The little black dress (LBD): nothing is easier.
The little black dress (LBD) is one of my favorite clothing pieces. It’s flattering, feminine and, if you follow our guidelines below, always office pretty. All this week we’re featuring a series on office pretty LBDs — how you can dress them up, what you can pair them with, and some of our favorite outfit possibilities.
LBDs are popular for daytime office and cocktail/evening wear. Here’s what you should consider to ensure that your LBD is office pretty – we’ll call it the little black office dress tutorial (LBOD).
- Length – It’s no secret that some LBDs can be worthy of a real sex kitten. I’m all for minis… outside the office. If you’re looking for an office-appropriate LBOD, choose a style that falls no more than an inch above the knee. Or, for a more retro look, one that extends to the calf.
- Cut – LBODs are available in a range of cuts, from shift to a-line. If this is your first LBOD, go for a slender cut like the one shown above. It’s the most versatile shape because it works with blazers and cardigans of varying lengths.
- Neckline – Who doesn’t like cleavage at the office? Me. And everyone. Keep your ladies in check by opting for a neckline that doesn’t expose any part of your fabulous bust. If you do opt for a v-neck, consider wearing a detailed camisole underneath or employing a bit of garment tape to ensure your bra isn’t peeking out to say “hello” to a client.
- Fabric – As Jill pointed out in her polka dot post, avoid shiny fabric. A shiny LBOD will look like you’re headed to a cocktail party, no matter how appropriate the length, shape or neckline is. Stick with knit, wool or a blend.
Stay tuned this week for more in this series. Do you follow us on Facebook and Twitter? We’ll be hunting LBD steals and deals all week and will share our finds with our followers there.
Other posts in this series include Mix it up: statement jewelry for the LBD and Mix it up: bold shoes for the LBD
LOVE the modern take on the LBD! That necklace is perfect.