The black dress can truly never go out of style because it’s so ingrained in iconic fashion through the decades. It’s the one piece of clothing that has transcended time, style, trends, and the oft-changed “ideal body shape” of any given time period.
Cool “It girls” have been establishing their reputation for their style worth imitating through the use of the little black dress for as long as it’s been around. Some of their looks have gone down in fashion history as a guideline for clothing wearers everywhere. The right styling of the LBD just screams, Look at me, I know what I’m doing.
Wearing the clothes rather than having them wear you is simple with a black dress. It promises to make you look effortless and put together. And although intentional accoutrements elevate a look, the LBD doesn’t require any additional touches.
Let’s look at some of the most iconic little black dress moments in pop culture. Fortunately for you, recreating each of these timeless looks is easy with Reformation’s dresses. It’s time to place your own modern twist on these historic LBD moments.
Iconic Moment #1: Julia Roberts’ High Neck Dress
Of course we have to start with the 90’s style queen Julia Roberts. Her stretchy high neck dress showed just the right amount of skin and highlighted her subtle makeup. Diamonds are the perfect accessory—even better if it’s a diamond award. She wore this to receive the People’s Choice Favorite Movie Actress Award in 1998.
Recreate it with Reformation’s Mackenzie Dress.
Iconic Moment #2: Gigi Hadid’s Cut Out Dress
No one said the little black dress has to have a boring shape. Cutouts add a little flair to a basic silhouette. Gigi’s look played into the beachy element of the top with her mussed waves. Oh yeah, don’t think messy hair doesn’t work with a sophisticated black dress. It’s the best accent.
Recreate it with Reformation’s True Dress
Iconic Moment #3: Sophia Loren’s Blazer Dress
The fact that this LDB will be forever captured in relation to a plate of spaghetti elevates this photo to star status; it was Sophia Loren who famously said “I’d much rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size zero.” Oh yeah, she also said “Everything you see I owe to spaghetti.” Long live pasta and dressing up to eat it!
Recreate it with Reformation’s Alaine Dress.
Iconic Moment #4: Winona Ryder’s Spaghetti Strap Slip Dress
Winona Ryder practically coined the sleek minimalist look that raged in the 1990s. This slip dress with teensy tiny spaghetti straps and beading detail stayed true to her laid back style. She wore it to the movie premier of Celebrity in 1998, just dressing for another function celebrating her stardom, nbd.
Recreate it with Reformation’s Alisal Dress.
Iconic Moment #5: Zendaya’s White and Black Collared Dress
Zendaya’s style book is positively bursting with looks we’d love to repeat. Her clothes are always simple and sophisticated, probably because she’s like the coolest person ever. The white striping around the neckline and shoulders is a subtle twist on a classic straight outline. This LBD made its debut at the 16th Annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in 2017.
Recreate it with Reformation’s Damaris Dress.
Iconic Moment #6: Jennifer Anniston’s Handkerchief Two Piece
Now this one is a statement. Not only is it extremely 1999 in only the most amazing way, but it’s also a super fundamental creation. Its simplicity is exactly what set it in history’s memory. It does exactly what a black dress should do: highlights the stunning wearer (you). Good luck beating Jennifer Anniston’s signature hair when styling this look.
Recreate it with Reformation’s Mylie’s Two Piece.
Iconic Moment #7: Kate Moss’s Halter Neckline Dress
When you’re a model with fancy evening wear parties to attend like Kate Moss, you’re naturally going to keep your closet stocked with chic little mini dresses in the color black. Note how the cutouts flatter her waist while the halter emphasizes her shoulders. Also, can we appreciate how Kate Moss rocked the curtain bangs before they were a thing?
Recreate it with Reformation’s Filippa Dress.
Iconic Moment #8: Kendall Jenner’s See Through Dress
If you have six foot long legs (or somewhere in that range) like Kendall Jenner, it makes sense that you’d show them off, but a black dress with tastefully revealing sheer material makes a statement on bodies of any size. It’s actually the perfect way to show a little skin but not get cold. Practicality, we love it.
Recreate it with Reformation’s Darien Dress.
Takeaway
No item of clothing is as immortalized as the little black dress. You don’t have to be a celebrity to find an occasion to break out the LBD; versatility is the name of its game. Dress it up, dress it down, wear it to a Met gala or to the dentist. You do you. And wear the dress while you do it.