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15 WAYS TO STYLE THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS

The little black dress (LBD) is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. Once reserved for specific occasions, it’s now a versatile option for almost any event, including weddings and formal gatherings. Every wardrobe should include at least one LBD because it’s adaptable for all seasons and styles. In summer, keep it simple and cool, and for winter, layer it up with chic outerwear.

This effortlessly stylish piece can be dressed down with a denim jacket and slides for a casual day look, or elevated with sparkly accessories for a more formal vibe. If you’re a wedding guest looking to create an elegant outfit, try refreshing your LBD with a few thoughtful styling choices from the ideas below to make it uniquely yours.

HOW TO WEAR LITTLE BLACK DRESS?

Here are some essential do’s and don’ts for styling your little black dress:

DO’S

  • Layer Up: Add denim or leather jackets for an edgy touch.
  • Incorporate Patterns: Use stoles or scarves to introduce some color and pattern.
  • Elevate with Footwear: Choose statement heels, stylish sandals, or chic boots to enhance your look.
  • Accessorize Wisely: If your outfit feels plain, opt for statement jewelry or stylish bags, but be careful not to overdo it.
  • Belt It: Wearing a belt can define your waist and create a flattering silhouette.
  • Dress for the Occasion: Always consider the event and choose your accessories accordingly.
  • Add a Blazer for Work: For an office-appropriate look, pair your LBD with a formal blazer.

Don’ts

  • Skip Shiny Leggings: Avoid wearing shiny, metallic leggings underneath your black dress; they can clash with the overall style.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can effortlessly style your little black dress for any occasion!

TIPS TO STYLE LITTLE BLACK DRESS

DENIM LOOK

Our favorite combination features a little black dress (LBD) paired with a worn-out denim jacket. This perfect blend of comfort and style inspires us to create a chic outfit. For a girly and youthful vibe, consider statement jackets adorned with embroidery, sequins, or studs. This daytime look is ideal for Spring and Summer, perfect for those laid-back days. The nude block heels add a touch of sophistication while keeping the outfit balanced. We adore the addition of a chain bag and stylish shades, making for a casual and fun ensemble.

HOW CELEBRITIES WEAR BLACK DRESS

BFFs Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid are the epitome of both friendship and fashion goals. They consistently wow us with their style, whether strutting down the runway or strolling through the streets of New York. Here, they both shine in stunning black dresses that are truly red carpet-worthy. Kendall’s long silk gown features exquisite lace detailing, exuding elegance. In contrast, Gigi’s mesh dress showcases geometric patterns, giving her a cool and edgy vibe. Both stars opted for minimalism with sleek black shoes, foregoing any bold colors. However, for those looking to add a splash of color or flair, statement heels or eye-catching bags would be perfect accessories to elevate these looks.

LITTLE BLACK DRESS WITH BOOTS

Kim Kardashian’s Yeezy boot trend shows no signs of fading anytime soon. We’re obsessed with how this black dress is styled with over-the-knee boots, creating a striking Fall look. The trendy waist slit adds a unique twist, setting this dress apart from the rest. This casual street style is sophisticated enough to make a great outfit for a coffee date. To complete the look, consider accessorizing with a long handbag or a stylish tote for added flair.

STATEMENT NECKLACE

A wide neckline like this one makes it effortless to style with chunky statement necklaces. This vintage piece of jewelry can beautifully elevate a basic black dress. It’s not just for formal events; you can also wear it on days when you want to feel a bit more dressed up. Whether you’re going for a casual outing or a night out, this necklace adds a touch of elegance to any look.

FORMAL STYLE

How adorable is this minimalistic yet formal evening look? To recreate it, pair your little black dress with stylish stockings and cute lace-up pumps. The tiny handbag and watch serve as the only accessories, maintaining a chic and understated vibe. For a touch of shine and sparkle, consider adding small pearl danglers to complete the ensemble. This look is perfect for any elegant occasion!

WINTER LOOK

Upgrade your winter wardrobe with a chic little black dress that’s perfect for the colder months. Pair with a cozy overcoat or tailored jacket for added warmth and style. Pair with stylish knee-high or ankle boots to keep your legs warm while looking effortlessly stylish. Finish the look with a stylish scarf and a statement handbag for a polished yet cozy winter outfit.

