The Little Black Dress

A faithful reader asked if I would do a post on LBDs.

It seems so simple: grab a black dress and voila, wardrobe complete. But it's not that easy. Go the wrong way and you can look like you're heading to a funeral. And the LBD isn't for everyone. People assume black is the best neutral for everyone, but for some brunettes and blondes, I would suggest the LND (little navy dress).

The LBD is all about sexiness and simplicity. It's the little details that make the dress shine - an assymetrical neckline, a pleated skirt. And don't forget your accessories. When going basic black, bring color in with your shoes, jewelry, and bag.

Below are LBDs at all price ranges, for all body types.

Strapless is a tricky neckline to pull off for most girls. But with a skinny to toned upper body (and a smaller chest), a strapless LBD will look great. Especially when paired with a big necklace or earrings. The banded waist, structured top, and full skirt can make even a twig seem curvy in all the right places.

Delias, $44.50

For a more visually interesting look, try this dress with ribbons in a basket-weave. While being a modern LBD, this dress can also serve conservative types. The neckline allows enough skin to be shown across the shoulders without baring cleavage, and you get a little bit of leg through the lace at the bottom, just enough to be tempting without being overtly sexual.

Twelve by Twelve, $38

If you scroll down below, you'll see this dress is a total knock off of the Nanette Lepore. But you can get the same classic LBD look (not the same quality), at a much lower price. The v is flattering and elongating, allowing a girl to wear a strapped-bra underneath, bringing the eye down to the decolletage and away from any problem arms. The straps to the dress cover up overly broad shoulders.

LuLu's, $44

This LBD is of the comfy variety. And has a great detail in the back. This is NOT to be worn with a strapped bra, so stay away if you're not comfortable going strapless. You may also have to like your thighs, because this dress seems short. I would pick this dress for a tall, skinny-type, with a smaller chest (that low neckline may be too much chest if you're larger busted).

Urban Outfitters, $58

Elizabeth just introduced me to this website, and I found an LBD for all screen goddesses past. This is the "Rita Hayworth." It's only fitting, then, that this dress is for a curvy knockout. If you're busty, or hippy, this dress will hug you in the right places, with a belt to accentuate your tiny waist. Think Joan Holloway on "Mad Men." Very chic, very classic, very bombshell. Don't be afraid to have the length shortened if it's too long on you. Remember: tailors are our friends.

Shabby Apple, $118

A wrap dress is one of the most flattering silhouettes available. This one does it with flair as it cascades ruffles through the neck and down the side, topped with a large but feminine bow. Anyone can rock a wrap dress, and this one is definitely rocking. Especially good for those with large chest, as you can wrap it as loose or tight as you need, and you can wear it with a strapped bra.

Eliza J, $158

This cowl-necked LBD gives the wearer a more covered look that can go from day to night. The cap sleeve may not work on gals with larger arms. But the silhouette itself would be great on anyone, especially a hippy girl as it flows away from the body at the waist.

Banana Republic, $130

This sexy LBD is for a girl going out on the town who isn't afraid to show off the assets god gave her. The plunging neck is kept from vulgarity by the soft drape, sweet shape, and simple look of this dress. You may have a lot of cleavage, but you are definitely still a lady. This dress is great to cover any problem stomach issues as it cinches under the bust and floats away from the body.

Calvin Klein, $158

This LBD is all feminine sophistication. But the oversized tie at the neck shows you are a bit of a flirt. If not fitted correctly, could hang in the wrong areas for the long and lean.

Lauren by Ralph Lauren, $152

This classic sheath is a great LBD for years to come. And the cut out back makes sure people know that even though you're classic, you are far from boring. Great for a girl with curves who wants to show them off.

Nicole Miller, $220

For the gal with a little more curve in her swerve, this LBD has sparkle up top, with adorable pleats in the skirt. The belting under the bust creates a flattering silhouette, cinching you in at your narrowest, and then floating out from your body with pleats to cover any size issues below the waist.

Calvin Klein (Plus), $238

A more expensive version of the LBD we saw earlier. I can attest it's worth every penny. Nanette makes great dresses that are total knockouts on, and very flattering. If you're slightly flatter chested, this may be large up top, but I would just suggest taking it to a tailor. It's a classic LBD that you will wear over and over again.

Nanette Lepore, $305

Diane von Furstenberg is one of my favorite designers. Her dresses are always flattering, timeless, and beautiful. A wrap is every girl's best friend and this LBD is no exception. This is one LBD you could wear for years to come.

Diane von Furstenburg, $365

For the more adventurous among you, this LBD's assymetrical neckline adds some punch and interest to the basic black. And a sheath is always in style. Try this out if you're a little curvy, the hipless will find this hangs wrong on them.

Tracy Reese, $320

For a flirtier look, with a little more skin. Try this LBD by Black Halo. The sweetheart neck will accent your bosom, and the ruffled straps give it girlish charm. If you are large across the top (shoulders/arms), the straps will be too skinny for you and will look out of proportion.

Black Halo, $345

And lastly, this LBD may not be timeless, but it sure is fun. The pleated details across the dress make sure this is one LBD you won't forget. It's short, so be sure you don't mind showing off your gams.

Madison Marcus, $395

Keep in mind that for any dresses that may hang or be too full for a thinner build, that doesn't necessarily rule the dress out for you as you can always take it to a tailor and pinch in the parts that need it for a fabulous fit.