Closet Control: Key item #3

To have a gorgeous wardrobe is every fashionista's dream, having a huge variety of unique but on-trend ensembles at the ready is perfection. However to each wardrobe there are basics that are a must, no matter what you're personal style without these basics you're wardrobe won't be at its best, over the next few weeks I'll post various sections of the 'perfect' wardrobe with pictures, diagrams and helpful hints on how to achieve you're very own 'perfect' wardrobe. 

This post is about the third key item which will help you build your 'perfect' wardrobe, which is LBD's (Little Black Dresses.)

LBD's are super important for building a 'perfect' wardrobe because they are a 'go to' garment. This basically means if you're stuck for what to wear to a more formal event, you can't go wrong with an LBD! You can pair them with almost anything; heels, flats or ankle boots, cardigans, blazers or jackets, scarves, clutches or statement necklaces. The best thing about LBD's is there are so many variations out there you can find one that suits you perfectly. 

My advice on finding the perfect Little Black Dress is to go with simplicity, after all 'The greatest form of Sophistication is simplicity' The reason that having a simple LBD is the best idea is because it will be extremely versatile, you can add a denim jacket and ankle boots for a casual look or pair with sky high heels and a statement necklace for a formal event. Here are a few styles that I love... 

A simple round-neck, no sleeved, A-Line style dress. 

A long sleeved, round neck, flared skirt dress. 

This dress has a simple neckline and no sleeves with added Peplum detailing.

Cross over back detail, bodycon style dress.

V neck, wrap style dress with ruffled hem. 

LBD's are a wonderful edition to any wardrobe because of the simplicity  they'll always be a simple yet chic look. My formal 'go-to' look is my LBD (bodycon with simple neckline and jeweled cuffs) paired with a collar style necklace, statement heels and a clutch. The main focus for a 'perfect wardrobe' is to have items that are versatile and you can wear them lots of times in order to get your money's worth and to always be able to find something to wear,. The LBD fits that criteria perfectly! 

It's so important to pick a little black dress that flatters your body shape and that you can play around with to achieve different styles, look at my example of a simple transformed from day to night...

It's so easy to change the style of a dress. For the daytime look I chose a sheer, burgundy blouse which would be worn under the dress, as layering is commonly more of a daytime look. I chose a denim jacket as these are very casual and give an urban feel to the outfit  A pair of black tights are very simple and would look good with the dress. A pair of biker boots would look good with this dress as their casual and urban, also a backpack thrown on for more of an urban edge and finally a double fingered gold ring for again an urban feel. Casual look complete! 

To achieve the formal look, I was influenced by 'less is more' and my obsession with glitter! A statement necklace, is simple yet sophisticated, a nighttime must! Keep the colour palette neutral if you're going for sparkles, I'm sticking to champagne and gold. I chose a pair of Louboutins as they're classy and elegant which is the look i aim to achieve. I paired this with a sparkly, gold clutch as it's super chic and very useful on a night out. Finally an Yves Saint Laurent ring in a champagne colour to maximise the sophisticated look. 

And that is too very difficult, equally as gorgeous looks created with the base of the same dress. It's so simple to create different looks with one dress, it's all about what you team it with and the colours and decoration used. 

When shopping for an LBD it's important to try heaps on until you find the one that's right for you take into account the skirt length, the fit of the dress, the neckline, sleeve length and the sleeve type as these things will affect the overall look of the dress. It's also important to remember that it's okay to splash out when buying an little black dress as you can re wear it so many times, instead of buying lots of cheap dresses you get one or two wears out of, invest in a higher quality, more useful LBD you can wear again and again!

I hope this post gives you inspiration and helps you,

 Love Dixie

:) xox