Say Goodbye to the Little Black Dress
Nothing affected the western world as the World War II and the little black dress was no exception as well. In fact, many experts believe that the little black dresses were made popular because there was a shortage of fabric that was hugely needed to manufacture the uniform of the soldiers. Whether that was an exaggeration or not, the little black dress gave women of that period a lot of liberty and much needed style to cheer about. For Femme Fatales like Marilyn Monroe the dress gave even more opportunity to seduce. During 1940s and 50s, the trend remained popular largely because it was elegant and stylish. What better way to start the little black dress detox than with its exact polar opposite – the little white dress. I know most of you will be apprehensive about this idea, after all wearing white in a party where red wine is served is a terrifying thought. But a white dress in a sea of people in little black dresses can instantly turn you into a vision. >
Another trick that the white dress does is it makes you more approachable in parties or gatherings. Using the movie and TV trope of good guy wears white and bad guy wears black, wearing a white dress gives you the impression of being light, carefree and innocent, so people tend to walk up to you more easily, whereas darker colored clothes makes you look aloof, or should I say fashionably aloof?
The trend changed a little in the 1960s. After the World War was over, the conservatism set in with a new zeal. However, in the 1960s, the new generation ventured out for experimentation with something new and bold. Likewise, fashion designers came up with miniskirts, slits and other bold designs. It was during that time when Audrey Hepburn made her famous appearance in the LBD in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The trend died down a little in the 1970s though the LBD was, by no means, out of vogue. It was colors rather than black that was the order of the day.
The little black dress again took the center stage in 1980s. The craze for fitness, and search of sleek designs kept it trendy even in the 1990s. However, people had already started experimenting with various lengths of the LBDs. Even in the 21st century, the LBD seems to dominate the fashion world. It is elegant, practical, useful and very appealing. Certainly, you can’t ask for any better combination than that. Plus, of course, there is the amazingly wide price range from $50 to anything close to a few thousand.