How to Make a Vintage Look With a Little Black Dress

From prim and proper to the height of chic, the little black dress is the chamelon of your wardrobe.

Coco Chanel's "little black dress" is famous not for its color or length, but for its versatility. The classic black dress can be worn from day to evening, from business to pleasure by removing a blazer or changing makeup looks. The little black dress can time travel, too, by choosing vintage accessories. As a wardrobe staple, your little black dress can lend itself to an endless variety of looks.

Instructions

1. Choose an era from which to draw inspiration. Coco Chanel debuted the classic little black dress in 1926, so historically consistent looks can be created with accessories from any time after the mid 1920s. Stick to a 1960s or later look, however, if your dress hem is above the mid-thigh.

2. Choose your footwear. T-strap shoes were popular in the 1920s. Chunky heels with rounded toe boxes were popular in the 1930s, Stilettos and Cuban heels (short, chunky heels that tapered slightly) became popular in the 1950s. Sling backs with kitten heels evoke the 1960s.

3. Choose your hosiery. Colorful and patterned hose were popular in the 1920s. Sheer black hose with a back seam reflect looks prior to the 1960s and fishnets became popular in the 1960s. Choose accessories that reflect the time period you've chosen. Cloche hats or feathered headbands evoke the Roaring Twenties. Eyeglasses with inlaid false gemstones reflect the styles of the 1950s.

4. Wear red lipstick. From the 1920s to the 1960s, red lipstick was consistently in fashion.

Tips & Warnings

• You can sometimes find vintage accessories or costume jewelry at thrift shops for less than what you would pay at a specialty vintage shop.

References

• Fashion; Susan M. Freese; 2011
• Fashion-Era.com
• The People History: More Than Seventy Years of History of Fashion (1920-Present)