Over the years, we’ve seen countless iterations of the little black dress and now, in 2019, we have more options than ever. Most of it has got to do with the rise of street style and its influence on fashion. From athleisure to off-the-shoulder and quite literally, a blazer-dress, there are so many new twists to the classic LDB—and we love them all. Here are our favourite little black dresses, as worn by social media darlings, that you need your wardrobe, complete with style tips and where to get them.
If you're one for classics, you'll love Irene Kim's take on the little black dress. She spices things up by opting for on with a sweetheart neckline and puff-sleeves. It's a simple yet sophisticated take on where your accessories do all the talking. If you're not a fan of the neckline, might we suggest this Ganni Broderie Anglaise Cotton Mini Dress, $315 via net-a-porter, instead? Wear it with a pair of white leather Chelsea boots and gold-toned wrist candies.
We also love this . It's innately romantic and also perfect for a tropical vacation, or if you live in a tropical city like Singapore. Which it's perfect for because it made with breathable linen featuring puffed cap sleeves.
Alicia Silverstone as Cher in the '90s coming of age film, Clueless, popularised the slip dress as the epitome of chic. Which is why we think this Alex Perry Gabriele Crêpe Dress, $955, via Mytheresa, is perfect for the sophisticated woman of today. It's a classic LBD featuring a square neckline and criss-cross spaghetti straps. Teaming it with a pair of sleek hills would be an obvious choice, but we recommend upping the ante with a pair of white Nike Air Force sneakers.
Do like Aimee Song (@aimeesong) and give your LBD a polka dot makeover. Here, she's paired it with knee-high stockings and heels, but you can also pull the look off with a pair of your favourite white sneakers. We're loving this Saint Laurent Polka Dot Minidress, $3,220, via mytheresa. It's made out of a lightweight French fabric, which makes it perfect for Singapore's weather.
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For something dainty yet equally sultry, we think this Self Portrait Crystal-embellished Velvet Midi Dress, $437, via Matchesfashion, would be perfect. It's a delectable black velvet midi dress featuring crystal embellishments resembling polka dots, with a V-neckline that's modestly framed with guipure lace. You're going to want to bust out your best stiletto heels for this outfit.
Who doesn't love a good boho chic moment? Try this De La Vali, Oswalda Ruffled Polka-dot Chiffon Wrap Maxi Dress, $810.90, via Net-a-Porter. It's made with chiffon and can be cinched at the waist to accentuate your figure (read: hourglass silhouette). And the larger-than-life ruffled sleeves and flowing hem lends it a carefree vibe.
Here, social media darling, Yoyo Cao, better known by her screen name, @yoyokulala, lets the details of her LBD do the talking. Which also happens to be one of our favourite ways of wearing an LBD. She's also cinched it at the waist with a belt for a more hourglass figure. We think this George Keburia Sleeveless Side Pocket Asymmetric Mini Dress, $756, via farfetch, would do just the trick! Thigh-high boots à la Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez would pair perfectly with this dress. Bonus? It comes with a belted waist so you can get the same effect as Cao, without the effort.
This Palm Angels Off-the-shoulder Minidress, $655, via Mytheresa, is the perfect LBD to style up with accessories. From chunky metal chokers to layers of dainty necklaces and rings to an over-the-top blinged out clutch, you can go all out. That said, you might want to subscribe to Coco Chanel's philosophy of removing the last accessory you put on before you leave the house. Sometimes less is more.
If accessorising isn't your forte, but you want to look the part, try this Saint Laurent Crystal-embellished Wool-cady Mini Dress, $4,017, via Net-a-Porter. It's laced with shimmering crystals along the collar, pocket and cuffs, so majority of the work is done. All you have to do wear a pair of chunky heels with a strap, a nice bracelet watch and pearl-studded earrings to complete the look. Yes, it's that easy.
All you have to do is take a look at Singapore actress, Rebecca Lim's (@limrebecca) Instagram to know she's serious about her fashion. Here, she's opted an elegant and feminine pleated dress from Sandro with complements her figure perfectly. Try this pleated look in a more relaxed silhouette with Pleats Please By Issey Miyaki Oversized Puffer Dress, $895, via farfetch. It's work appropriate and can take you from day to night. White sneakers would look great with it, as will white leather mules.
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For a more playful alternative, we recommend this . It's an incredibly feminine dress which feature pleated ruffles along the neckline and hemline, making it perfect for date night. Add a clutch and pair of your favourite heels or pointed-toe flats and you're good to go.
If you're looking for something that can take you from the boardroom the the bar, this Max Mara Pleated Crepe Dress, $559.36, via Net-a-Porter, would be your best bet. It's a sophisticated, sleeveless LBD with a '50s aesthetic.
Let Alexa Chung (@alexachung), the queen of contemporary cool, show you how to rock the LBD. Here, she's wearing a black slip dress with white detailing and teamed it with a pair of Chelsea boots with a similar treatment. A little sporty-chic, if you will. For something with less of a sporty vibe, try Jacquemus Bambino Halterneck Linen Midi Dress, $536, via matchesfashion. It's featured a sculptural gathered bodice which honestly, is reason enough to buy this dress. We recommend wearing it with a pair of black leather mules for an understated sensual vibe.
If you all about that athleisure life, you'll love this Off-White Logo Stretch Knit Minidress, $1,580, via Mytheresa. It's stretchy (read: comfortable) and has a V-neckline. Wear it with it a pair of Vans Old Skool Shoes in black and complete the look with a backpack.
Who doesn't love a shirt dress? This Ann Demeulesmeester Gathered Cotton Shirtdress, $968, via Matchesfashion, makes an excellent case for it. It's a demi-opaque cotton shirtdress compels with a point collar and button fastening. Wear it with high-cut Converse in white or black leather Chelsea boots.
Turn the trend on its head by wearing an oversized blazer as an LBD like Eva Chen (@evachen212). Alternatively, you could just get a blazer dress like this MSGM Blazer Minidress, $885, via mytheresa. It's a form-fitting dress with faux double-breasted buttons, which means no added volume. As for shoes, suede mules à la Eva will do just the trick!
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If partying means serious business to you, you'll love this Monse Ciara Off-the-shoulder Frayed Wool-blend Drill and Crepe de Chine Mini Dress, $2,030.21, via Net-a-Porter. This double-breasted wool-blend dress is cut in way that resembles a blazer. The frayed off-the-shoulder neckline gives it an almost DIY aesthetic that embodies the grunge aesthetic. Team it with thigh-high boots and streamlined clutch for the perfect party outfit.
Twist this look on it's head, literally, with this Runway Jil Sander Gehry Stretch-twill Blazer-dress, $1,961, Matchesfashion. It features a structured fit, two exaggerated draping neck straps and double-breasted button fastening. Team it with a pair of white leather ankle boots or your favourite chunky dad sneakers.