Every woman, it has been said, should own a Little Black Dress. And if you are a fashion disciple, then certainly 3 or 4 would be in order. It can go anywhere and has a wide range of options. There isn't a singular style, and yet you can spot one right away. Don’t own one? Here's what you need to know..
What does the term "Little Black Dress" mean?
The definition of the "little black dress" has shifted throughout history. Accessibility, wealth, and power have all been linked to it. It has also been associated with disobedience and a rebellious spirit. Today, it is a statement of style that is accessible to every woman and can be specifically tailored to whomever wears it.
Since its inception in 1926, the "little black dress” has remained a fashion mainstay for its adaptability, simplicity, timelessness–and so much more – even over a century after its first appearance.
The Little Black Dress Emerges As A Symbol
During the Edwardian era, (the period just before World War I), long, richly layered gowns were the fashion of choice, and worn by all women before the 1920s. This was due to an adherence to propriety, but it was also a way to emphasize a woman's curves whilst being fully covered. And though the Edwardian era was considered a much more relaxed period in terms of style and dictates for women, you can begin to see the shape of what was to come in women’s dressing by this time. When World War I came to a close, a new era of history, and subsequently fashion began to emerge. Working outside the home became more commonplace for women, and the struggle began to heat up for the right to vote. The women's liberation movement started in earnest in the 1900s, when more and more women took to the streets to fight for equal rights. We should remember that at this time in history, women were still considered their husbands property and before the turn of the century, were not allowed to inherit property. Very few owned or operated businesses, and if you lost your spouse, your son or nephew took over your affairs.
It wasn't long after the 'Roaring Twenties' boom that women began to break away from the pre-Roaring Twenties fashions. Women’s clothing started to become simpler, thinner, and straighter in design. Hairstyles like the "bob" and shorter dress hemlines became wildly popular during this period. The "flapper" aesthetic was born out of the pairing of short hair with a short dress. But in a more important way, it symbolized a new found freedom and exuberance for women, a changing of the old guard, if you will. Imagine wearing corsets and pantaloons underneath several layers of long slips and skirts? Even women's swimsuits were long dresses made from wool.
Then out of no where comes the flapper dress?! This was a level of autonomy that up to this time in history was unknown to a woman outside of the home. Almost anything must have seemed possible for women at that moment. From there women began smoking in public, driving cars and listening to jazz.
Little black dresses were originally designed to be attractive, but also economical and neutral. Of course, there is a difference between a new trend and style, but the goal was to create a garment that would appeal to women of all ages, sizes, and socio-economic backgrounds. In it’s own a way, it was a form of democratic fashion, and it was very successful too. It quickly gained enormous traction. Now every woman could dress well.
For decades, the little black dress (also known as LBD) remained thin and black, but over the years it began to change and adapt to current fashion trends.
The Color Black Is Symbolic Of Mystery
Colors have meanings and according to scientific theory, black is the color of absorption, whereas white is its reflection. When it comes to fashion, the little black dress has been used to draw attention to the wearer, not the garment.
Over the past century, the color black has taken on a variety of connotations though out history and continues to do so now. To mourn, one would wear black, a tradition that dates back to the ancient times of the Roman era; black has been used to convey a broad variety of traditions and customs as well as emotions and ideas via clothing all across the globe.
When it comes to the world of fashion and the color black, it's long been considered a safe and suitable choice but it also makes a bold statement. Conformity and nonconformity can be conveyed. To avoid detracting the audience's attention away from a performance, this is the hue of choice for many musicians. Black is a powerful and imposing hue, yet it can also be quiet and subtle.
Many women's closets are stocked with black because of its flexibility and timelessness and also for its ability to slim.
The Evolution Of The Little Black Dress - 1500 through 2000
Black Is the Color of Mourning
Black was the hue worn by women on the edges of society from 1500’s to the 1900’s, such as maids, or those considered "unvirtuous" by society and widows. Following the death of a spouse, a woman wore black — and only black — for at least two years. Men did also have their mourning attire codes, but these only lasted three months.
Imagine wearing all black, and only long black dresses for 2 solid years? It sounds extreme but there was a time when it was practiced. In fact, if a woman did not adhere to the custom of wearing black while in mourning, she was judged harshly and even shunned in some circles. Even young girls wore black to mourn.
1910 - Getting Shorter After WWI
Black became more popular in everyday wear during World War I, but the wartime effort simplified designs. The fabric used in dresses was reduced from an average of 14 to 19 yards to roughly 7 yards due to wartime rationing. Corsets also went out of style since the steel used to produce them was required for weapon production.
The 1920's - The Little Black Dress's Inception
Fashion legend Coco Chanel is credited with inventing and popularizing the modern version of the little black dress. Chanel moved the black dress from its marginal implications to a wardrobe essential when her beautiful sketch of an LBD made the cover of Vogue.
Yes, the little black dress we wear with all that it has to offer, is thanks to Madame Chanel. She named the dress the “Ford” as a nod to auto maker pioneer Henry Ford, manufacturer of the first affordable car, the Ford Model T. Mr Fords motto regarding the Model T was “affordable, simple to operate, and durable”. A sentiment that was very similar to Madame Chanel’s concept of the flapper dress, although her motto may have sounded more like “affordable, simple, easy to maintain, elegant”.
The 1940's - World War II
Black dresses became popular when more women entered the workforce because of their durability and ability to hide stains. Because wool and silk were required for wartime uniforms, dresses were constructed primarily of rayon, cotton, and jersey, with sequins and beading added for extra glamour.
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the little black dress was something of a power statement for women back then, and even for women today. Every woman who’s ever worn one can attest to the ease and power the LBD offers when she needs to switch to boss mode.
The 1960’s - Glamour In Hollywood
It's no coincidence that the little black dress is associated with Audrey Hepburn and Breakfast at Tiffany's. Hollywood successfully transformed our perceptions of the little black dress and the dazzling possibilities of a single woman's existence during this time.
The era when the little black dress was forever romanticized, and what an era it was..
The 1970's - Unique Styles
During this decade, the little black dress underwent a significant evolution, and comfort in daywear triumphed thanks to the feminist movement and designers like Ralph Lauren with his simple Americana styled designs, Diane Von Furstenberg and her now iconic Wrap Dress, and Donna Karan with her Seven Easy Pieces - Capsule Wardrobe which were beautifully made and could be easily mixed and matched. But thanks to designers like Halston, and Yves Saint Laurent and haunts like Studio 54, sexy and slinky was the look of the night. New fabrics and textures emerged, minis, midis, and maxis were all the rage, as were vintage styles.
The 1990's - Globalization In Full Swing
Global manufacturing made the production of the little black dress even more accessible during the 1990s. Numerous cultural adaptations and styles all added their stamp onto the LBD.
The 2000's - The New Millennium Has Arrived
While the little black dress has become iconic, millennial styling features throwbacks combined with more cutting-edge versions. We are witnessing the mixing of futuristic and classic styling with design houses like Prada, Dior, McQueen and Fendi reinterpreting Coco Chanels design through their own creative lenses.
A century after the little black dress was invented and popularized, it is still the go-to choice for many women's evening out. And the most interesting aspect is that the same dress according to who wears it, will have a completely different look and style on each individual.
Your little black dress may come in a variety of styles and designs, but it is uniquely yours depending on how you wear it, the way you accessorize it, and how you personalize it, that makes it significantly you.
