10th Commandment: July 10
Jul 10, 2014
Every woman can use a little black dress, whether it’s for a wedding or not. (I doubt Coco Chanel knew that the LBD would be her legacy.) So let’s talk about dresses both little and black, shall we?
I think the most helpful way to break down the types of LBDs that I like to wear for special occasions is by type. These are not all of the types, of course, but the ones that caught my eye.
Tadashi Shoji Asymmetric Dress ($185)
Traditional. When in doubt, go for a slightly more conservative, traditional dress. This is the rule for conservative family weddings, work-related weddings, etc. Not too short. Not too tight. Not too low cut.
This Tadashi Shoji dress is a rare bird–It wouldn’t be matronly on a 30-year-old, it wouldn’t be too young for a 60-year-old. This sleeveless illusion-yoke dress is a great basic. I also thought this tiered Nicole Miller dress was interesting. In the under-$75 range, this T Tahari dress has a slight peplum, and you might even be able to wear it to work.
Plus-size? This shutter pleat dress with illusion is a great choice. Petite? I adore the neckline on this Ralph Lauren dress. Tall? This Ann Taylor cotton sateen dress has a classic, Audrey Hepburn-quality to it.
Lace. For under-$150, this Velvet dress in a crochet-style lace is sublime. In the under-$100 category, this Eliza J dress with a lace yoke and keyhole back is a nice choice. I also like the lighter look of this Maggy London dress with black lace on a pale-beige liner.
Plus-size? Try this Marina tiered-lace dress for $129. Petite? This Adrianna Papell cap-sleeve dress is a good choice.
Unique. Want a little something more from your LBD? Me too. I have the basics covered, let’s have fun!
This $72 Asos dress that has a little bit of a Dior look to me with the dramatic ruffles. I also like this inexpensive Aqua dress that has a basic fit-and-flare front with a cool criss-cross detail in back. This Banana Republic dress with cut-outs on the neckline is a nice mix of fun and classy. And since we all know I can’t resist a backless dress…
Plus-size? I like the bow detail on the back of this dress from Asos Curve. Petite? I pretty much adore this frill peplum dress from Asos.
Belle, this may be the subject of a whole post (a “two ways,” maybe?), but if just one dress is in your summer wedding budget, any tips on how style a LBD for an afternoon wedding with evening restaurant at a hip, but not formal, restaurant?
Oops, that’s evening *reception*