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Why the Little Black Dress is Sexy

Women of all ages, shapes, and colors can appreciate why the little black dress is sexy.

By Lizzie BoudoirPublished 8 years ago 7 min read
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Little black dresses should be as easy going on as they are coming off. They should be classy and fabulous, just like the girl who wears them. They should also, however, be sexy like the woman whose curves fill them. The iconic little black dress was first introduced to Vogue by Coco Chanel, whose sexual exploits were explored in the film The Rite Of Spring by Igor Stravinsky. Fashionista Chanel was pictured in a 1926 Vogue pictorial wearing a calf-length, straight, and simply-decorated little black dress. The magazine dubbed the piece “Chanel’s Ford” because, like the Model T, the little black dress was simple and accessible for women of all social classes. Vogue also said that the little black dress would become "a sort of uniform for all women of taste," and they were correct. Today, the LBD is so popular that it has become a rule of fashion for every woman to own at least one. Whether you're dressing up or dressing down, you don't have to sacrifice class or comfort—two of the many reasons why a black dress is an essential element in every woman's wardrobe.

Photo via Tumblr user The Garter Society

It’s Classy

Audrey Hepburn is the iconic figure who made the little black dress extremely fashionable. She wore an ensemble designed by Hubert de Givenchy with a sleek up-do, large sunglasses, a pearl necklace, and black silk gloves in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. This dress is cited as one of the most recognizable articles of clothing in the 20th century, as well as the most famous little black dress of all time. This is because the dress—like any other little black dress—made Hepburn look like the epitome of class. If you’re looking for other little black dress style icons, actresses Grace Kelly and Lauren Bacall are strong examples. You could also just look in the mirror.

During the filming of Sabrina, Hepburn began an affair with actor William Holden, who was married but couldn't avoid the seductions of the woman in the black dress. Hepburn planned to eventually marry and begin a family with Holden. However, she dropped him fast when she learned of his vasectomy.

It Can be Dressed Up or Dressed Down

The beautiful thing about the little black dress is its versatility. It can be classed up with a statement necklace and an up-do similar to Hepburn's for date night. It could just as easily be dressed down for a relaxed lunch with family or friends. Whether you are wearing fake pearls or real diamonds, you can make this style element your own.

The LBD may also be worn at a variety of occasions, both joyous and somber. You wouldn't be hard pressed to find a handful of women in black dresses at a black tie wedding. Unfortunately, it may also come in handy if you have a funeral to attend.

Make sure that your little black dress is comfortable and makes you feel good, because style and class is all about attitude. Audrey—of course—was interested in neither the love nor the sex with men like Holden. She had been a lesbian since her years in college. Long before she was the beautiful woman in the black dress on the big screen, she and longterm lover Laura Harding went all Brokeback Mountain at various country manors.

Photo via The Diary of Adam

It’s Flattering on Everyone

One of the reasons the little black dress has stuck around for so long is because everyone looks beautiful in it. Whether it’s got lace, leather, sheer panels, or any number of other styles, the little black dress looks amazing on every woman. An ass is perhaps the most improved area in a little black dress. Somehow every ass looks just a bit firmer in the color that is all colors. Kim Kardashian would not be nearly as famous for that unique booty without the help of a black clingy fabric wrapped around her waist.

Wearing a little black dress is guaranteed to make you look thinner. Black is a color that does not reflect light, and therefore does not create shadows that make women look larger than they really are. By hiding the smaller curves of your body that would be visible in other colors, there is a certain heightened sense of confidence a woman develops when wearing a black dress. Heightened confidence leads to heightened sexuality.

It Never Goes Out of Style

The little black dress never goes out of style, so if you bought it 20 years ago or 20 days ago, it is still timely. Since it is so perfect and flattering for women of all ages and races, it is simply never a fashion "don’t." You may wear it to various events, and it is appropriate for any and all of the four seasons. It has been around since the 1920s, and it will continue to exist as a fashion staple in the future. Finding a confidence-inducing LBD is akin to slipping on your favorite pair of jeans.

Little black dresses also bring a sense of spiciness in the bedroom. Everyone knows of their lovers' LBD, and it will likely get a rise out of partners long after the piece has been hung up for another occasion.

Photo via duitang

It Goes with Any Color

Black is one of those colors that can be paired with virtually any other color. Pair your little black dress with a mustard cardigan, green heels, violet lipstick, or taupe boots. We challenge you to find a color that does not go with black. The little black dress is also a great article of clothing to use while venturing into new fashion territory with accessories. The best part about pairing a little black dress with a pop of color is that black will always remain timeless—no matter what you accessorize it with. Have a red crystal necklace that you just don’t know what to do with? Wear it with your little black dress. The same goes for any funky footwear or even, gasp, a big floppy hat.

Coco Chanel had said, “In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” Here is your opportunity. Perhaps that is why black also happens to be the most popular fetish color—from dominatrix to furry gorillas.

It Hides Stains

Are you clumsy? Have you been known to spill some red wine on yourself from time to time? Or are you just having an off day? Fear not—the little black dress is here to rescue you! Because of its dark color, the fabric hides almost all food and drink stains, making you look virtually flawless as you go about your day.

Every LBD needs a fashionable clutch as its partner in crime. While jewelry is commonly praised as being the must-have accessory for any outfit, clutches are quickly becoming the best way to add a touch of pizazz that a statement necklace can’t provide. Just because a clutch holds your phone, keys, and ID doesn’t mean it can’t serve as the ultimate hand candy. And if you do happen to spill something on you lap, just hold your clutch in front of it!

It’s So Easy to Wear... And Easy to Take Off

Are you rushing out the door because you woke up too late? The little black dress is the easiest thing to slip on. You know how you look in it, so you don’t even have to waste time looking in the mirror. Because it is so flattering, you’ll look cool and collected as you breeze into the room. All eyes will be on you in this dazzling and easily wearable number. So whether you are going out for an impromptu happy hour or a celebratory dinner for one of your girlfriends, don’t forget to make the most out of your look by wearing a little black dress!

Perhaps the best thing about fumbling out the door in an LBD is what happens when you finally make it back home. It should be as easy to take off as it is to put on. Whether you're dropping it to the floor and clamoring into bed for a long sleep, or you have someone else to help you with the zipper, the little black dress is certainly the most practical element of a woman's wardrobe.

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About the Creator

Lizzie Boudoir

Thrice married, in love once, overly romantic, and hypersexual.

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