Style Tips: Little Black Dresses

As we approach the holiday season, the style savvy among us will no doubt be whipping out all their best little black dresses, ready to make the rounds on the party scene. Something as simple as an LBD has the potential to be accessorized to the max and we have chosen some of our favorite celebs to show us how it’s done. As you pencil in events on your social calendar, take some time to read this month’s Style Tips for some different takes on styling your little black dresses.

STYLE TIP #1 / Pair a skintight LBD with platinum blonde hair and a pop of color for an 80s-inspired look: Taylor Momsen has to be one of the most confident 16-year-olds we’ve ever seen. Here, Taylor pairs a leathery bandage dress with her signature platinum-blonde locks and hot pink peep-toes, adding color to an otherwise simple outfit. The overall look is very vintage-Debbie Harry, which suits Taylor down to a tee. We suggest pairing your bleached locks with this Mini Layer Dress ($198) by T-Bags. Add a pair of Alexander McQueen’s Patent Pumps ($462.50) to complete the look.

STYLE TIP #2 / Add some punk-esque styling to your look with a mesh dress and fishnet tights: Alice Dellal has burst onto the fashion scene in the last few years, bringing her punk-esque styling with her. Though this is one of her more tame outfits, she still manages to toughen it up with fishnet stockings, mesh cut-outs that show just about everything and a studded collar. For a similar look, combine Silence & Noise’s Mesh Inset Dress ($48) these Pointy-Toe Satin Pumps ($39) and Bebe’s Fishnet Tights ($12). We don’t recommend shaving half your head, Dellal-style, to anyone.

STYLE TIP #3 / Take rock chic to the max with feminine sequins mixed with gladiator boots and messy hair: As always, Erin Wasson has perfected the unkempt-yet-chic look with a sequin dress, gladiator boots and a mess of curls mixed with a gold headband. Erin even gets away with having a broken leg and crutches as an accessory; some might say they add to the look. To get Erin’s style tips on the LBD, we think that Beyond Vintage’s Sequin Mini Dress ($326) makes for a fashionable stand-in paired with Michael Antonio’s Owen Gladiator Sandals ($44.96). Accessorize with this Sparkle Knot Headband ($18).

STYLE TIP #4 / Throw a silky bed jacket over your dress for a flirty touch: One of the most stylish mamas around, Nicole Richie definitely set the bar high when it comes to maternity style, showing us how to put together a look that can be worn again post-baby. Adding a silky bed jacket to her LBD gives it a feminine look while her strappy sandals have a tough edge to them. We like the Victoria Dress ($138) by Guess by Marciano, paired with Free People’s Kimono Sheer Jacket ($68) and Chinese Laundry’s Love Me Pumps ($90).

STYLE TIP #5 / Add classic elements to your LBD with ballet flats and a leather hobo bag: As you would expect of a supermodel, Kate Moss manages make even the most simple of outfits look amazing. Here she adds a little flourish to her look with metallic detail on the cuffs and collar of her dress. She adds a pair of her favorite ballet flats and a hobo bag, giving a sly nod to her wilder side. Try this Tie Neck Silk Dress ($89) by Armani Exchange with Repetto’s BB Distressed Leather Ballet Flats ($250) and Chinese Laundry’s Dolly 2 Hobo ($98).

STYLE TIP #6 / Mix your long-sleeved LBD with suede fringed booties for an understated bohemian look: Our final Style Tip comes from Lily Aldridge, a model who knows how to mix classic with grunge with hippie to come up with a look that is all her own. It doesn’t hurt that she can accessorize with her current flame, Kings of Leon frontman Caleb Followill. This Twist Long Sleeve Dress ($118) by C&C California will look perfect when paired with these Fringe Platform Suede Booties ($550) by Tapeet.