Ask the Edit: LBD’s for a Night on the Town
Jan 3, 2019
We focus so much on work dresses, but what about the tradition LBD? The going out dress. The party dress. The I-Feel-Absolutely-Fabulous dress.
Hi Abra,
I am going on a bachlorette weekend trip next month, and one night we’re doing a “night on the town” in your best little black dress. We’ll be in scottsdale, so no vegas-esque (thankfully) dress needed; however, I feel like all of my dresses I own I could wear to work. Any fun going out dresses you love or have come across?
Thanks and best wishes with the job and move! EG
A black cocktail dress is a must. I have one from Zac Posen that I bought at a sample sale years ago. I always enjoy when I get a chance to wear it.
When choosing an LBD, follow a few rules to ensure maximum wearability:
- Accentuate the part of your body that you love the most.
- Choose a dress that suits your style, not that follows the trends. This way, no matter how long you own it, (as long as it still fits) you can wear it.
- I usually size up in an LBD and then tailor down so it fits perfectly. My Zac Posen dress was two sizes bigger when purchased. It cost about $80. I had it altered down and had them leave a little room in the seams in case I wanted to let it out later. The alterations weren’t cheap, but I’ve been able to wear the dress dozens of times over the years.
Here are a few LBD options that would be perfect for your night out, and nights beyond. (You didn’t specify a price point, so I chose from a variety of prices under-$500.)
Bardot Lace Sheath Dress ($129)
Lark & Ro Cross Front Sheath ($89)
Eliza J Cold Shoulder Dress ($148)
Nanette Lepore Lace Trim Dress ($138)
Tadashi Shoji Brocade Dress ($388)
Likely Driggs Strapless Dress ($178)
ASOS Midi Dress with floral embroidery ($103)*
*Not really an LBD, but a fun, stylish option if you don’t find the dress that will last for years, and just need a dress for right now.
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What in the world does a nearing 30 year old wear to Vegas? Clubs or “sexy” clothing have never been my cup of tea, but headed for a bachelorette there in March and I am so lost.
I usually wear a simple sequin dress. Or I wear a simple dress in a bright color.
Belle,
Like Not Vegas, I’m heading to Sin City in February (super bowl weekend, no less) for a bachelorette party. Vegas is just not my scene, but I want to look like I belong and feel good at the same time. I would love to see a post on what you’d wear if you were attending a traditional bachelorette weekend in Vegas. (We’re supposed to wear neon one night…help!)
Ooooh…that Black Halo dress is beautiful! Wish I had somewhere to wear a LBD! These days chick-fil-a is my dinner go-to! Life with toddlers…
(For an optIon on the more casual side!)
I had a few events in the last weeks where comfort was a priority—so I could eat whatever I wanted, drink, and dance—and cramps were a strong possibility. I found this dress (https://www.loft.com/doubleface-flare-dress/488409?skuId=26367811&defaultColor=2222&catid=catl000013)from Loft and was pleasantly surprised by how well it has worked! It looks good with bare legs and nude or silver pumps, as well as tights and boots.
I love that Loft dress! How was the sizing?
I found the sizing to be pretty generous. I usually take a 6 or 8 in Loft styles and bought the 6; the arms seem a little long (and I’m 5’8″ with arms on the longer side!), but nothing that a good tailor couldn’t fix, I imagine.
Thank you for the great question and answer. I was just in Madrid, where the hotel-provided dryer was feeble and had to have a finger on the button at all times for heat. Also, no wash cloths. Might need to travel with one. Poor me. 😉