LBD: Hottest Styles for All Body Types Make It Fast Fashion Day to Night!

What’s so important about the “Little Black Dress” According to fashion stylist Colin Megaro, a woman can never have enough!

Some fashion scoop for you: did you know that Truman Capote is credited with making the little black dress de riguerin the 60’s? In 1966, Capote threw the “Black and White Ball.” The dress code was as simple as the title and exceptions were not made. A standard for the perfect black dress was set and designers have recreated it constantly since Breakfast at Tiffanys with Audrey Hepburn. I bet you have at least one LBD in your wardrobe.
Why are LBD so essential? Here are 4 great reasons from Colin:
1. Black is flattering for all sizes, shapes and skin tones. No matter who you are there is a LBD out there for you! Take the time to find one that makes you feel great and fits you properly.
2. You can wear black any time, during any season and to most events. The LBD is chic, classic and sexy all rolled into one. It’s the perfect dress to be worn for a night out on the town or as a cover up at the beach.
3. You can wear this dress a dozen different ways. Jazz it up for evening with a beautiful beaded bolero or tone it down with flats and a wrist full of bangles. If you would like to wear it to work layer a cardigan sweater or blazer for a more refined look.
4. Last but not least: one of these dresses is never enough. Have a few versions on hand that can work with the rest of your wardrobe.
Here are some examples of LBD’s that will work for various figure shapes that can be found at various stores and online– and Colin’s commentary.
We all want that perfect little black dress. But do you know which one will fit you best? Here are some splurge and save options for the 4 most common body types:
An hourglass shaped woman has a body type that looks as it sounds. You have a voluptuous chest, well-defined waist and curvy (proportional) hips. The best little black dress is going to be an A-Line. The top of the dress should be v-neck, well-fitted and structured with darts. The skirt should have an A-line shape so that it flows over the hips. Your hemline should be just above the knee so that this dress can be used season after season.

Diane Von Furstenberg “Nanni” Dress – $385.00

Maggy London Shirred Waist Dress – $118.00

If you have a pear-shaped body, you tend to have hips that are wider then your shoulders. For this type of body you will want a dress that accentuates your bust line, has a fitted top and a straight skirt. The skirt should fall straight off the hips, which will help even out the lower half of your body.

Donna Ricco Chain Halter Jersey Dress – $128.00

Anne Klein Silk Georgette Dress – $198.00
A straight body (a.k.a. a boyish figure) is the body that has little definition between your bust, waist and hip measurements. Your best bet is going to be a little black dress that is a baby doll, A-Line or a fitted sheath.

Ruby Rox Tiered Ruffle Dress – $58.00

Nanette Lepore “Larkspur” Sheath Dress – $328.00
Apple shaped woman tend to carry their weight in the middle section and lack a defined waist. For this type of body you should go for Empire-waist styles with full or A-line Skirts.

BCBG Max Azria Matte Jersey Wrap Dress – $98.00

St. John Matte Jersey One Shoulder Dress – $774.00
Colin Megaro is a stylist and fashion expert and the founder of Planet Style Concierge, a personal styling service based out of NY and LA. But lucky for all of us, he travels! www.planetstyleconcierge.com
Now that you have some ideas of the most figure flattering LBD, it will be easy to find one to fit you. While these particular dresses might not be in your budget, you might consider something similar or at least realize that these dresses will be worn many times and can make the “per wearing” cost down to less than a $1 per use!
This is a guide– not a must buy these brands or these exact styles- -but it provides guidance on what works on various body types– because we all want to look fabulous (for less)
Stevie Wilson