As the party season shimmies into the not-too-distant future my thoughts have turned to the inevitable outfit planning and this year's Little Black Dress.
This season the LBD dances out of ubiquity on a breeze of sparkle, detail and satin. Updating the traditional party wardrobe staple into something not only wearable but lovable, the latest crop of designs fall roughly into 3 categories: structure, texture, and embellishment.
First up, structure. These dresses are deceptively simple, focusing on cut to create dramatic effect and let your figure do the talking. Catwalk inspiration is strong here, reflecting the shoulder trend that was so popular at shows from Balmain to Louis Vuitton. The neatly tailored, figure defining shapes of the kind that Roland Mouret does so well are also big this season, creating a curvy, Hitchcock heroine silhouette.
Soft textures abound, from satin twisted into a shoulder knot to chiffon that falls in graceful layers. The figleaves maxi dress is the most glamorous of the group, it's Grecian shape brushing the floor.
Adding a rock chic, attention grabbing hint of sparkle is a duo of sequin encrusted shifts. Hems are short so wear with tights or leggings if you're not feeling daring. For a softer version I love the silk embellished hem dress. Styled in a muted tone with sequin embroidery skirting the hem, this a discreet and chic way to wear the trend.
So there you have it, three ways (at least) with the classic Little Black Dress. I know which one I'm going for, next I just have to choose the accessories... Is there ever a better excuse for shopping than the festive season?
Hi
Talking of LBD's. I was on Vanessa Feltz BBC radio London, live from Brent Cross and had a challenge of styling a member of the audience in 30 minutes. I styled her a lovely LBD from Topshop with a fab leather jacket. Take a look at www.thefashionfixstyling.blogspot.com .
Denise
Posted by: denise | October 02, 2009 at 10:28 AM
Hi Denise – I think I’d team most of these with our suede jacket for a softer LBD cover-up: http://tinyurl.com/yacc45k or maybe our leather biker jacket (coming in soon) to add a more 'rock' finish; I think that would contrast nicely with the silk in particular. I love the sparkly details in your styling (Christmas is the only time I’m brave enough to break out the sequins, I know, what a wimp!) –what do you think of our cropped blazer? http://tinyurl.com/y85mjer
Posted by: Sophie | October 02, 2009 at 12:38 PM