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As initials go, "LBD" outranks "CYA," "OMG" and "BFF" any day in a fashionista's vocabulary. The little black dress wasn't so little centuries ago, when black was reserved for funerals and black bouffant dresses were made with enough fabric to replicate a Christos art installation. Coco Chanel changed things up when she introduced the concept of the little black dress in the 1920s. Her designs celebrated the era of the emancipated woman, and today's versions are just as relaxed, comfy and flattering. No body shapers required these days, either.
Empire Silhouettes
A high waist covers a litany of temporary or permanent figure flaws, and even chicks in full maternity bloom or those embracing their plus size curves are going to find enough loose-fitting LBDs on hangers at boutiques to keep them happy at all types of occasions. For 2011, the empire silhouette can be morphed into a variety of trendy LBD dresses including one-shoulder designs; slim, strapless satin tube tops attached to short skirts, and summery favorites like tiered sundresses with spaghetti straps and graduated layers of lace-trimmed black cotton.
Ruffled Silhouettes
Rachel Bilson wore real Chanel when she donned a sleeveless LBD featuring tulle tiers that "InStyle" magazine fashion editors proclaimed "sophisticated-yet-girlie." Eva Mendes also chose a frilly black ruffled dress that hid her legendary curves so well, you might not know there's a smokin' body under that LBD. Ruffled dresses make you look flirtatious and sensuous, so whether you find one that's floor length or short, grab it and make it your go-to pick for all sorts of festive occasions.
Tricked-out Silhouettes
Selma Blair showed up at a star-studded event in a Fendi LBD designed to deliver both glam and comfort. Her strapless dress featured a flaired skirt as well as a wide, ruched and ruffled cummerbund that makes the simple dress look simply smashing. Molly Sims donned a Viktor & Rolf LBD that, according to "InStyle," "shows that edgy doesn't have to mean form-fitting." Tricked-out metal staples and armholes designed to show off lingerie pushed Sims' dress into the style stratosphere. Coco would be proud of both of these celeb fashionistas for showing the world how to wear a little black dress.
Retro Silhouettes
Chanel's goal was to free women from corsets, so her original LBD designs weren't nearly as tight and constricting as you've been lead to believe. In fact, celebrity stylists eagerly seek retro Chanel dresses for celebrity clients because they're so comfortable. A typical retro-Chanel silhouette might include an alluring white collar atop a simple chemise with a relaxed belt at the waist; elegant, loose dress lines with tight attached sleeves; or trapeze silhouettes to which Coco might add a dramatic silk scarf and pearls, a la Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast at Tiffany's."
