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How To Style A Little Black Dress

Nov 13, 2023

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I'm Noelani. Through La Vie On Grand, I aim to inspire women over 40 to embrace classic essentials, step away from fleeting trends, and cultivate that elusive je ne sais quoi.

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Dress Like a French Woman

A Parisian-inspired one-page style guide for effortless, everyday dressing.

A little black dress is synonymous with French style, after all, Coco Chanel created it. The little black dress, or LBD, as it’s now called is a classic staple in every woman’s wardrobe, especially the French woman. In today’s blog post, I am sharing several tasteful ways to style a little black dress for different occasions.

An LBD is known for its simple elegance and effortless versatility. It’s also one of the key components when it comes to dressing like a French woman. It continues to transcend time and trends over and over. Coco Chanel created it but it also became famous with Audrey Hepburn and continues to reign supreme on runways, in everyday style, and of course French fashion.

How To Style A Little Black Dress

What makes a black dress so versatile is how easily it can be dressed up or dressed down. You can also take an LBD from day to night with just a few accessory changes.

Here, I am wearing the Gwynne Dress from M.M.LaFleur in a size 6. This might be one of my favorite black dresses of all time. It’s so incredibly flattering, fits perfectly, and is comfortable enough to wear all day.

I love the fact it looks almost like a long blazer and is machine-washable as well. I am wearing it with these Schutz Booties and a bag from J.Crew for an evening look. It could easily be a daytime look for work though. Just change out the bag for more of a work tote.

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LBD For the Occasion

Depending on your occasion is the first thing to think about when choosing the right little black dress. Is it for work, a wedding, a date night, or a formal occasion? This will also help to determine the proper length needed for your dress.

Work or more formal occasions might mean a midi or longer style of dress. A date night or wedding guest might mean a mini LBD.

Also, think about the weather and what that might mean for your LBD. During fall and winter, you might want a style such as a sweater dress or wool black dress. For spring and summer think about lighter-weight materials such as linen and cotton. Of course, silk is great for year-round. Just layer as necessary.

Shoes To Wear With A LBD

Since a little black dress is so simple and elegant, it makes it easy to wear different shoe styles. Of course, it depends on the occasion and season but here are different shoe options to wear with a LBD.

You can go with strappy sandals for date night, booties or pumps for work, tall boots and tights during the winter season, and sandals for the spring and summer seasons.

Styling A LBD Through The Seasons

Depending on the season, you can easily style your little black dress with a blazer, sweater, denim jacket, long coat, or cashmere wrap.

Little Black Dress Outfit Ideas

Here are 6 different ways to style a little black dress for every season and occasion. These looks are chic, classic, timeless, versatile, and always French-inspired.

Evening Event

black dress with tweed jacket.

Go with a longer length for an evening look to look elegant and sophisticated. Layer the dress with a tweed jacket, some classic slingbacks, and a black clutch. This look is simple, refined, and elevated.

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For The Holiday

glitter jacket holiday outfit

The holiday season is always the time to add a bit of sparkle and glam to any outfit and that includes a LBD. You can still wear a simple strap dress and put a glitter or sequin vest or jacket on top. Finish the look with a pair of strappy sandals and a fun bag for the evening.

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For The Office

Grey coat with black dress and boots for styling a little black dress.

When going into the office you want to think about the length of your dress and if it’s appropriate. You can always opt for a length below the knee to play it safe. During winter wear a sweater dress with tall boots. To help elevate the look, wear a belt around your waist for definition.

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From Day To Night

day to night outfit idea

For the times when you are going from the office to evening, wear a dress you can easily take from day to night. Just change out your work tote for a more evening-appropriate handbag.

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For An Outing During Spring Or Summer

Denim Jacket with black dress and sandals.

During the warmer months, go for a shorter LBD with a denim jacket, sandals, and a market tote. You will not only be comfortable but also look classic at the same time.

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This article contains affiliate links, if you should make a purchase I will make a small commission, which helps to support this small business. Merci

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