bizMe

Being a woman we have a few standout luxuries, one of them being the Little Black Business Dress. We can reach into our closets and have a never-fail, always good-looking, LBBD. And fortunately, there is no shortage of these “little bit sexy, whole lot savvy” wardrobe staples.

Walking into department stores like Bloomingdales and Nordstrom’s, you will find entire black dress sections. On the higher end, you can find the “Lise” Lace Dress by Diane von Furstenberg at Nordstrom’s. The dress is cut short, but the high sheer neck balances it out. Also, the grommeted belt really sets it apart from just being another waist-defining dress. This piece screams work party. Also at Nordstrom’s, you’ll find the BCBG MAX AZRIA Tiered Knit Dress which will be appropriate for work or play. The tightness makes it a little bit sexy, but the full-coverage makes it appropriate for a work party turned night-on-the-town. The exposed back zipper also gives it an edge.

Bloomingdales also has a webpage housing only black dresses. The “Secret Agent” dress from Nanette Lepore has style and class—perfect for your next career event. The crewneck and wide shoulder straps make it corporate-appropriate while the angled zip pockets and exposed zipper back make it sassy. The “Anella” dress by Jolie is also a fitting LBBD. This would work well at any company mixer.

If I had to pick one store though, that would have the perfect LBBD every time, no questions asked, it would be Banana Republic. Everything is work appropriate while not looking stuffy. My favorite dress that they have out now is the BR Monogram Embroidered Ruffle Dress. It screams style and class. You also can never go wrong with a sheath dress—the silhouette is timeless and is usually flattering to any body type—the ruffles add a flair of femininity to an LBBD that’s perfect anywhere.

Also stores to hit while on your search for your LBBD would be Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and Forever 21. One of the dresses I would like to highlight would be Silence & Noise’s Short Sleeve Knit Fitted Zip Dress at UO. First of all, with a price tag of $58, it’s not a bank-buster. Also, it has pockets—I love pockets. This dress is a soft knit—comfy yet work-wearable. Also a key piece found at UO would be the Urban Renewal Trouser Jumper Dress. The coolest aspect about this LBBD is that it was made from vintage trouser pants.

At Anthropolgie, I would recommend the Night Fever dress. It’s light and silky—it says “Maybe I’m vintage, maybe I’m not, but either way, I’m fabulous.”

And sometimes digging around Forever 21 can be a process, but the LBBD’s you’ll come out with, are worth it. This Woven Lattice Cutouts Dress is perfect for the end of summer going into the fall. The cutout pattern gives it a flirty, summery feel.

And finally, when your look has to be classic and professionally chic, this Audrey Hepburn look from White House Black Market is a must!

So many dresses, so little time! Just remember—the most important thing—what you feel good in—is the right LBBD for you.