The Evolution of the Little Black Dress (2024)

The Evolution of the Little Black Dress (1)

The little black dress may have been introduced by Coco Chanel, but it was Audrey Hepburn who made the garment famous in the film Breakfast at Tiffany's. From Hepburn's Givenchy sheath to Queen Bey's Topshop embellished mini, the LBD has become the uniform of choice for some of the most iconic women in history. However, styles have evolved over the years. Here, we've chronicled the closet staple from the 1920s to now, proving its timeless appeal.

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1

Joan Bennett, January 1928

The Evolution of the Little Black Dress (2)

Joan Bennett kept with traditional flapper style—a drop waist and a paneled hem—but the black color makes it timeless.

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2

Lauren Bacall, December 1944

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Lauren Bacall dresses up her v-neck LBD with a four-strand pearl choker—and, of course, her killer stare.

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3

Elizabeth Taylor, January 1950

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The full skirt and tight bustier of Elizabeth Taylor's dress was the epitome of style in the 1950s, but rather than follow the bright print and pattern trend of the time, the young starlet opted for a simple black fabric.

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4

Sophia Loren, 1955

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Actress Sophia Loren proves that there's no limit to what you can do with a LBD with this pleated and nautical design she wore in Cannes.

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5

Marilyn Monroe, July 1956

The Evolution of the Little Black Dress (10)

Marilyn Monroe's chic figure-hugging black sheath dress proves that less is always more.

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6

Audrey Hepburn, June 1961

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Givenchy was chosen to design Audrey Hepburn's iconic black sheath dress that she wore in the opening scene of Breakfast at Tiffany's.

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7

Joan Crawford, October 1962

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Joan Crawford opted for a tulle scoop neck black dress when she appeared on The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson.

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8

Sophia Loren, 1965

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Sophia Loren knew how to travel in style, which is why the actress opted for a belted black coat dress and cheetah print hat while flying with TWA in the '60s.

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9

Catherine Deneuve, September 1966

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French actress Catherine Deneuve added a bit of flair to her simple black dress with a gold square belt and metal embellishments.

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10

Jaqueline Kennedy, September 1970

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In true '70s style, Jackie Kennedy stepped out of her New York City apartment wearing a chic chiffon and ruffled sleeved black dress.

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11

Madonna, November 1985

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The "Like a Virgin" singer was known for her theatrics, which is why she shocked fans with her simple yet sophisticated black dress on Saturday Night Live.

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12

Kate Moss, January 1990

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A young model at the time, Kate Moss's black dress with a high neck and cut out details wowed on the red carpet alongside her boyfriend, Johnny Depp.

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13

Princess Diana, June 1994

The Evolution of the Little Black Dress (26)

Princess Diana's off the shoulder, form fitting silk little black dress has been labeled "the revenge dress" as she wore it the same night Prince Charles aired his tell-all documentary about the couple's marriage and subsequent divorce. Although Diana didn't make a statement that night, her LBD spoke volumes.

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14

Sarah Jessica Parker, January 1995

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Pre-Carrie Bradshaw, Sarah Jessica Parker flexed her style skills in a short black slip dress and sheer tights.

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15

Reese Witherspoon, September 1997

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If we could personify the '90s into one dress, Reese Witherspoon's spaghetti strap black mini dress for the House of Yes premiere would be it.

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16

Gwyneth Paltrow, November 2000

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Gwyneth Paltrow took the little black dress to a whole new level at the Bounce premiere in 2000. The starlet opted for a strapless, knee-length, and ruched version of the classic.

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17

Mischa Barton, December 2003

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The open slit and one shoulder cut on Mischa Barton's Billboard Music Awards dress gives the look a modern spin.

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18

Naomi Campbell, February 2006

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The below the knee length on Naomi Campbell's silk corset dress keeps the look sophisticated and classic.

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19

Angelina Jolie, May 2007

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Angelina Jolie looked demure in a black lace dress at the Cannes Film Festival with Brad Pitt.

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20

Charlize Theron, June 2008

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At the Hancock premiere in London Charlize Theron rocks the red carpet in a peplum black dress with a sky-high slit.

The Evolution of the Little Black Dress (2024)

FAQs

What is the history behind the little black dress? ›

Created by Coco Chanel in 1926, the little black dress was translated to ready-to-wear as a staple of late afternoon and cocktail hours; American women at every level of consumption knew the importance of a practical, "well-mannered black." Black had been used for formal and semi-formal occasions in preceding decades.

What was the impact of the little black dress? ›

In its ubiquity and versatility, the little black dress has delivered some of the most indelible images of our visual age. Endlessly appropriated and translated, each dress is imbued with the value of its day — from service to independence, from restraint to temptation, from glamour to grace.

What is the significance of the little black dress in LBD? ›

Today, the little black dress remains as relevant as ever, a testament to timeless style. From Coco Chanel's pioneering design to its contemporary interpretations, the LBD continues to be celebrated as a symbol of elegance, simplicity, and enduring style.

What is the trickle down theory of the little black dress? ›

Trickle-down Theory

This theory is based on ideas related to social class. It explains that individuals of higher socioeconomic status set the trends, and then those of lower socioeconomic statuses follow these trends.

What is the origin of the black dress? ›

As the Victorian era began, black transitioned from a color of art to one of grief and mourning – widows were expected to wear black for at least a year – and also for service livery, as the uniform for maids. In 1926 Coco Chanel published a picture of a short, simple black dress in American Vogue.

What does a black dress symbolize? ›

Black is a staple color of nearly every modern wardrobe. Scholars of both fashion and color have discovered that the black has an incredibly wide range of symbolic meanings, including austerity, virtue, wealth, sophistication, eroticism, mourning, and evil.

What is a fun fact about the little black dress? ›

The "little black dress" or LBD was popularized by Coco Chanel in the 1920s, but its roots can be traced back to the Victorian era when black dresses were worn as a symbol of mourning. Black women have adopted the LBD as a versatile and elegant piece of clothing that can be dressed up or down for various occasions.

What inspired Coco Chanel to create the little black dress? ›

While other designers were turning to fancy, colorful clothes as an antidote to all this gloom, Chanel steered into it, he wrote, producing little black dresses whose “somewhat severe and simple lines were off-set by her signature accessories–a rope of large fake pearls, a fabric camellia or a plain cloche hat.”

Why is the little black dress such an important piece in fashion? ›

The little black dress, also known as the LBD, is a timeless and iconic piece of fashion that has stood the test of time. Originally introduced in the 1920s, the little black dress has undergone a significant transformation over the decades, becoming a symbol of sophistication, elegance, and versatility.

What did Coco Chanel say about the little black dress? ›

“Before me, no one would have dared to dress in black.….. A black so deep, so noble that once seen, it stays in the memory forever.

What does it mean when a girl wears a little black dress? ›

The little black dress is a symbol of class, business, elegance, and sexiness. Hollywood's influence on fashion helped the small black dress's popularity. In the world of fashion, the little black dress is very popular.

Who said every woman needs a little black dress? ›

The little black dress or better known as a LBD was introduced to us by Coco Chanel in the 1920s. It was inspired by the uniform wear of nuns and maids and had a completely different meaning back then. The black dress is considered the foundation of being a sophisticated woman.

What does wearing a little black dress mean? ›

The LBD has long been a shorthand for good taste. In 1954, Christian Dior's The Little Dictionary of Fashion declared it appropriate to wear black at any time, any age and for almost any occasion. At once the cloak of mourning and the uniform of the chic socialite, it is also a symbol of sexual sophistication.

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