This is the time of year when parties start moving back indoors. No more barbecues and garden parties; cocktail parties are going to be back before you know it, so we’re helping you get wardrobe ready by giving you a few great little black dress options. The style that we chose easily transitions between the work day and evening hours, which makes it simple when you have an after work outing. There’s no need to bring a change of clothes, which you’ll then have to keep wrinkle free while commuting. Instead, you’ll just look extra stunning at your morning meetings and be able to quickly slip into a sparkly pair of heels when it comes time to make a fashionably late entrance at the scene of the party.
Splurge: Badgley Mischka | Investment: Warehouse | Steal: Forever 21
Splurge
Badgley Mischka. Need we say more? Everything about this frock is pitch perfect, from the draping to the proportions to the comfort level. It’s made of jersey, which means that it’s as comfortable to wear as your favorite nightgown — but you’ll look like a starlet. We love the intricate beading at the shoulders, which could easily be covered during daytime hours with a glazer. But before you get excited, there’s a reason this dress is a splurge, as it comes in at £340. If you’re going to make that kind of investment in any dress, do it for a little black dress like this one, which will take you through years of cocktail parties. If, however, you don’t quite have the budget for that kind of financial commitment, fret not. We have more options for you!
Investment
ASOS has such a large selection of dresses that we sometimes find ourselves down very long rabbit holes when we stop by this site. One of our favourite frocks of the season is the Pleat Dress with Contrast Belt by Warehouse. This classic piece has just enough of an Audrey Hepburn-esque quality to become a staple piece in your wardrobe. While the price tag is significantly lower than the Badgley Mischka number, we’re not about to say that £50 is chump change. It’s definitely an investment for ladies on a budget, as most of us are, but will absolutely be worth its wear through the season.
Steal
This little black dress includes lots of great details, including great draping, flutter sleeves, and a deep-V back, all of which contribute to a classic overall aesthetic. At £22, we really can’t argue with the price either — it’s a cocktail party-worthy dress that fits into practically every budget. You may even have some dough leftover to play with accessories that can make this number even more of a stunner.
And before we head over the accessories, if you’re looking for a black dress that’s a touch of the beaten track, try one of the following from French Connection.
Wild Card
Covering the cold shoulder, sequinned, leather, lace and baroque trends, you’ll be hot on trend for this Autumn / Winter 2012 season.
Accessories
It’s not hard to get your glam on in a little black dress. We chose this classic Kate Spade clutch, a pair of suede pumps with a snakeskin detail, and a sparkling pair of earrings to pull the outfit together. The best thing about these accessories: they’re so easy to mix and match with other outfits. That said, nothing makes a statement like a little black dress that fits perfectly.
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini | Earrings: Anthropologie | Clutch: Kate Spade
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