Trend of the week: LBDs

“When a little black dress is right, there is nothing else to wear in its place.” — Wallis Warfield Simpson, Duchess of Windsor.

INSPIRATION

In 1926 Coco Chanel published a picture of a short black dress in American Vogue and fashion history was made. This straight calflength frock, nicknamed ‘Chanel’s Ford’, soon became the Model T of chic dressing, with its own three letter acronym – the LBD (little black dress). Fast-forward to 2012 and the LBD’s influence remains unchanged bar the hemline. Little or long – take your pick!

STYLE NOTES

Long and leggy? Flaunt those gams in a mini style with exaggerated detail like feathers and beading.

Tunic shapes offer ample room around the middle – perfect for disguising bigger tummies.

A-line shapes and fabrics with vertical darts make ideal companions for bottom-heavy pears.

Enhance an hourglass shape with belted styles and fabrics with cureskimming stretch.