The Anti-LBD

Photo: Isaac Brekken/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

For years, it’s been one of the few things in life you could count on. It would come to your rescue in a pinch, and it would always find a way to make you look fabulous, even when you felt frumpy or bloated.

Indeed, the little black dress has been every fashionista’s best friend, but what if you need some space and crave a different look for the next company party or holiday soiree?

Ever since Sharon Stone confidently walked the Academy Awards red carpet in 1999 sporting a Vera Wang ball skirt and a black Gap tee, celebs have dared to abandon the tried-and-true cocktail dress -- and turned heads doing so. You can, too.

Four styles vie for your affections. See how these trending pieces can distinguish you from the pack at your next fete.

Jumpsuit

A far cry from the '70s pieces cut from polyester, today’s jumpsuits range from high-end cotton to silk and satin that are red-carpet worthy.
Sleeveless and single-shoulder styles adorned with the right amount of evening bling are revamping a past-time favorite, says Scottsdale-based wardrobe stylist and fashion writer Shannon Campbell. And contrary to urban fashion legend, there is a jumpsuit for nearly every body.
“When people think of jumpsuits, they think they are only for the prefect size 0 figure," Campbell says. "That simply isn’t the case anymore.”
Pear-shaped gals would benefit from styles that bring attention to the torso, like a halter or sleeveless cut, as Campbell recommends. If you are apple-shaped, go for styles with interesting leg features, such as harem pants or cuffed bottoms. Avoid big prints or horizontal patterns on the torso.
Belts worn a little lower than your natural waist add height to petite physiques, as would vertical stripes and longer cuffs paired with a good-sized heel. If you fall into the plus-size category, stick with darker colors and structured suits, which can add some dimension to your shoulders. Campbell suggests avoiding fabrics like silk or fine knits that cling to your body.
The silhouette should be more flowing than snug, creating an elegant look that doesn’t resemble a disco floor disaster, explains Jennifer Mumford, a buyer for and owner of HUB Clothing in Scottsdale, Arizona.
“Some women don’t want to feel like they're wearing a cat suit. It shouldn’t be skin tight; it should look like a blouse tucked into a pair of pants,” Mumford says.
Treating your jumpsuit like the LBD substitute it is will allow you to visualize wearing it to more events, making it one of the more versatile pieces in your walk-in, says Alison Levine, L.A.-based freelance stylist and movie designer and costumer.

“Think of this as your go-to piece," she insists. "Wear a sleek black jumpsuit with a dazzling blazer over it to spice up your look. Going to a polo match or an event outside? Wear your floral wide-egged jumpsuit to add some flare."

Menswear Tuxedo-Style Suit

Celebs have taken a no-holds-barred approach to the tuxedo, flaunting this masculine style, like Halle Berry does with a shimmery cami peaking through an unbuttoned blazer or going bare-chested beneath a buttoned double-breasted suit jacket, a la Rhianna. And, fashionista starlets like Camilla Belle demonstrate that showing less skin is more in a buttoned-up fitted tuxedo topped with a loose bow tie.
Embrace this look by combining a fitted blazer, feminine blouse, nice trousers and a fun tie, Levine suggests.
“Dress it up with a great clutch and killer heels and you have boyfriend chic,” she says.
Add a chunky necklace and tall sexy heels to add girly touches, Levine says.

Calling the tuxedo design a clean, classic look that can work well on every frame, Mumford says to be sure to keep everything in proportion to avoid an androgynous or stiff façade.
“If you have a loose trouser, pair it with a fitted top. If you have an oversized blazer, wear it with a fitted shirt tucked in,” she says. “Don’t do everything oversized.”
If you are full-figured, keep the lines long and lean and go for invisible pockets that blend into the jacket, says Sylvia Taylor, designer and stylist for Sylvia Taylor Couture in Phoenix.
“A jacket that has a large or even oversized lapels will help create balance with your body’s curves. Keep the lines long by opting for a wide pant leg and taller heel,” she says.
Go against the grain by choosing interesting fabrics like satin, tweed, cashmere or velvet. And looking fabulous doesn’t have to break the bank.
“When deciding on a tuxedo jacket, please know that you do not have to give up Christmas and sell the baby’s toys to snatch one," Taylor says. "Brands such as H&M, Ann Taylor and Ted Baker offer the looks, so think before you spend."

Skirt & Top

Every woman has this combo in her closet, waiting to get a formal makeover. The maxi skirt has hung on through the seasons and can be paired with embellished tops or fitted blouses with bold jewelry, Taylor says.
Kate Bosworth has flaunted delicate floor-length maxis with everything from a silky sleeveless shell to an upscale cap-sleeve T-shirt, while Mary Kate Olsen has strolled the red carpet pairing a dark ruffled-bottom maxi with a plunging white V-neck tee.
Taylor says she likes “a long wrap-style skirt with an embellished nude top to give a little leg action and a bit of sexy.” This look is best suited for frames that are tall and lean, but also works with hourglass, rectangle and pear structures, she says.
The versatile pencil skirt doesn’t have to be limited to the office. A version in black should be a staple in every wardrobe for fashionistas of all shapes and sizes. Emma Stone and Katie Holmes have flaunted sexy yet demure styles with long-sleeved blouses that range from fitted to flouncy. Use accessories to further dress up your look.
“Leave the top untucked with a blazer or jacket, or use a chunky belt around that loose top to add some fun flare,” Levine says.
Or, flaunt the results of spending all those hours at the gym by tucking in your shirt or blouse.
“People are so afraid to tuck. Tucking is sexy. It’s clean and neat. It will also give you a slimming look,” Levine says.

Upscale Shorts

The short-skirt alternative, dressy shorts in wool, velvet or silk can easily be paired with other pieces and accessories for a sophisticated outfit. Florals, sequins and rhinestones are some of the patterns on trend, Campbell says.
Team a pair with a short inseam with a top that is not super tight to keep the look classy, elegant and grown-up, instead of weekend casual.
“I like an oversized swing top or white blouse that you can tie around the top of the shorts for volume,” Mumford says.
Opt for a pair in which you are most comfortable. If the short shorts look isn’t your thing, go for a cute high-waisted pair instead.
“Wear a pair of high-waisted satin shorts that tie at the waist," Levine says. "This is elegant and feminine, and you can match this with many blazers, jackets and tops in your closet."
Pair with a men’s tuxedo jacket, as Beyonce does in her “Love on Top” music video, fur -- or faux if you prefer -- vest or turtleneck, Campbell says. Also, add that chunky necklace and bracelet that have become your go-to statement pieces.
For winter, complete the look with printed or solid opaque tights and don’t forget closed-toe shoes. Go for a flat heel boot or shoe boot, in a practical black color, Mumford says.
The basic black dress does not have to be your sole go-to party outfit. Expand your evening wardrobe creatively using any of these ensembles to maintain that fierce yet feminine look.