SPARKLY OUTFIT

This sparkly little black dress is just what you need to ring in the New Year in style. The chic fur pumps perfectly complement the fancy outfit and are on-trend for the season. For a bold statement, add a pop of color with a vibrant red handbag, or keep it sleek and sophisticated with a nude clutch. Either way, you’ll be ready to celebrate in glamorous fashion!

LEATHER DRESS

If you’re a big fan of all things leather, here’s some outfit inspiration for you. Pair your favorite black leather skirt with tights for a cool, edgy look. We love the sunglasses and chain bag as understated accessories.

PRINTED COAT 

The simplest way to give your little black dress a fresh makeover is by embracing a monochrome look. Adding a printed jacket can introduce both pattern and color to your ensemble. We love this black and white jacket, which perfectly enhances the monochromatic vibe. The addition of stylish shades and heels injects a touch of sass into the overall appearance. While this outfit is designed with maternity in mind, it’s versatile enough for anyone seeking a chic everyday look.

SIMPLE JEWELRY & FLATS

Probably an obvious one! Let me explain. I could wear it to a graduation party. I like wearing black with brown boots or shoes and my necklace is actually navy, but it looks good too. Black dresses (or mostly plain dresses) are a great canvas for a variety of jewelry options.

Classic Look

A black dress is the ultimate choice for achieving a classic look. Opt for a timeless silhouette, such as an A-line or sheath style, that flatters your figure and exudes elegance. Pair it with sophisticated accessories like a string of pearls, a sleek clutch, and classic pumps to enhance the refined aesthetic. Finish the outfit with a tailored blazer or a trench coat for added polish, making it perfect for any occasion, from a formal event to a dinner date.

STRAPLESS LITTLE BLACK DRESS

A strapless dress is a versatile choice for events like proms, weddings, or parties. If you prefer to cover up a bit, draping a fur stole or cape over your shoulders adds a classic vintage touch to the look. Pair the dress with sleek black or metallic stiletto heels for an elegant finish, and don’t forget to adorn yourself with gems and jewels to elevate the ensemble. Silver or gold danglers can bring a touch of sparkle, ensuring your black outfit shines beautifully without overwhelming the overall aesthetic.

LITTLE BLACK DRESS FOR WEDDING

There are so many elements of this cute little black dress that we absolutely adore. The ruffled waist detail adds a charming touch, while the crisscross skirt creates a slimming effect on your legs. Minimalist heels and a black handbag complement the dress perfectly, enhancing its overall appeal. As we’ve seen, black is increasingly embraced as a wedding dress color, providing a stunning contrast to traditional white weddings and exuding grace and elegance.

LACE DETAILS FOR SUMMER

You can never go wrong with a timeless classic like this black lace dress featuring intricate cutwork detailing. This versatile piece can be styled in numerous ways; for instance, wearing it over a black t-shirt adds sleeves for a sophisticated and polished look. The nude heels help neutralize the outfit, while the handbag offers a smart touch that keeps the overall appearance formal yet elegant. The turtleneck eliminates the need for a necklace, making it a statement piece on its own.

WITH CAMEL COAT

Here’s how to refresh your little black dress in style! The addition of a beige overcoat brings the ultimate fall vibes, transforming this basic black dress into a chic and sexy outfit. Pairing it with black knee-high boots and a brown handbag adds the perfect touch of sophistication. This combination of class and comfort is our favorite way to elevate any look!

CONCLUSION

The little black dress has stood the test of time, remaining a perennial fashion favorite. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to adapt to changing trends while retaining its timeless elegance. By exploring these 15 diverse styles, we’ve witnessed the versatility and power of this iconic piece. Whether you’re a fashion-forward individual or a classic style enthusiast, the little black dress offers something for everyone. So, embrace its potential and let it become your go-to outfit for any occasion.

THE “MOB WIFE” VIRAL FASHION AESTHETIC: A NEW TREND TAKES OVER

Leopard prints, fur coats, long French manicured nails, and voluminous hair—the “mob wife” aesthetic is making a comeback. This maximalist style, once associated with the wives of mobsters, is now trending on TikTok, with hashtags like #mobwife and #mobwifeaesthetic amassing millions of views.

