BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS



Every fashionista's style staple, the LBD was created by Coco Chanel in the 1920s and became an instant hit. Dress it up, dress it down, wear it anywhere you want – the LBD scores 10 on 10 on versatility. For tips on how to make the most of this fashion classic, check out how these A-listers have taken the little black dress and made it their own

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS

Prior to the 1920s, black was often reserved for periods of mourning and considered indecent when worn outside such circumstances, such as depicted in John Singer Sargent's painting, Portrait of Madame X. A widow's mourning dress was closely observed at a time when details in fashion conveyed a sophisticated symbolic language. During the Victorian and Edwardian ages, a widow was expected to wear several stages of mourning dress for at least two years. “Deep” or “full” mourning required the woman to wear plain black clothing with absolutely no decoration for the first year and a day of mourning. The second stage lasted nine months and permitted the wearing of black silk. In “ordinary mourning” for three months, the widow could accessorize only with black ribbon, lace, embroidery, or jet jewelry. The final six months of “half-mourning” allowed the bereaved to wear muted or neutral colors: shades and tints of purple were most common. Because of the number of deaths in World War I, plus the many fatalities during the Spanish flu epidemic, it became more common for women to appear in public wearing black.

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS



Aishwarya Rai: Ash gets the LBD absolutely right with form flattering cuts, minimal accessories and simple hair and makeup

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS

In 1926 Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel published a picture of a short, simple black dress in American Vogue. It was calf-length, straight, and decorated only by a few diagonal lines. Vogue called it “Chanel’s Ford.” Like the Model T, the little black dress was simple and accessible for women of all social classes. Vogue also said that the LBD would become “a sort of uniform for all women of taste.”

The little black dress continued to be popular through the Great Depression, predominantly through its economy and elegance, albeit with the line lengthened somewhat. Hollywood's influence on fashion in North America helped the little black dress's popularity, but for more practical reasons: as Technicolor movies became more common, filmmakers relied on little black dresses because other colors looked distorted on screen and botched the coloring process. During World War II, the style continued in part due to widespread rationing of textiles and in part as a common uniform (accessorized for businesswear) for civilian women entering the workforce.

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS



Angelina Jolie: Black is Angie's colour of choice and look how she works the dress. She does leather and sequins as well as more conservative fabric, allowing the dress to play up her famous face and fabulous figure

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS

The rise of Dior's "New Look" in the post-war era and the sexual conservatism of the 1950s returned the little black dress to its roots as a uniform and a symbol of the dangerous woman. Hollywood femmes fatales and fallen women characters were portrayed often in black halter-style dresses in contrast to the more conservative dresses of housewives or more wholesome Hollywood stars. Synthetic fibers made popular in the 1940s and 1950s broadened the availability and affordability of many designs.

The generation gap of the 1960s created a dichotomy in the design of the little black dress. The younger "mod" generation preferred, in general, a miniskirt on their versions of the dress and designers catering to the youth culture continued to push the envelope - shortening the skirt even more, creating cutouts or slits in the skirt or bodice of the dress, using sheer fabrics such as netting or tulle. Many other women in the 1960s aspired to simple black sheath dresses similar to that designed by Hubert de Givenchy and worn by actress Audrey Hepburn in the film Breakfast at Tiffany's.

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS



Kim Kardashian: Corseted, one shouldered, belted or sheer – this Kardashian sister certainly has a way with black.

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS

The popularity of casual fabrics, especially knits, for dress and business wear during the 1980s brought the little black dress back into vogue. Coupled with the fitness craze, the new designs incorporated details already popular at the time such as broad shoulders or peplums: later in the decade and into the 1990s, simpler designs in a variety of lengths and fullness were popular. The grunge culture of the 1990s saw the combination of the little black dress with both sandals and combat boots, though the dress itself remained simple in cut and fabric. The new glamour of the late 1990s led to new variations of the dress but, like the 1970s, color has re-emerged as a factor in fashion and formalwear again shows an aversion against black. Starting in the late 2000s the fashion trends of the 1980s returned to favor. That meant the return of body conscious clothing, muted color schemes, and the reemergence of black. All these things have brought the LBD back, and as now it is popular as ever.

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS



Kim Kardashian: And just because she never get its wrong, we're Keeping Up With This Kardashian with photo number two. Having a famous posterior helps, of course

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS

Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s dress designed by Hubert de Givenchy epitomized the standard for wearing little black dresses, accessorized with pearls, as was frequently seen throughout the early 1960s. The dress set a record in 2006 when it was auctioned for £410,000 - six times its original estimate. Betty Boop, a cartoon character based in part on the 1920s' "It Girl" Clara Bow, was drawn wearing a little black dress in her early films, though with Technicolor, Betty's dress became red.

