The little black dress isn’t as visible at parties as it once was. Jayanthi Madhukar taps into the fashion circuit for an update
Every time you are at a party, look around carefully. While partygoers are all glammed up in sequins, shimmer or smart trendy looks, there is something missing. And that something is the LBD (little black dress, just in case you didn’t know)! It seems to have quietly disappeared from the party scene even as flowy clothes have taken over the dance floors.
The LBD has been around ever since Coco Chanel championed its sleek modern look in 1926 as a respite from the frilly, fussy frocks of that era. Since then, it has made regular appearances in all the decades. That is, until now.
Health professional Sameera Krishna, who is a concert buff, notes, “It’s actually been quite a while since I have seen an LBD at any of the parties I have attended.” She herself has a long black dress which is her go-to party dress. “I find the long black dress equally trendy and way more comfortable.”
Over the years, the little black dress had been regarded as the textbook of fashion. It combined utility and style along with personality. It became the ‘revenge dress’ after Princess Diana wore it at one of her ‘single’ appearances. “Yet, the LBD, unlike what people like to think, isn’t for everyone,” says stylist Megha Singh. “Not every woman loves a little black dress. Most prefer a dress that suits them.”
But why has the LBD dropped off from the fashion lexicon?
“There can be many reasons for it,” Singh says. “But I believe that social media has made worldwide trends and fashions accessible to all. Now, there are so many options available that one doesn’t have to be on the lookout for the perfect LBD. In fact, your ‘wow-factor’ dress can be anything fancy, trendy or special.”
Ketaki Sharma, a law student in the city, believes that if the LBD has made itself scarce, it’s because fashion has upped its game. “Predictable and boring staples are quite passe. Also, there are so many international brands available that I would rather have a vibrant range of partywear. I like colour and so I would never consider the LBD for myself.” But she does have a black outfit that’s perfect for a party. “My black partywear is actually a black silk shirt and smart pair of black trousers. I usually accessorise with a bright belt or something to make it look blingy and glamorous.”
If it’s not the little black dress, then what is the next big thing? “It’s simply about style and that’s what the LBD was bringing,” Singh notes. “Your ‘it factor’ dress should bring in the ethos of the LBD which was a simple, easy garment that looked good. Your party outfit should be simple enough to not distract from you but striking enough for people to notice you. It should be neutral, made from a plush material like silk, well-tailored, and exacting in its simplicity. That means, details like neck, sleeves, seams and finishing – all matter. If it’s a sequined dress, the density of the sequins matter, if it’s embroidery, it should be handmade.”
So, even if the little black dress isn’t around so much, its concept is still doing the rounds - a sartorial choice that will highlight your personality. All occasions need that.