Why is the LBD such a wardrobe staple?
The Little Black Dress has been a staple of women’s fashion for a very long time. The Little Black Dress is also a must-have in any crossdressers closet. So why is this popular dress so important and what makes it stay in fashion year after year and decade after decade. We have all the answers you will need as well as some tips on accessories to make your LBD outfit look fabulous.
Let’s start with a crash course on the Little Black Dress. By definition, the LBD is “A woman’s short or medium-length black dress suitable for almost any social engagement.” The whole point of this dress is the simplicity of the style along with the versatility of its use as it can be worn to just about any occasion. This is also why this dress transcends fashion trends as it is essentially timeless. For these reasons alone, the LBD is considered a staple in your closet.
History of the LBD
To give you an idea of its history, black dresses, in general, have been around for hundreds of years. At one time Black was an expensive dye and only the rich were able to afford it, giving the color black an elite status. Fast forward a few centuries to the 1920s where the Little Black Dress started its iconic rise. Coco Chanel’s dress at this time was nicknamed by Vogue as “Chanel’s Ford,” suggesting that the dress was as important to fashion as Henry Ford’s car was at the time.
But it wasn’t until Audrey Hepburn appeared on screen in an amazing Little Black Dress in the opening moments of Breakfast at Tiffany’s in 1961 that the dress became famous in its own right. This moment in the film is iconic and from there, the LBD was a fashion must have and it has never looked back. From Princess Diana showing us royalty can be sexy, to Robert Palmer’s girls in the Addicted to Love video, to the Sex and the City girls, the Little Black Dress has been everywhere.
Why invest in a little black dress or two?
Apart from its iconic status, why else should an LBD be part of every girl’s wardrobe?
- Sexy or Sophisticated or both. That’s right it can be worn different ways and dressed up or down depending on your mood and the occasion.
- Full coverage or sleeveless. The classic look is just as stunning when worn with long sleeves and high neck as it is with a plunging cleavage bustline so is ideal for petite girls and those of a larger frame
- Slimming. Well it is black so enough said!
- The perfect blank canvas, That’s right a simple black dress can be transformed with matching shoes, belt, bag/clutch and any variety of jewelry accessories.
- Affordable. You can pick up a great form-fitting Little Black Dress from as little as $39.95 for a garment you can wear to many different occasions so a little does go a long way in this case!
Versatility is the name of the game
Part of the mass appeal is that you can wear it for so many different kind of occasions. Imagine you haven’t dressed for ages and a friend suggests a last minute trip to dinner or to the latest CD monthly gathering at Triangles Club in Danbury, CT. You are lacking a little confidence since you haven’t dressed for so long, you have put on a few extra pounds over the Autumn and as you rummage in the back of the closet you are doubting yourself when out of the corner of your eye you spot the LBD hanging there like a best friend. It’s the one you always wear when you can’t think of anything else and if you don’t have one yet – get one and it will become your best friend when you have your hour of need.
We know many girls that have many LBD’s in their closet. Whilst they certainly are not afraid to wear other colors, they love the classic, beautiful elegance of the Little Black Dress that transforms you the moment you slip it on.
So I would say that is settled. We all need a Little Black Dress in our lives. Now what makes it work as a crossdresser is essentially the same as what it does for any girls closet. Once we find a LBD that fits us the way we want it to, the possibilities are endless when going out En Femme.
The dress will work with a variety of shoes, from high heels, to knee length boots, to some comfy flats. So depending on your taste in shoes or ability to walk in high heels, you can essentially wear any style shoe and it will work with the LBD.
So what to do with your legs? Stockings are the most common option. Pantyhose or tights work as well. If you want to add a little extra underneath, go for a garter belt and when the dress comes off, there is still some sexiness to keep things going.
Compliment the outfit with some earrings and a cute purse, and you’re ready to go.
If you want to accentuate your waistline, grab a small belt and define your hip area leaving a curvier look to your outfit.