Wallis Warfield Simpson, Duchess of Windsor, was known to own several little black dresses and said much in praise of the garments. One quote of the Duchess: “When a little black dress is right, there is nothing else to wear in its place.” Edith Piaf, the French folk icon, performed in a black sheath dress throughout her career: for this habit she was nicknamed “little black sparrow." It was thought that the dress helped audiences focus more on Piaf's singing and less on her appearance.

In the notorious "Covent Garden incident", a director at London's Covent Garden theatre fired the then-obese soprano Deborah Voigt from an opera because she could not fit into a "little black cocktail dress," replacing her with the slimmer Anne Schwanewilms.

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS



Scarlett Johansson: Who wouldn't want to look like ScarJo, right? In her own words, the LBD is "something you can always throw on and feel best-dressed."

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS

Every woman looks great wearing it, and every woman has her own. It is the default date ensemble when it is one of those "I have nothing to wear" days. In fact, it is so popular, so necessary, and so much an institution in women's fashion that we had to ask: "Where did the "little black dress" come from?"

To properly understand the fashion environment necessary to produce such a simplistically fabulous necessity for any wardrobe, we must visit the 1920's. As women shed their long, layered dresses, cut their hair and enjoyed the fast-paced party life, society slowly became more accepting of women baring slightly more of her shoulders, back, and legs. The coveted silhouette of the era was generally very slender and youthful.

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS



Sonam Kapoor: Bollywood's Alpha Fashionista is wise beyond her years when it comes to making a style statement. She knows exactly how to take the LBD from day to night and make it work for every occasion.

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS

The black strapless dress may very well be the most elegant and sophisticated item that a woman can wear. The bare skin of a woman's shoulder and even upper back are underrated for their potential for beauty. There is something very lovely to see a woman's hair fall over her bare shoulders. It takes a woman of courage to wear a strapless dress.

A black strapless dress is perfect for those fancy evening events. Many young women prefer a strapless dress for attending their school prom. This has been fashion staple for many years. The style continues to more formal events as you may notice at celebrity award events. The black strapless dress is still just as popular today as it has been for many years past.

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS



Katrina Kaif: Movie Star Barbie would probably look good in a sack and these pictures are proof of Kat's ability to fill an LBD like no other

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS

Women with slim and fit shoulders wear the strapless dress nicely. If you have an idea to wear one then you should make sure that you firm and tighten up the upper body though shoulder, arm and chest exercises. You can create a toned and fit look without having bulky and bulging muscles. If you are going to wear a strapless dress the natural instinct is to look at a woman's upper body. This is particularly true if the hair is swept on top of the head.

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS



Kareena Kapoor: Anyone who's been through the weight spectrum like Bebo has would ignore the LBD only at their own peril. With metallic accessories and bedhead hair, the LBD is a weapon of mass destruction in Kareena's style arsenal

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS

How to Wear a Strapless Dress

If you choose to exercise to get a fit and firm look then the idea is to do a lot of repetitions versus a lot of weight. You want to build muscle tone and burn fat without appearing like ma muscle bound stud. This will serve a woman nicely when they wear the strapless dress. The attention will be placed right at the bare skin from shoulder to shoulder. Additionally the upper back will receive a glance or two as well. This is true if you have swept your hair to the top of your head. The black strapless dress bares and hides virtually nothing.

This brings us to hairstyles for women wearing a strapless dress. Long flowing hair looks nice as it cascades across the shoulders. However if you have a long beautiful neck as well as shapely shoulders then you may want to sweep your hair up to allow for a nice view of your bare shoulders. This is the beauty of a strapless dress in that it allows for an elegant view of a beautiful woman.

There are many colors that look amazing with a strapless dress but the little black dress is perhaps the most functional, elegant and sophisticated. A black strapless dress will go nicely to most any event.

The length of the strapless dress is one of personal choice. If you have lovely legs then you will no doubt prefer to have the dress come right at or slightly above the knee. Coupled with a delightful pair of high heel shoes this will certainly look amazing. The black cocktail strapless dress is a fashion favorite.

For those more formal events then a black strapless evening dress could be more appropriate. This dress will be of a longer length.

The black strapless dress is one of the most elegant and sophisticated items that a woman can wear. Whether she is going to a party and wears a short strapless cocktail dress or to a formal evening event wearing a strapless evening dress, nothing will look as beautiful as this style of dress.

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS



Jennifer Aniston in a short black strapless dress displaying her gorgeous legs in high heels

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS



Elizabeth Reaser in a black strapless dress and suede open toe high heel pumps attending a New Moon premiere

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS



Charlize Theron arrives at the 13th Annual Hollywood Awards Gala in a black strapless dress and high heels

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS



Dana Delany in a black strapless dress

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS



Vanessa Hudgens in a sexy black strapless dress and high heels

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS



Christina Aguilera in a black dress and high heels

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS



Heather Graham in a strapless black dress with sexy cutouts and wearing high heels

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS



Freida Pinto: Freida likes to add an ‘eye-popping-something' to her little black numbers to keep her look fresh and youthful. She isn't fashion's favourite child for nothing

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS

The iconic little black dress famously worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffany's has gone under the hammer for a record £410,000. Christie's auction house in London sold the dress to an anonymous telephone buyer for almost six times the original estimate placed on it.

