Little Black Dress for Short and Curvy Women
The perfect little black dress (LBD) is a fashion staple. It's versatile, working hard from day to night. But how to find the perfect little black dress to flatter your body shape?
In this article, you'll find the best little black dresses for you as well as how to style your LBD, whether you're treating yourself to a new one or shopping your closet.
The perfect little black dress – a history
Of course black dresses were around before this, but Coco Chanel is credited with creating the perfect little black dress as we know it when one of her designs featured in Vogue in 1926.
Coco Chanel said:
"The little black dress is a uniform for all women of taste."
Effortless and polished, the LBD reached a style pinnacle when it was worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's.
Since then, the little black dress has continued to cement its iconic status, in all sorts of guises.
Remember Liz Hurley in her safety pin Versace number, Angelina Jolie in her split-to-the-thigh dress at the Oscars or Jennifer Aniston in just about every type of little black dress you can think of.
The reason for its enduring appeal is that the little black dress flatters anyone, no matter what shape or size you are.
One of the reasons for its enduring appeal is not only does the LBD flatter all body shapes, but it is perfect year round, whether for a winter party or a summer vacation.
How to choose the perfect little black dress for you
I've put together some tips on how to wear a little black dress and choosing the best LBD for your shape so you can feel comfortable and look fabulous all year.
If black is too harsh for you, feel free to replace black with navy blue which is softer for most women.
Another fabulous color to consider this year is burgundy or dark green.
You will find more inspiration here in the best colors for fall 2021.
Another way to wear a black dress even if the color is too harsh for you is to use colorful accessories in a shade that flatters your skin tone close to your face.
You may also like or article on how to find the best dresses to hide your tummy
Some tips for choosing the perfect little black dress
The little black dress knows no bounds when it comes to shapes, styling and versatility.
That can be a blessing because there are so many black dresses to choose from, so there is bound to be one out there which is perfect for you.
But it can also be a curse because – how do you know where to start when there are so many options?
Below are some initial tips to get you thinking about how to wear a little black dress that will work for you.
1. Consider when you will wear it
Are you looking for the perfect little black dress for daywear or for evening (you can of course use it for both).
If it's mainly for eveningwear, you can think about luxe fabrics like lace or velvet.
But if you mainly want it for daytime, you could look at a more casual fabric such as jersey.
Emms @beautifuleveryday_uk above opts for a dress that could easily be worn for the office, and then you could switch for statement accessories for an evening event.
Recreate her outfit with this similar pencil dress (another option here), pumps and sling bag.
Also take a look at our article on the best midi dresses in stores now.
2. You probably want more than one little black dress
Although there are definitely plenty of black dresses that will take you to any occasion, you probably want to invest in more than one.
I would choose one that is more suited to daywear and one that is your go-to LBD when you have an unexpected evening event.
3. What do you want to show off?
More on this later! But, as with any item in your closet, think about how it will flatter your body type, disguise your "flaws" and show off the parts of your body you like.
You might want a dress with sleeves to cover your upper arms, or you could opt for a one-shoulder number because you love your shoulders. You may want to look for a dress with some ruching around the tummy area to hide a belly.
The choices are endless.
Eugenia @theeageofgrace above (read her style interview here) opts for a dress that drapes so would be perfect to hide a belly if this is an area of your body you aren't so confident about – and to show off your legs.
Check out these dresses from Amazon and River Island that you can wear with this similar pair of knee high boots, handbag, necklace and sunglasses.
4. You may need to wear more make-up
While black can be universally flattering to your figure, it is not always so flattering for your skin tone as it can wash you out.
Bear in mind that you might want to add more make-up or wear a brighter scarf or jewelry near your face.
5. Change your look with accessories
The beauty of a black dress is it is often a blank canvas.
No one will remember whether you've worn it to countless events because you can make it look different each time with the accessories you choose.
Greetje @no_fear_of_fashion above (read her style interview here) shows how you could wear your black dress for the warmer months. Just add a pair of tights and boots to change your outfit for winter.
Recreate her outfit with this similar shirtdress, sandals, handbag and earrings.
Little Black Dresses for Curvy Women
If you're curvy, a little black dress is one of your best friends.
Black is naturally slimming and the right dress can create a sexy look that shows off your best assets.
Here are some more tips for selecting the right LBD:
- Pick one that brings attention to your chest with a sexier cut or v-neck.
- Wear a good, supportive bra to lift.
- Add a belt to your LBD.
- Or pick an LBD with a belt or waist-cinching detail.
- Choose a length either right below the knee or slightly above the knee.
- A sheath or wrap dress is the perfect LBD choice for curvy women.
I love the Karen Kane dress (below) as it is an absolute classic that will flatter most figures.
