When Michelle mentioned her search for a semi-formal dress to wear to a law school function, my first thought was Little Black Dress. As an intern and future attorney, she will be required to attend numerous semi-formal social events. If you have a similar career path, or are married to someone who does, you may want to take note...
According to Wikipedia,
A little black dress is an evening or cocktail dress, cut simply and often with a short skirt, originally made popular in the 1920s by the fashion designer Coco Chanel. Intended by Chanel to be long-lasting, versatile, affordable, accessible to the widest market possible and in a neutral color, its continued ubiquity is such that many refer to it by its abbreviation, LBD.
The "little black dress" is considered essential to a complete wardrobe by many women and fashion observers, who believe it a "rule of fashion" that every woman should own a simple, elegant black dress that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion: for example, worn with a jacket and pumps for daytime business wear or with more ornate jewelry and accessories for evening. Because it is meant to be a staple of the wardrobe for a number of years, the style of the little black dress ideally should be as simple as possible: a short black dress that is too clearly part of a trend would not qualify because it would soon appear dated.
Soapbox moment: I think people are often way too casual these days when attending special occasions (like wedding receptions!). If you feel like you never know what to wear--invest in one simple, elegant black dress. Wearing a somewhat formal dress shows taste and respect for the important occasion. When in doubt, over-dress!
Basic Black Olivia, Shade Clothing, $90. Simple and elegant.
Sabrina, Shabby Apple, $96. Pretty satin dress with separate tulle slip.
Teri Jon Belted Silk Shantung Shirtdress, Nordstrom, $308. This one is also gorgeous.
Nina Geniza black luster satin, Zappos.com, $100. Just like the LBD, every woman needs a good pair of black dress shoes. Nina makes some beautiful formal shoes. Select a high quality, classic style and (along with your dress) you will be ready for wherever life takes you!
Jones New York Dress Voile Shirtdress with sash, Nordstrom, $150. A bit over the price range, but too gorgeous to ignore!
Lily Ruched Waist Jersey Dress, Nordstrom, $88. I bet this one is really comfortable.
Waist Detailed Ponte Knit Dress, BarriePace.com, $168. A cool modern look.
Rio Del Mar Dress, Down East Basics, $35. What a steal! So cute.
Merona Shirtdress in Blue/White stripe, Target, $28. A much lighter shade of blue.
Josie Dress, JCrew, $138. Fabulous detail. Beautiful color.
Ruffle Cotton Dress, BodenUSA, $108. A soft Carolina blue. (This one will need an undershirt--but it's machine washable!)
16 Candles Dress, Shabby Apple, $65. I have this dress and I LOVE it! Comfy and very flattering. It's actually midnight blue, even though it looks black in the picture. The great thing about selecting a navy dress is that you can wear it all year, just add boots for fall/winter and sandals for spring/summer.