Hailed as a piece of movie history, the sleeveless shift went for the highest amount ever paid for a gown from a film.

Designer Hubert de Givenchy, who created the design for the 1961 flick, donated it to writer Dominic Lapierre - author of the book City Of Joy - and his wife, to help raise funds for their charity which benefits the poor of Calcutta. "I'm absolutely dumbfounded to believe that a piece of cloth which belonged to such a magical actress will now enable me to buy bricks and cement to put the most destitute children in the world into schools," he said.

The black Givenchy creation had been expected to raise £70,000, but frenzied bidding ensured a final sum that easily eclipsed the £140,000 recently paid for the blue-and-white gingham dress Judy Garland wore in The Wizard Of Oz. "This is one of the most famous black dresses in the world - an iconic piece of cinematic history - and we are glad it fetched a historic price," said Christie's film specialist Sarah Hodgson.

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS



Priyanka Chopra: Our very own Desi Girl is a black magic woman in glittery minis and sophisticated sheaths. Style constants – va va voom hair and skyscraper heels

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS

A Little Black Cocktail Dress is necessity for every woman! The Perfect Black Dress will help turn any occasion into one worth remembering.

Black cocktail dresses have been a favorite among women for years. Black is a magical color. It is simple, elegant yet slimming. These elements make for the perfect combination when looking your best. And when you look your best you will feel your best.

Selecting your perfect dress will depend on the occasion and your body. The most important thing about your little black dress is that wearing it makes you feel good about yourself. Look to styles that flatter your features and down-play any flaws.

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS



Deepika Padukone: Deepika does black with an Indian twist, piling on kundan neckpieces more often than not. She always keeps it short, all the better to show off those endless legs

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[QUOTE]Originally posted by asj:
BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS



................................................

Nice..like the dress in the middle..have one like that...Ladies looking great!

they say every woman should have a lil black dress as part of their wardrobe

but some of these women have several of them.....lucky ladies

BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS

Every woman knows that a perfect little black dress is worth its weight in gold. Very few items can take us across the thresholds of day and night, New Year’s Eve parties, or cocktails with friends. Kim Kardashian knows the power of the LBD. Everytime she wears one, like when she wore this one to the Wendy Williams show, all eyes are upon her.

These top ten dresses will complete any fashionista’s closet and a put a smile on your face, however and whenever you wear them.


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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS



Malaika Arora Khan: With the most envied bod in showbiz, Munni knows a great dress is an instant fashion pick me up. The shoes, the hair, the makeup – Malaika rarely, if ever, gets it wrong

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS

The little black dress is not only a fashionable outfit; it is a phenomenon that changed the perspective of common people towards black dresses. However, even in the beginning of the 20th century, the black dress did not look like anything special. In fact, it is the legendary designer Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel who changed it forever. Though the existence of black outfits for women can be traced back to a much earlier stage, it was she who showed the elegance of black. However, the journey only started then as, afterwards, several designers, mainly belonging to the era of 60s, played an influential role in the evolution of the LBD.

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS



Anushka Sharma: When she's not in Band Bajaa Baraat mode, Anushka likes to switch it up in black shift dresses, each prettier than the last

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS

Basically, 1960s was the time when the little black dress really flourished for the first time and this is due to the legendary dress that Audrey Hepburn wore in her film Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The dress immediately caused a lot of stir and the LBD became a craze. The dress was originally designed by the famous designer Hubert de Givenchy. It immediately became a classic and set a new trend for that era. Soon, all designers took up the idea and started coming up with new designs and innovations. The bold slits or cuts started making it into the market giving the young generation of that time a lot of options.

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS



Reese Witherspoon: The Legally Blonde star is illegally hot in stunning LBDs ranging from sweet and lacy to retro and polka dotted to sexy and sophisticated

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BEAUTY: IN THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS

One of the most popular designer houses of that time was Biba. Like Forever 21 or H&M, the reasonably priced and fashionable clothes of this brand had the niche market of teenagers. This was the time when the modern generation was leaning to experiment with bold outfits and the little black dress gave them this opportunity. Another famous fashion designer who played an important role in this context was Pierre Cardin. His mini shift dresses and LBDs were really high in contemporary fashion. Andre Courreges can be called the inventor of the mini skirt and I’m quite everyone can understand that the influence he had on the LBD was immense! Of course, all these houses also still designed wedding party dresses, evening dresses, skirts and clothing of every different types along with LBDs!

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