Karen Kane Cascade Faux Wrap Dress
For more tips, read our article on how to dress when you have a large bust
Little Black Dresses for Petite Women
Petite women are known as anyone under 5'4″.
And just because a woman is petite in height, that doesn't mean all shorter women are one size. Many petite women are busty or curvy or plus size.
But there are some rules all petite ladies can use when choosing a LBD:
- Choose an LBD with vertical details that will make you look longer.
- Add sheer black stockings to lengthen your legs, or wear nude shoes.
- Avoid large details like ruffles which may overpower you.
- A three-quarter length sleeve elongates your arms.
- Go with a shorter dress or one two to three inches below the knees.
- If you're a big-busted petite, a higher, empire waist dress will lengthen your body.
- Have your LBD fitted perfectly by a local tailor.
- Keep your accessories small and simple.
The little black dress remains a wardrobe staple. You could also dress it up a bit with some statement tights? For more inspiration on how to wear tights you can refer to this article.
Star Vixen Petite Short Sleeve Ballerina Wrap Dress
For all our tips check our article on how to dress when you are petite.
Little Black Dresses for Plus-Size Women
There is no reason that a plus-size woman needs to wear oversized, flowy clothing. Think about which assets are your favorite and emphasize them.
How?
If you love your legs, wear a shorter LBD.
If your legs make you self-conscious, wear a longer black dress.
Love your butt? Find a little black dress with a sexy, pencil-skirt cut.
Use boldly colored and patterned accessories, bags and shoes to avoid looking too somber.
The most important tip for plus size women in search of the perfect little black dress is that you find the best quality material that flatters and supports.
Avoid thinner, tight and shiny materials that will accentuate 'flaws'.
POSESH Plus Size V-Neck Maxi Dress
Little Black Dresses for women – for hiding those parts that you want to downplay
I like to use this as its own category because we all, regardless of body shape, have something we want to downplay while accentuating something else.
Most of us will want to to conceal is our tummy, while accentuating a smaller waist.
To flatten the tummy and accentuate your waist more, you'll need an LBD with some good, built-in support.
"Bandage dresses" are nice and tight in the tummy area. Kimono dresses are forgiving.
Another ideas is to go with a panel waistband and flared skirt.
Good shapewear underneath your LBD will make all the difference in the world in smoothing and tucking the waist and tummy area. Or you could try a dress that incorporates tummy control like the option below.
Rekucci Fit-and-Flare Crossover Tummy Control Dress
Also see our article on how to look taller and slimmer .
Black dresses for your individual body shape
Now, let's take a look in more detail at some little black dresses that may suit your body shape.
LBD for the apple shape
If you are an apple shape, you're likely to want to skim over your tummy area. Opt for a dress which drapes over your figure rather than clings. A v-neck will be a good option as this helps to create long, lean lines.
a LBD that skims rather than clings. She also draws attention away from the tummy area by wearing a bright scarf and by choosing statement sleeves.
Julia @when_the_girls_rule above (read her style interview here) wears a sheath dress that skirts over the tummy area. She draws the attention upwards with a colorful scarf.
Check out this similar shift dress, tights, shoes, handbag and scarf.
BELONGSCI Bell Sleeve Shift Dress
Pear shape
If you have a pear shape figure, you are likely to want to downplay your hips and thighs. Look for a dress which draws attention to your upper half and swings out from the waist.
Verdusa Fit and Flare Midi Dress
Hourglass
Creating a great outfit is often about creating balance. If you're an hourglass, you're lucky, your figure is already balanced. You can make the most of that by choosing a dress which nips in at the waist to show off your lovely curves.
Fixmatti Wrap Knit Belted Dress
Rectangle
As a rectangle shape, you may want to make the most of your athletic figure or you might want to create some curves through the dress that you choose.
Many models are rectangle shaped, so you may want to experiment and choose a LBD which is a bit different to the norm.
Star Vixen Faux Wrap Dress
Inverted triangle
As an inverted triangle, you will want to create balance in the opposite way to the pear shape. Therefore, you'll want to downplay your shoulders. A halterneck can do that because the eye is drawn to the lines of the dress.
Calvin Klein Halter Neck Dress
More perfect little black dresses to flatter your figure
Black cocktail dress
Nikki @40notfrumpy above looks very stylish, and on-trend, in her black polka dot dress.
Get her look with this similar cocktail dress (another option here), pumps and bag.
Kay Unger Fringe Hem Cocktail Dress
Black dress with sleeves
A little black dress doesn't have to be sleeveless. You can opt for a LBD with sleeves if you aren't so keen on your upper arms.
If you do prefer to cover your upper arms, you don't have to have sleeves which go all the way down to your wrist.
