther earrings
Cole Haan Kyle Crossbody Flight bag
bangles by Lois Hill - top: granulated & hammered layered bracelet;middle: silver & white bangle;
bottom: silver rope cuff
9 LIVES OF THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS:
#3 Parisian French Girl Style
How to get the look: For a much-needed dose of sartorial ooh-la-la, start with a classic denim jacket, and add a colorful scarf and bag in prints that are complementary. Here, the blue in both not only ties in the jacket to create a coordinated overall look, but makes them work together without being overly matchy about it. Black leggings, booties, and of course a jaunty beret add enough je ne sais quoi to get you mistaken for a French fille.
Bottega Veneta asymmetric black silk dress
denim jacket in a classic dark wash
lightweight printed scarf
DKNY wool beanie
Orla Kiely bag
daniblack Velma black suede booties
HUE stirrup tights
#4 Hipster Artiste
How to get the look: When a dress is this versatile, it's more than just a dress; add some rockstar leggings, and it becomes a fabulous tunic! (If your particular bodytype looks best with your waist defined, simply cinch on a classy black belt.) Fun, colorful booties and a cape or poncho look downtown chic without trying too hard, while tough brass-hued accessories keep it edgy. And best of all, classic diamond studs hint at the possibility of a fabulous, artist-friendly trust fund...
Bottega Veneta asymmetric black silk dress
Sass & Bide Black Rats leggings
Mike & Chris Lyle belted poncho
Alexander McQueen Union Jack ankle boots
Thomas Wylde metallic studded wristlet
3 carat Cubic Zirconia stud earrings
hematite metal 2.5" wide cuff
9 LIVES OF THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS:
#5 Ms. Fashionista Fabulous
How to get the look: Lil' Miss Fashionista, you know how to extract the maximum mileage out of the LBD. Earth- and chocolate-tones make the black of the dress look rich (done right, brown with black is a strikingly chic combo) while the berry hues in the accessories and shoes add some sass and the just right amount of frivolity.
Bottega Veneta asymmetric black silk dress
Michael Kors Single-breasted trapeze coat
Miu Miu oversized bowling bag
Sergio Rossi color-block pumps
Cutler & Gross Cat-eye sunglasses
Sequin circle-link necklace
Grandoe leather gloves with rabbit fur cuffs
9 LIVES OF THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS:
#6 Bodacious Bombshell
How to get the look: The bombshell knows that with the right accessories, the LBD goes from appropriate to NSFW. How? An animal print is pretty much mandatory, especially leopard or cheetah. And gold...lots & lots of gold (preferably real, embellished, and received as a gift from a suitor). With shoes and accessories, go for height, go bright, and as much flash as you can muster. Here, the taxicab yellow of the heels plays off the warm tones of the trench and the leopard print, creating a coherent overall feel, and a playful, sexy vibe. For the requisite teensy dog, consider adopting one through Dogs in Danger, which saves dogs from being euthanized in shelters (sad factoid: every 9 seconds, a dog abandoned at a shelter is killed).
Bottega Veneta asymmetric black silk dress
Moschino Cheap & Chic bow-tie trench
Jimmy Choo Prize t-bar sandals
Roberto Cavalli oversized leopard print tote
Prada rimless wraparound sunglasses
Betsey Johnson Charm School heart ring
9 LIVES OF THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS:
#7 Running Errands
How to get the look: For the same reason your mama warned you to always wear your good underwear "just in case," you never know who you're going to run into just running errands. And do you really want to bump into your boss/ex/rival a sweatpant-clad mess? Instead, toss on the LBD, and opt for the failsafe chic of a classically preppy red/black/white look. Add touches of red in the headband and floral-pattern flats, and some white with a pearl necklace and striking white watch. The soft, feminine coral/red tones in the cardi pull everything together in a non-matchy way, while the coordinating lipgloss is a subtle but effective touch, making you look perfectly polished and frenemy-ready.
Bottega Veneta asymmetric black silk dress
Missoni Agostina cardigan
Miu Miu Alice headband
Dior Christal 33mm diamond watch with a rubber band
faux pearl choker
Jessica Simpson Leve satin flats
Pa-Tou-Tou Silhouette tote
Josie Maran Lip Gloss in Authentic, a flattering shimmery coral-pink
LIVES OF THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS:
#8 Resort Glamorous
How to get the look: Lounging poolside is the perfect time to chill with a fun book, a Glamour Girl hat, and a festive cocktail...and your trusty LBD. The relaxed silhouette means you can just toss on scarf and some casual gladiator sandals, and head straight from the beach to cocktails and dinner. Because jewelry at the beach or pool is - let's face it - ridiculous, a colorful oversize tote and equally oversize sunglasses render you look stylish rather than Fashion Victim'ish.
Bottega Veneta asymmetric black silk dress
Emilio Pucci raffia floppy hat
Emilio Pucci Vivara vinyl shopper
Emilio Pucci pink metal sunglasses
FitFlop Aurelia gladiator sandals
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 55
Sephora Nail Care Collection
Armed and Glamorous: A Crime of Fashion Mystery
9 LIVES OF THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS:
#9 Glam Globetrotter
How to get the look: Although the days are long gone when travel was actually considered glamorous, you don't personally have to succumb to slovenliness, thanks of course to your LBD. Just as on Errand Day (Life #7 of the LBD), a color scheme of black, red, and white is failsafe. A striped, vaguely French cardi is a smart way to ward off any in-flight chill, and paired with equally chic black flats and a gold locket, it shows you didn't leave your sense of style at home. Stash the on-board necessities in a roomy red tote - mineral water, Kindle and even a coordinating makeup bag & bracelet/watch - and when it's time to snooze, you'll be glad you packed your iPod and cheeky pink eyemask which lets pesky flight attendants know that, hello...The Bitch is Sleeping already.
Bottega Veneta asymmetric black silk dress
Oscar de la Renta silk-cotton striped cardigan
Alex Monroe Original Sin heart locket
Bottega Veneta Capri intrecciato tote
Maloles Zoe ballet flats
Fendi logo cosmetic bag
Marc by Marc Jacobs cuff watch
Topo Chico mineral water, 11.5 oz.
Kindle wireless reading device
Apple iPod touch 16 GB
The Bitch is Sleeping fuzzy pink eye mask
- Lesley Scott
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