The Ultimate Guide To The Little Black Dress (LBD)
• The little black dress (LBD) was first popularised by Coco Chanel in the 1920s and has since become a wardrobe staple for many generations.
• The LBD is versatile and timeless, the perfect style for every event.
• The LBD can be dressed up or down for many different types of occasions, from weddings to parties.
• A LBD is available in a plethora of different shapes and silhouettes, including off the shoulder, midi length, cocktail length and sleeveless.
The History Of The Little Black Dress
The little black dress is a staple in everyone's event wardrobe. It is an icon of fashion that represents simplicity, elegance, and versatility. The LBD was first popularised by Coco Chanel in the 1920s, and not longer after it became a true wardrobe essential. The LBD transcends trends and generations, its elegance is truly timeless and it is a style that has the ability to adapt to any occasion. The LBD is a must have style, and it can be dressed up or down for any event.
Why Every Wardrobe Needs A Little Black Dress
The little black dress is the most versatile piece in your wardrobe which can take you from day to night. Black is a timeless colour that transcends seasonal trends, with many loving its simplicity and elegance. Black dresses can be worn for casual occasions such as lunch with friends. With the shape and pattern being the focal point, making any look well thought out. As night approaches you can enhance the sophistication of your look with the ability to build upon the colour using accessories such as our jewellery and hair accessories to elevate the look and accentuate your silhouette for formal black-tie events.
From corporate events, lunch with friends or a school reunion the little black dress is perfect for making a subtle yet sophisticated statement at any occasion. It creates the perfect canvas for you to style up or down as much as you like. Below is our edit of little black dresses which is perfect for any and every event on your calendar.
What is a little black dress (LBD)?
A little black dress, often referred to as an LBD, is a simple yet elegant black dress that is considered a wardrobe essential due to its timelessness and versatility. The LBD is considered suitable for all occasions, including cocktail parties, weddings and formal events. The little black dress is regarded as a functional piece due to its adaptability, with just a change or addition of accessories the LBD can be suitable for a casual occasion or a formal event, day and night, and season to season.
How To Choose The Perfect Little Black Dress
The most important factor to consider when choosing a little black dress for your event is your personal style. There are many different types of LBDs available, therefore it is important to choose a style that you truly love. Below is our guide to choosing the perfect LBD for you:
Choose the length
• Knee length: perfect for cocktail parties and dinner events
• Midi length: ideal for weddings, formal events and work occasions.
• Maxi/Full Length: perfect for black tie affairs and winter formals.
Choose the fabric
• Crepe/jersey: a sleek and comfortable choice, perfect for colder seasons and all day wear.
• Lace or embroidered: feminine and romantic, perfect for spring time events, weddings and garden parties.
• Sequin or metallic: sparkling glamour, perfect for black tie events, evening wear and weddings.
• Velvet: a luxe choice, ideal for winter events and black tie occasions.
Choose the neckline
• V neck
• Off the shoulder
• Halter
• Sweetheart or scoop
Choose the sleeves
• Sleeveless or spaghetti straps
• Short or flutter sleeves
• Long sleeves or capes
Styling Your LBD For Different Occasions
Once you have chosen your perfect LBD it is time to style this versatile dress for different events. Here is our style tips below:
• Weddings: opt for a LBD in lace, sequin or satin, wear your wedding guest LBD with neutral or metallic heels, crystal jewellery and a chic clutch.
• Cocktail parties: choose a knee length or midi length LBD with an off the shoulder neckline, wear with statement metallic earrings and sophisticated heels.
• Formalwear: wear a full length or midi length LBD style with sequin embellishments or luxe details, pair with drop earrings, a jewelled cutch and classic heels.
• Dinners & date nights: opt for a knee length or midi length LBD, wear with glamourous makeup, crystal jewels and a clutch.
• Work functions: choose a midi length or knee length style, wear with a blazer jacket, classic heels and minimalist jewellery.
How do you style a little black dress for summer and winter?
• Summer: choose an LBD that is lightweight and flowy, wear your LBD with sandals or mules and bright accessories.
• Winter: wear your LBD with tights, boots and outerwear such as fur jackets, opt for metallic jewellery and accessories.
How do you accessorise your little black dress?
Being as versatile as it is, the LBD can be accessorised in a myriad of different ways. You can wear your LBD with bold jewellery, metallic heels and a chic jewelled clutch for a formal event, or you can opt for minimalist jewellery, mules and a handbag for a more casual occasion. The accessory options are endless when it comes to styling your LBD.
LBD Trends 2025
The 2025 little black dress trends combine modern details with timeless foundations. Trends include sparkling embellishments, such as sequins, lightweight fabrics and modern necklines, such as off the shoulder and one shoulder.
Bold Little Black Dresses
Black is an achromatic colour with luminous qualities assisting to radiate other hues tones and textures, whilst effortlessly accentuating your silhouette against any backdrop. With a range of different styles and fabrics, black is a staple colour with a sleek and flattering finish for all. Our little black dresses are perfect for any occasion.
Sophisticated Little Black Dresses
The power of the little black dress is in its versatility, as black acts as a blank canvas to inspire uniqueness with a classic and elegant finish. When creating a look with one of our cocktail and formal black dresses it is easy to create many looks utilising your choice of accessories to make you stand out and display your individuality. Our black satin dresses capture and illuminate the radiant night lights. Paired with our earrings to add extra glimmer to the statin texture of the dress, giving you a glamourous Hollywood inspired look. Perfect for a special event or party.
Simple Yet Elegant Little Black Dresses
Simple and still elegant the little black dress is a fundamental piece in anyone wardrobe. With our casual, corporate and cocktail dress offering a mixture of straight and soft necklines to fit any figure and dress down the look. Our off the shoulder dresses also offer a simple yet put together appearance, perfect for any corporate event or casual dinner. A flattering dress will always make you feel confident and comfortable for all occasions.
Can I wear a black dress to a wedding?
Yes, you can wear a black dress to a wedding. Black dresses are acceptable for many different types of wedding dress codes, including black tie, formal, and garden. The only time it would be unacceptable to wear a black dress to a wedding is if the wedding invite asks guest to not wear a black dress, or if the invite asks guest to wear a specific colour or colour palette.
Can I wear a black dress to a daytime event?
Yes, you can wear a black dress to a daytime event such as a ladies' lunch or a birthday brunch. A black dress is suitable to many different types of day time occasions, and can be worn with brightly coloured accessories.
You will always look your best in Montique! For more fashion tips or information on our dresses and products, contact us at customerservice@intermoda.com.au to be in touch with our customer service team, or shop our new arrivals now!
Updated on 12/08/2025
