The Little Black Dress- How it became a household name

By Peyton Nebens

Everyone knows of the infamous film, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, where Audrey Hepburn was a standout in her little black dress in the opening credits of the film. Standing in front of Tiffany's, eating her breakfast with her big sunglasses and pearls is one of the most iconic looks of our time. 

This dress did not originate with Hepburn; It all started with Coco Chanel in 1926. Research shows that these types of dresses within the depression era were primarily worn to funerals and were a symbol of sadness and death. 

Until Coco Chanel introduced the little black dress as a fashion piece that made a woman feel like a million bucks. It was simple, yet elegant. A drop waist, calf-length, modest neckline with a classy silhouette. It was enough but not too much. Coco’s introduction to this dress made the color black acceptable for other occasions and a canvas, if you will, for women to accessorize. 

What was fascinating about this style of dress was that it was not as constricting as previous styles. Such as corsets, bustles, and tight-fitting clothing that dominated women’s fashion. 

What was also smart about this piece, and at the time it came out, was that during the Depression, women needed simple, affordable designs that wouldn't break the bank. It was a smart investment, given its simplicity and the minimal use of fabric, which made it affordable during that challenging time while still looking expensive. 

The Little Black Dress is widely known around the globe and has been reinvented and reimagined numerous times by designers over the years.   

It became even more popular when Audrey graced the screen in the Givenchy dress in the film in 1961, reminding everyone of the simple elegance that makes this look timeless. 

Throughout history, in the 1970’s the LBD was seen with a little more fabric and patterns. Incorporating sequins and sparkles as well as more daring cuts. Throughout the 1980s, the little black dress became a standout, with more fabric, quirky designs, and large shoulder pads, making it trendier over time. However, in the 1990s, the styles flipped, with simplicity becoming more prominent, and the popular slip dress returning to style. Now, in the 2000s and beyond, this dress is still evolving with different trends and patterns, but will always stay true to its core. 

The Little Black Dress will always be popular and ever-changing. Because of its versatility, made for everyone and everybody, its slimming style, and its timeless color and feel. It is also a piece of clothing that can be expressed in many different ways with accessories, hats, and overcoats. 

Some ways to style your own LBD are with a bold shoe, a statement belt, trending jewelry, either a bold earring or something simpler, as well as adding a seasoned tote bag and small sunglasses. Whether you are wearing this out and about with friends or to a dinner party, you will always feel elegant and effortless.