(photo via internet)
Cara Delevingne in a little black fringed and sequin number. attending the world premiere of Pan, held at the Odeon, Leicester Square, London. Ian West/PA Wire
“One is never overdressed or underdressed with a little black dress,” said Karl Lagerfeld once upon a time, and of course, he was and is absolutely right. Wherever it is that you are going, whatever the time of year, whenever the time of day, an LBD will get you out of a whole heap of trouble (and if it’s the right dress, it might well get you into a whole heap of trouble too, but that’s another story).
Immortalised by Coco Chanel (although it was a Givenchy number that Audrey Hepburn wore in Breakfast at Tiffany’s), the key to the success of the little black dress is its simplicity.
Every woman’s wardrobe should have a classic LBD, which to me is V-neck, sleeveless, waisted and with a slightly A-line skirt shape to on or just below the knee. But to someone else, particularly someone with a straighter and more athletic frame, that classic LBD would be more of a shift shape, gently tailored with straight style skirt and a scoop neckline.
Whatever, by the time a woman reaches 40, she really ought to know what her best LBD shape is (and some women look fabulous in pretty much any shape and style, which just doesn’t seem fair at all).
An LBD with sleeves, preferably half or three-quarter sleeves, looks beautifully chic all by itself with no adornment, save a pair of black heels or ankle boots.
A sleeveless dress might seem to be a no-no for women of a certain age, but fear of bingo wings shouldn’t put anyone off buying the dress of their dreams, especially not when it’s an otherwise perfect and essential LBD. Look out for arm tights, which you can buy at department stores – Mary Portas has a line with Charnos called Armery, with lovely colours including a grey called Subtle Silver, costing £19.95 from online hosiery store MyTights.
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