You could opt for sleeves which end above the elbow, or for three-quarter length sleeves if you prefer.
DouBCQ Loose Dress
Also take a look at the best dresses with sleeves.
Black formal dresses
For formal occasions, a longer-than-the-knee black dress can be the perfect option. Choose a classic style and you'll be able to wear it year-after-year. Or look out for on-trend details such as volumnious sleeves.
Romwe Mock Neck Long Mesh Sleeve Sheath Dress
Black midi dress
Midi lengths are particularly on trend right now and can show off the slimmest part of your calves. The Halogen dress (below) would be ideal for any season.
Halogen Marbleized Long Sleeve Shirtdress
Black mini dress
If you've pushed your mini dresses to the back of your closet, it could be time to think again. A black mini dress can look fantastic worn over leggings, skinny jeans or slim pants.
PRETTYGARDEN Lantern Sleeve Tie Waist Knit Dress
Black long dress
A maxi dress will always create drama, in the best way possible. You could choose from a formal option for an evening event or a summer maxi dress for a vacation.
Ever-Pretty V-Neck Long Evening Dress
Black shirt dress
A shirt dress is a flexible option you can wear throughout the year. Deborah @deborahgates_ above (read her style interview here) shows how you could layer your shirt dress over pants.
Steal her look with this similar shirtdress, wide leg pants and sandals.
COS Shirt Dress
Black maxi dress
The jersey maxi dress (below) could be worn casually for winter with a moto jacket and boots. Or you can wear as it is styled here with a long necklace and sandals for summer.
AUSELILY long sleeve maxi dress
Black off the shoulder dress
If you feel self conscious about other parts of your body but you love your shoulders, then you could opt for a stylish off-the-shoulder dress.
GOBLES Ruched Off Shoulder Cocktail Dress
Black slip dress
Slip dresses were on trend in the 90s, and they're back in style now. However, given that most slip dresses have spaghetti straps, they can be unforgiving. You could stay on-trend by wearing a sweater over the top, or a t-shirt underneath.
SUPESU Eden Draped Cowl Slip Dress
Black sweater dress
For daywear when the weather is cooler, you could try a sweater dress. Wear with your leggings or tights and knee boots.
Karen Kane Long Sleeve Turtleneck Sweater Dress
Black blazer dress
A blazer dress could be another versatile option to consider. You could wear as it is, or layer over a long-sleeved sweater.
Dorrie @seniorstylebible above (read her style interview here) looks both timeless and edgy in her blazer dress worn with on-trend pattern tights and chunky heels.
Check out this blazer dress that you can wear with this similar tights, pumps, handbag, earrings and sunglasses.
If you choose a shorter style, you can wear with leggings or leather-look leggings underneath.
Romwe Blazer Mini Dress
Black sequin dress
To really make an impact, you could choose a dress with sequins. You can keep your jewelry to a minimum and add a slick of red lipstick.
Dress the Population Emery Sequin Midi Sheath Dress
Black wrap dress
The wrap dress is an icon of style that is flattering for most women, no matter what your body shape.
Berydress Sheath Faux Wrap Dress
Black velvet dress
Luxurious and decadent, velvet is always a good option for winter.
ZABERRY Wrap Velvet Evening Dress
Black satin dress
Satin can be a tricky fabric to wear because it can show every lump and bump if it is too thin.
Look out for dresses with thicker fabric. Also, for a vintage style, you could choose a fit and flare dress.
If you're worried about satin showing up any "flaws" on your hips and thighs, look for a dress with satin on the top and a different material on the lower half.
ASTR the Label Twist Front Satin Dress
Black silk dress
Silk is always a beautiful option for any season. If you find a flowy dress, you can create different looks by cinching it at the waist or leaving it loose.
H&M Silk-blend Shirt Dress
Black lace dress
Lace is great for adding texture and interest to your LBD.
Eliza J Lace Sheath Dress
Black summer dress
The LBD looks just as beautiful for summer as it does during the cooler months. Style with metallic accessories for a stylish vacation (when you're able to travel!).
Dawn Lucy @fashionshouldbefun above (read her style interview here) opts for a loose kaftan style that would be perfect for vacations.
Recreate her outfit with this similar maxi dress, flip flops, earrings, necklace and sunglasses.
Arolina Beach Long Maxi Dress
shop more black dresses here:
How about you? Have you found the perfect little black dress for your body shape?
Continue reading:
- The Best Dresses With Sleeves For Women Over 40
- The Best Dresses To Hide Your Tummy
- The Best Dresses For Your Body Shape
Like this article on how to find the perfect little black dress for your body shape? Share it on Pinterest!
Feature image by Dorrie @seniorstylebible
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