Many women are turning away from the minimalist “clean girl” aesthetic in favor of this bold, glamorous look. The “mob wife” aesthetic offers a refreshing change, celebrating maximalism and embracing a more expressive approach to beauty and fashion.

The “mob wife aesthetic” is now trending, and an expert reveals why.

The hashtag #mobwife has amassed 167.7 million views on TikTok.

Influencers like Chrissy are creating tutorials to help fans achieve the perfect “mob wife” look. In one popular video with over 6 million views, Chrissy offers tips on how to embody this trend.

Her advice includes dressing entirely in black and incorporating at least one piece of black leather. “If you look like you’re going to a funeral, you’re doing it right,” she jokingly suggests.

This viral aesthetic features oversized fur coats, glossy leather, bold animal print clashes, perfectly styled hair, and layers of gold jewelry.

Chrissy recommends digging up your mom’s vintage fur jacket from the 1980s to complete the “mob wife” look. She notes that nothing evokes the golden age of the mob quite like a piece of clothing from that era.

While organized crime like the Mafia thrived during Prohibition in the 1920s, its influence began to wane in the late 20th century due to anti-racketeering laws and other legal measures. However, according to some experts, the “golden era” of the mob in New York was during the 1970s.

The 25th anniversary of The Sopranos may have sparked this fashion trend, as many women are channeling Carmela Soprano’s iconic style.

Drita D’avanzo, a former cast member of the reality show Mob Wives, has weighed in on the growing popularity of the “mob wife” aesthetic. In a recent TikTok video, the 47-year-old shared iconic moments from the show, writing, “This is not just a look, it’s a lifestyle.”

D’avanzo paid tribute to her late co-star, Big Ang, who was also a prominent figure in the mob world. Big Ang was the niece of Salvatore “Sally Dogs” Lombardi, a high-ranking member of the Genovese crime family.

TikToker Mikayla Nogueira shared a tutorial on how to achieve mob wife-inspired makeup, with a focus on smoky eyes.

Big Ang, known for her extravagant style and full figure, tragically passed away from lung cancer in 2016 at the age of 55.

The “mob wife” aesthetic, characterized by oversized fur coats, glossy leather, bold animal prints, elaborate hairstyles, and chunky gold jewelry, has gained significant popularity. This trend can be attributed, in part, to the iconic TV series The Sopranos, which first aired in 1999. To commemorate its 25th anniversary, HBO launched a TikTok account featuring short recaps of all 86 episodes.

Adriana La Cerva, played by Drea de Matteo in The Sopranos, has also become a popular fashion inspiration for this trend. 

Characters like Carmela Soprano and Adriana La Cerva from The Sopranos have served as inspiration for many content creators embracing the “mob wife” aesthetic.

According to Lorrie Ivas, an associate professor at Santa Monica College’s Fashion Faculty, the resurgence of this style is not unexpected. “Fashion trends tend to cycle back,” she explained to Bored Panda, “whether it’s by generation or more quickly, depending on current streaming schedules.”

“The only thing one can predict about fashion trends is that they will cycle back,” a fashion expert shared with Bored Panda.

Ivas believes that the “Mob Wife” aesthetic has resurged due to several factors. The re-streaming of The Sopranos and the cyclical nature of fashion trends have played a significant role.

She also noted the influence of other films like American Hustle, which has been re-streamed recently. Viewers who may have missed the original release are now drawn to Jennifer Lawrence’s character, Rosalyn Rosenfeld, and her style.

Ivas emphasized the powerful impact of TV and movies on fashion. Costume designers, who bring screenwriters’ visions to life, often create the initial inspiration for new trends.

Mob Wives star Drita D’Avanzo has reacted to the trend on TikTok, adding her own perspective on the resurgence of the mob wife aesthetic.

Ivas pointed out that Michelle Pfeiffer’s character in Married to the Mob (1988) predates The Sopranos. This film inspired Leah McSweeney, a cast member of The Real Housewives of New York, to start her own streetwear brand with the same name.

The growing popularity of vintage and thrift shopping has also contributed to the trend. This sustainable practice often leads to the discovery of affordable fur coats from previous eras, further fueling the “mob wife” aesthetic.

Ivas concluded by referencing the final scene of Sex and the City, where Sarah Jessica Parker’s character is seen wearing a long fur coat. This iconic moment showcases the enduring appeal of this style, which continues to be revisited in movies and other media.