How to Buy and Wear the Perfect Little Black Dress

Wear a black dress you can be confident in.

Some women insist that if a dress looks good on a hanger it must look great on themselves. While the more obdurate will wear a black dress following these rules, common sense and fashion dictates that dressing for your body type should be the primary rule to follow when choosing any outfit. A little black dress can significantly boost your confidence and can be worn in a multitude of ways. Learning how to buy and wear this versatile type of clothing is paramount to feeling good about yourself.

Instructions

Buying the Dress

1. Shop around. Visit different department stores and boutiques. Give yourself plenty of time to look and try on different styles of black dresses.

2. Gather several different types of black dresses in one size lower and higher than your normal size. Each manufacturer may offer sizing specifications that differ from one another.

3. Dress for your body type. If you have great legs, get a dress that reveals your calves. Go for a ruched dress to hide extra pounds around the middle. A black dress with detail around the bust can accentuate and make a smaller bust look more proportional to your body.

4. Make sure it fits. Zip it, button it or clasp it all the way up while you are in the dressing room. Before you purchase any garment it should fit comfortably, but not hang on you like a bag. Wear appropriate undergarments while you try on dresses to get a better idea of the final look.

5. Keep the tags on. If you don't plan on wearing your dress immediately, keep the tags and save the receipt. Try the dress on at home with other accessories to make sure it looks the way you want.

Formal Black Dress

1. Don sheer black pantyhose and open-toed, patent leather stilettos to go with a knee-length or short black dress.

2. Put your hair in an elegant up-do to give your ensemble a polished look.

3. Add one signature piece of jewelry to create a show-stopping look. Your black dress provides the perfect backdrop for a sparkling, chunky necklace or a wrist full of gleaming bracelets.

4. Use other accessories to your advantage. Match a patent leather clutch with your shiny shoes, try using pattern hosiery for a edgy look or add a bit of shine with a glittery hair clip.

Casual Black Dress

1. Put on a tunic-length cardigan, or cropped, single-breasted jacket to downplay your black dress for a business meeting or the office.

2. Secure your jacket or sweater into place by wearing a wide, casual-styled belt. Add some downplayed bling by using a belt designed with metal studs.

3. Use simple jewelry, such as silver, gold or black hoops for earrings, a single cuff-bracelet or an extra-long necklace. Don't overload on too many accessories as this will overpower your dress.

4. Finish your outfit with a pair of toned-down flats, chunky wedges or closed-toe suede pumps. Wear a pair of solid black leggings or tights and add a bright handbag as a signature piece.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your accessories in check when dressing for a formal occasion. Limit you use of sparkle and shine to one or two pieces. Too many bright accessories will detract from a sleek and refined look.

References

• The Sun; Little Black Dress: The Best to Buy; Sally Brook; April 27th, 2011
• MSNBC; Closet Classic: The Little Black Dress; Bobbie Thomas
• Cosmopolitan: New Ways to Wear the Little Black Dress