Back in Black
FASHION
Why the “little black dress” will always be a wardrobe essential Written by Morgan Johnson, Contributing Writer | Illustrated by Lola Crowley, Staff Illustrator and Designer
“B
lack clothing is out of fashion,” said no one ever. Simply put, the “little black dress” is a classic — its effortless shape and structure have made it a yearround favorite. History has proven that the little black dress can be styled for any event — from casual wear to high fashion. It has been featured in movies, day-to-day streetwear and was even key during a royal scandal. It may be a simple piece, but the little black dress is one of the most iconic fashion pieces of all time. If you’re still not convinced, its universality has earned the little black dress its own acronym: the “LBD.”
Coco Chanel is credited with creating the LBD in the roaring ‘20s, an era when women were fighting for equality.1 Congress passed the 19th Amendment which allowed women to vote in 1919 and empowered women to experiment with bolder clothing. This ultimately led to the flapper era, which is most commonly known for beaded, fringe dresses with lots of detail.2 The little black dress emerged around the same time, and it became increasingly popular. By 1961, British actress Audrey Hepburn donned the LBD in the film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” and it became 1 Kat Eschner, “Why Coco Chanel Created the Little Black Dress,” Smithsonian Magazine, 2017. 2 “What Does A Little Black Dress Mean?” La Riviere, 2020.
Hepburn’s most memorable look. Hepburn famously styled her LBD with big pearls, a chic updo and cat eye sunglasses.
It’s a timeless piece that will likely never lose its symbolism.
because it fits with almost everyone’s personal style. The LBD is the perfect base piece for any person of any age. Attending a black tie event? Go for a sleek, form-fitting LBD that hits midthigh.3 Wanting the “old money” look? Pair your LBD with Mary Jane heels, a dainty floral headband and a tie-front cardigan. Craving an even more delicate look? Wear sheer tights underneath and add a silk neck tie scarf.
Hepburn’s awe-inspiring attire during The LBD isn’t going anywhere. It’s a her role in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is timeless piece that will likely never part of what makes the movie and her lose its symbolism. Its minimalist cuts famous look such a muse. Her LBD and versatility empowers the person is the star of the show, and it falls in wearing the LBD to be their most line with her personality. Her charac- fearless self. Even Princess Diana’s ter, Holly Golightly is a free-spirited “revenge dress” is coming back, as socialite who stumbles upon the man seen in a new trailer for Netflix’s “The of her dreams. Although Golightly was Crown” season five. Thanks to the independent and seemingly fearless, LBD’s versatility and grace, it will alshe finds herself appreciating a genu- ways be a fashion staple. ine human connection with Paul Varjak, the man who moved into her apart- It’s important to remember that the ment building. Hepburn’s powerful LBD isn’t reserved for certain peocharacter and immaculate outfits cre- ple or certain events. Find the style ate the perfect blend of professional- that works for you, and wear it like ism and delicacy, cementing Hepburn’s you mean it. A piece of clothing as portrayal of Golightly as one of the delicate and treasured as the LBD shouldn’t collect dust in your closet; most influential ever. use it for power, use it to disrupt, use If you’ve ever taken one of Buzzfeed’s it for anything. ■ fashion quizzes, you’ll notice that none of them exclude the color black. That is 3 Julia Hobbs, “These are the perfect LBDs to wear when this is all over,” Vogue India, 2021.
FALL PRINT 2022