Winter Vibes: How to Style a Little Black Dress

When it comes to versatile wardrobe staples, the little black dress (LBD) forever reigns supreme. This iconic fashion piece has transcended generations, trends, and seasons, earning its rightful place as a forever classic. A little black dress has the incredible ability to adapt to almost any occasion, season, or aesthetic, making it a must-have for every wardrobe.

At Current Boutique, we wanted to explore the many creative ways to style a little black dress, especially for the upcoming chillier months. So come with us while we try out the LBD style challenge for winter!

LBD: a brief history

The iconic little black dress first gained popularity in the 1920s when Coco Chanel introduced a simple, elegant black dress in Vogue magazine. Her design revolutionized women’s fashion by offering a cleaner, looser alternative to the ornate, restrictive clothing of the time. She believed black to be the perfect color for its timelessness and versatility.

The LBD gained even more popularity when adopted by Audrey Hepburn, who famously wore a Givenchy black dress in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” With Audrey’s feminine styling of the little black dress, the LBD catapulted to the realm of high fashion even more, cementing its status as the go-to for every woman’s wardrobe.

Over the decades, as more women and fashion icons embraced the little black dress, the LBD became a symbol of sophistication, rebellion, and empowerment.

How to choose the right little black dress

There are thousands of black dresses, so how do you find the one (or two or three) that will work best for you?

The ideal little black dress should be simple and timeless. Here are some essential factors to consider when investing in a high-quality, long-term little black dress that will become your wardrobe staple:

• Fit and silhouette: Common silhouettes for LBDs include A-line, sheath, wrap, and shift dresses. The dress should accentuate your body’s strengths and make you feel comfortable and confident.
• Length: LBDs come in various lengths, from mini to maxi. If you’re looking for the most adaptable investment, a knee-length midi LBD is suitable for most events.
• Neckline: The neckline can drastically change the look of the dress. A high neck is demure, a scoop is timelessly sophisticated, and a V-neck creates sleek lines. Learn how to choose the most flattering neckline for you here.
• Fabric: Different fabrics will have a different look, feel, and seasonality. Cotton, silk, and linen are great year-round options. For winter, you could opt for wool, cashmere, or velvet.
• Details: Pay attention to details like embellishments, lace, or ruffles. Make sure they’re not too trendy and they align well with your personal style. For an investment dress, you might want to choose a simpler LBD that you can dress up or down with accessories.
• Versatility: Choose a dress that can easily transition from day to night. You can pair it with sneakers and a denim jacket for a casual brunch, or heels and sparkly jewelry for a night on the town.
• Quality: The LBD should be high-quality and last a while in your closet. Consider it an investment in your wardrobe.

Start shopping for the perfect LBD under $100 here!

How to style your little black dress for winter

1. Layer the dress over a turtleneck

The simplest way to winterize your LBD is to layer it over long-sleeve pieces like the classic turtleneck. Choose a turtleneck in a complementary color like white or cream for a chic contrast, or pair it with a color that complements your unique skin tone and color season. 

2. Layer the dress under a sweater

Or use your midi or maxi black dress as a skirt when paired with a chunky or oversized sweater. Mixing and matching items – even dresses – gives you a broader range of uses in your clothes. Having quality investment pieces in your closet makes getting dressed in classy, clean styles even easier.

3. Add elegance with faux fur

A faux fur shawl or jacket will make you feel like you’re walking into a Great Gatsby party. This glamorous accessory will keep you warm and add a touch of Old Hollywood glamor that’s perfect for holiday parties or date nights.

4. Add edginess with a leather jacket

Throw a leather jacket over your LBD for the perfect balance of femininity and rebellion. Add ankle boots or sneakers for a more casual look, or dress it up with heels and an up-do for a special event.

5. Stay warm with tights and booties

Even some of the most summery little black dress can be winterized with tights and ankle booties. Choose black tights for a polished vibe, or experiment with patterns like herringbone or polka dots for something fun and uniquely you.

6. Cozy up with your favorite flannel

For a casual fall and winter look, layer a plaid flannel shirt over your little black dress. You can wear your flannel as outerwear or tie it around your waist for a cute, gameday feel.

Psst… You can get the same vibe with a denim jacket! 

7. Elongate the silhouette with a trench coat

You can never go wrong layering a trench coat, and there’s something effortlessly cool about pairing a black dress with a camel trench. You can wear your favorite mini-LBD well into the fall season by dressing warmly with a long trench and cute boots.

8. Stay warm with your favorite winter accessories

Scarves and knit hats make everything cute and wintery. Use the LBD as your foundation, and let your winter accessories – hats, scarves, shoes, purses, and sunglasses – do the heavy lifting. Pro tip: Opt for a cashmere or wool scarf for warmth and style.

9. Choose your statement

Black dresses are the perfect neutral foundation, allowing you to play around with statement accessories. Try a statement belt to cinch your waist, oversized earrings, or a bold necklace that draws attention to your neckline. My favorite statement piece: shoes! Bold, colorful, or patterned shoes with a crisp black dress always looks stunning.  

Styling the little black dress

The little black dress is a timeless classic that can adapt to any season, especially winter. Investing in a high-quality LBD for your wardrobe allows you to experiment with endless outfits and styles. From layering it under or over cozy sweaters to adding dramatic accessories, the LBD has no bounds in how you can wear it. Find your perfect little black dress here to start styling! 

Photo sources

• Turtleneck: https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/take-aim-4255891/layering-4745196392
• Sweater: https://carriebradshawlied.com/2017/12/layering-sweaters-over-dresses.html
• Fur: https://www.mychicobsession.com/holiday-party-outfits/
• Leather: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-8160335/Myleene-Klass-cuts-chic-figure-black-maxi-dress-leather-jacket-heads-work.html#i-cff77370e098ba6a
• Tights: https://themilleraffect.com/faux-fur-coats/
• Flannel: https://meatballmom.com/flannel-shirt-ways-to-wear/
• Denim: https://fashionjackson.com/everlane-spring-haul-try-on/
• Trench: https://www.instagram.com/p/B3xV42TpVpr/?igshid=1ikq4xvaz3zbd&epik=dj0yJnU9WUFiakczWW5SdUJ0OFEyWVlOYWx2cG1Wd0N2YmsyVkEmcD0wJm49UVFvOVJhRE5CbTF2RzRjQVRXUlZ4dyZ0PUFBQUFBR1VUWEhB
• Scarf: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/175007135503409598/
• Red shoes: https://larisacostea.com/2014/09/soirees-de-la-mode/