Whether you belong to the chic and understated school of party dressing or you’re a fully paid up member of the “more is more” club, there is an eyewear style to suit every party outfit. I have a foot in both camps. On one hand, I can think of nothing more elegant to wear for cocktails than a little black dress with classic accessories. On the other hand, my inner magpie tells me that a party isn’t a party without sequins. In this blog post, it’s the understated version, an LBD with an LBF, little black frame.
My dress and shoes are both from Boden. I bought the dress last year and the shoes around 4 years ago. The pearl necklace belonged to my late grandmother so it’s very special to me. The silver drop freshwater pearl earrings are a gift from Hersey and Sons.
The concept of the little black dress “LBD” is almost one hundred years old. In 1926 Coco Chanel published a picture of a simple long-sleeved black dress, accessorised with a string of pearls in American Vogue. Vogue likened it to the Ford Model T, in that it was simple and accessible to women of all social classes. This was timely, because the publication was released during the Great Depression, when simplicity and affordability were key. Later, during the Second World War, when textiles and fabrics were rationed, the LBD remained the outfit of choice. Women could be elegant on a budget.
Hollywood helped to increase the popularity of the LBD even more. As Technicolour films became more common, filmmakers relied on black dresses, because other colours didn’t translate well onto celluloid. Post-war, the rise of Dior’s “New Look” full skirts and cinched in waists gave the LBD a womanly, sexy update. Movie stars adopted the style both on and off screen, the most iconic of which must surely be Audrey Hepburn in 1961, wearing her Givenchy LBD for Breakfast At Tiffany’s.
The Perfect Pair
What is the perfect eyewear to complement an LBD? For an elegant, chic and understated look, a little black frame is the perfect choice. Black will never go out of style and it will accessorise any outfit without stealing the show. I’m wearing the STEPPER SI 30121.
It’s made from titanium, so, like all STEPPER eyewear, it’s lightweight and comfortable. The shape is classic, elegant and timeless. This lbf will take me from consulting room to cocktails, all year round.
I have an ongoing paid partnership with STEPPER. I write a bi-monthly feature for their blog which you can read here.
6 comments
Oh Liz I can’t get over how elegant you look… so incredibly classy. The sleeves on the dress are TDF, and the heels and the frames set the dress off beautifully 😀 #hearteyes
Catherine x
Thank you Catherine. The sleeves are gorgeous aren’t they. They make the dress look a little softer don’t they xxx
Dammit Liz! Another frame envy post!! It reminds me of those fine black frames I tried on with you and Catherine in Selfridges. They really do stand out but in a in a subtle and enhancing way.
I love everything about this outfit, so femme fatale. xx
Oh yes, they are like the ones you tried. They’re understated and elegant and super lightweight. An eyewear wardrobe staple! xxx
You’re clearly such a classy lady, Lizzy! The dress looks stunning on you, and those glasses are simply gorgeous!
Hugs
Suzy xx
Awww Suzy. You’re so kind- thank you. hugs to you too xxxxx