JFS STYLE

It’s 7pm. You’ve got half an hour to shower, change, do your hair and make-up and be out of the door on your way to an amazing Christmas party. But what are you going to wear?

The new purple, sequined mini that almost, but not quite, goes with your best heels? The red, satin, Fifties prom-dress that you love, but that doesn’t really work in winter because you haven’t got the right jacket or coat to go on top? The scoop-back, green velvet slink? Except that your only multiway bra – essential, given the spinal cleavage – is in the wash…

Or do you simply ignore the stress of choice and co‑ordination and reach for your favourite LBD, as trusty and reliable as a treasured family pet, and sashay forth, secure in the knowledge that the dress fits, flatters and makes you look and feel fabulous?

Nine times out of 10, I bet it’s the latter. Experimenting with bold colour, an exotic vintage or an elaborate, beaded confection is fun once in a while, but pulling it off requires serious concentration and confidence.

The Little Black Dress is one of fashion’s greatest success stories. It has survived acclaim and criticism, and been dismissed as boring, safe and frumpy. Yet nearly a century after it was first “invented” by Coco Chanel, it remains one of the most essential - and favourite - items in a woman’s wardrobe.

Tellingly, it was one of the most popular choices at the British Fashion Awards gala at the Royal Courts of Justice last Wednesday, worn by the likes of Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham, Grace Coddington, Eva Herzigova, Erin O’Connor, Jerry Hall, Yasmin Le Bon, Princess Beatrice, Pixie Geldof, Bond girl Olga Kurylenko, Daisy Lowe - fashionistas and style warriors one and all.

But to apply the word “little” to the big, glamorous, bold and beautiful creations that these girls were wearing is, well, a little ridiculous. Back in Coco’s day an LBD might have been a little slip of a dress, worn with a string of pearls. Today, though, it’s a major fashion statement.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR LBD

- Rock it, like Kate Moss, with a heavy-duty biker belt, a total contrast to her fragile, vintage chiffon gown by John Galliano for Dior
- Create an LBH (Little Black Hairdo) to match. Victoria Beckham’s upswept samurai-chignon was 'dressed’ with wide, black ribbons
- Wear bright red lipstick and shoes
- Pile on the pearls - wrists, ears and neck
- Pick lacy, cobweb or fishnet tights.
By Hilary Alexander, Fashion Director
http://jfsstyle.blogspot.com

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Little black dresses for the Christmas party season

JFS STYLE

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