Black, a tasteful choice

A western classic, the little black dress, commonly referred to as the LBD originates from Paris, dating back to 1926 when Vogue published a drawing of a simple black dress by Coco Chanel. It was hailed as a universally accessible item and a uniform for women of taste.
Immediately a massive hit, the LBD later made its way to America where it was updated by Christian Dior in the 1960s and adopted by Hollywood stars on- and off-screen. Since then, the LBD has been embraced globally as a fashion phenomenon and today it is every woman’s wardrobe staple.

Making the LBD your own
With its enduring popularity, consider how you can stand out and use accessories to style your LBD. Do not forget, the beauty of black is that it is a blank canvas against which absolutely everything matches.

Standout shoes
Top off your LBD with show-stopping shoes. Go for bright colours and shine to make a bold statement. Alternatively, opt for black for the ultimate smart, classic chic. A skin-coloured shoe will help give the impression of lengthy legs.
Whatever colour you opt for, if the occasion is dressy, then go for height. A stiletto teams up beautifully with the timeless LBD. But if it is an everyday look you are after, do not be afraid to dress down by pairing your LBD with pumps or even sneakers.

Statement jewellery
Large gemstones, feathered pendants and tribal beading: anything goes when it comes to accessorising your LBD with jewellery. Choose a necklace that fits within the neckline of the dress to show off the cut.
Alternatively, opt for earrings; low hanging or embellished earcuffs will add glamour and extravagance. For a more conservative look, select simple jewellery that will complement your LBD rather than show it off.

A bag with bang
Against the backdrop of your black dress, your bag will be easily noticed. But again, the good news is that anything goes. This year’s trends include woven leather, straw carryalls, and lots of fringing.
Do not worry if your bag does not match your shoes, just ensure they blend and complement each other.
These tips should help you make the very most of your LBD. It is easy to get tired of one item of clothing, but with such incredible versatility, your LBD can easily be restyled to ensure it makes an outing time and time again.

to buy...
Statement jewellery. There’s a wide variety of statement jewellery in town in the form of beaded necklaces that will set you back between Shs10,000 and Shs50,000 depending on the shop type or mall.
Antique and one-of-a kind pieces can also be found in select jewel shops downtown at Shs10,000 to Shs25,000. Statement jewellery is also sold in sets of necklace and earrings.