Little Black Dress Lookbook // Why Every Girl Needs a LBD

In 1920 Coco Chanel created the little black dress. The dress was designed to be long-lasting, affordable, versatile, and accessible to a wide market and can be referred to as a ‘LBD’ for short.

As you can tell, this dress has been around for years and will stay for many more to come. Needless to say, the LBD is one of my most frequently worn pieces in my wardrobe and because of this, I do happen to have more than one. ‘Why?’ you may still be asking yourself. Well, here’s why. The LBD can be dressed up or down, making it practical for every event and/or situation, it makes me feel confident in my own skin no matter what day it might be, and it will simply never go out of style.

Although I have more, today I am sharing with you three little black dresses that I have had for quite a few years now and how I style them dressed up and down! Let’s get on with the looks.

Dress #1- A semi-fitted, short sleeve, mini dress from Old Navy.

For a fancy night out this simple cotton dress can, in fact, be dressed up. I threw on some tall black heels, a couple accessories and was good to go. This dress being semi-fitted really hugs my body in the right places and makes it appropriate for a fancier occasion.

Outfit Details- dress: Old Navy, heels: Steve Madden/Nordstrom Rack, choker: Forever 21

For the ‘dressed down’ version of this dress, I am adding my one and a half-inch block heels from Target. These are so essential in my wardrobe because they are perfect for a fancier occasion but can still be worn on an everyday basis which is what I typically do. I am then throwing my denim jacket over my shoulders and just like that you have a simple yet put together look.

Outfit Details- dress: Old Navy, jean jacket: Kohl’s/Sonoma, shoes: Target/Merona, watch: Kohl’s, necklace: Kendra Scott

Dress #2- A strapless, maxi dress from Old Navy

Mules are oh so trendy right now, and are in practically every store at the moment. This simple pair of heeled mules instantly made this sleek, black maxi look instantly dressier. Because this dress is strapless the attention is automatically drawn to the collar-bone. Therefore, I am adding a dainty necklace to keep the look classic.

Outfit Details- dress: Old Navy, mules: Target/Merona, necklace: Kendra Scott

This dress, although appearing fancy is so easy for Summer. All you have to do is throw this dress on and you have a whole outfit in itself right there. I am sliding on some Jacks and adding my black cross body with a scarf tied around it for a ‘strolling the streets’ look.

Outfit Details-  dress: Old Navy, shoes: Pierre Dumas, purse: TJ Maxx, scarf: Michale’s

Dress #3- A tank dress, synched at the waist from Forever 21

This dress looks perfect so many different ways. By adding a statement necklace and some lace-up heels, the dress instantly looks ready for a more glamorous event!

Outfit Details- dress: Forever 21, necklace: Francesca’s, heels: DSW, bracelets: Alex and Ani

To keep this dress semi-fancy, I am opting for my denim jacket that automatically gives this outfit the ‘girl next door’ vibe and some lace-up espadrilles. I love this outfit for a casual, yet semi-dressy event. For example, this would be the perfect grad party outfit for me.

Outfit Details- dress: Forever 21, jean jacket: Kohl’s/Sanoma, shoes: Forever 21

I realize that my idea of ‘casual’ isn’t necessary everyone else’s definition of it. If you’re not really much of a dress girl, don’t be afraid to slip one on with a pair of Chucks; you can never go wrong with this combo.

Outfit Details- dress: Forever 21, socks; Francesca’s, shoes: Converse

Hopefully, this post gave you some inspiration as to how you can style your own little black dress or convinced you that you need one in your wardrobe too! Which look was your favorite? Let me know in the comments below along with any other questions, comments, or requests you may have for me. Hope you are having a wonderful Memorial Day spent with loved ones. Have a happy Monday; with love, McKenz.

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