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A Fashion Classic: The Black Dress
Fashion authority Valerie Steele, author of the new book, "The Black Dress," discussed what arguably could be the most important item in any woman's wardrobe.
New York, N.Y.: I know nothing about fashion but made an effort over the years to visit every museum in New York City. I want the public to know that you have done an excellent job with your museum. The displays were interesting and the descriptions were not "over my head," so that I was able to understand, learn and appreciate what it was I was looking at. I left feeling as if I had a much better understanding of something I had previously given little thought toward. I thank you and your staff, and for a question, do you consciously realize that your museum is both a learning experience as well as a display for those who wish to just look at clothes?
Valerie Steele: Thank you for your message. I am especially pleased that you like our captions, because we consciously try to advance knowledge about fashion, rather than just displaying pretty dresses. Of course, we also want people to think "Wow. That's amazing," so we try to make each show beautiful AND intelligent.
_______________________
Friendly, Md.: What style of LBD should a size 2 long-legged 5-foot-3-inch high school sophomore wear?
Valerie Steele: A petite, slim person such as yourself can get away with a mini dress, but don't make it too short. Something with either cap sleeves or long sleeves would be nice. Since the hemline is short keep the neckline high and modest. Avoid anything too sexy. You can get great ideas from Japanese Vogue.
_______________________
Bethesda, Md.: Do you have any favorite designers who, in your opinion, do black dresses particularly well? Why do you think so?
Valerie Steele: Right now, I'm very enthusiastic about Alber Elbaz of Lanvin. However, his clothes are very expensive. There are also lots of great choices that cost much less.
_______________________
DYING to WEAR BOOTS: Hello, this is not quite a little black dress question, but somewhat related. I have a pair of brown leather boots (they have a skinny heel and are skinny toed, come almost to my knee with a CUTE buckle) I am dying to wear them with a dress to a holiday party. What could I pair with the, that will look like Christmas but with a twist?
Valerie Steele: Oh, I love boots. I think they look terrific with dresses. For a festive holiday style, I'd look for dresses in velvet and explore unexpected colors like dark blue or deep purple.
_______________________
Washington, D.C.: Do you have any thoughts on the best ways to accessorize a black dress?
Valerie Steele: Black is a great frame for color that pops. How about a red handbag? But if so, you probably don't want to look too matchy-matchy with red shoes also. (Although if you skipped the handbag, red shoes look terrific with a black dress. Gold jewelry is also fabulous. There's a reason jewelers line their boxes in black velvet.
_______________________
Arlington, Va.: Just curious. What's your reaction to Project Runway this season?
Valerie Steele: I'm ashamed to say, I haven't been watching it this season. Sorry.
_______________________
Friendly Maryland: Throughout my adult life and various sizes, I have kept a LBD. I tend to keep to traditional styles so that I can dress it up or down with accessories. If a LBD compliments your figure, you have an emergency outfit no matter the occasion.
Valerie Steele: I totally agree. And it's so easy.
_______________________
Fairfax, Va.: I am so excited to have just yesterday gotten an amazing LBD. I haven't had one in years. It is surprising how good that can make you feel.
Valerie Steele: I am in exactly the same place. For years, I did black trousers or s***ts and only recently rediscovered the black dress.
_______________________
Annapolis, Md.: I am a 62-year-old woman in reasonably good shape and have not been able to find a good quality, classic dress of any kind, much less the prized little black one for a long time. Reasonably good shape doesn't mean I want to reveal a lot of skin or have the hem at mid-thigh. I also have curves and so many of the stores seem to cater to women who don't have to have darts in the bodice of their dresses -- translation, they tend to cater to very young women. Even Nordstrom's, which I use to love, seems to follow this trend. I love wools and silks, good lines. Any suggestions?
Valerie Steele: Do what the rich do, get it custom-made. Not haute couture, just a nice "little" dressmaker in your neighborhood.
_______________________
Fredericksburg, Va.: What style and/or fabric would you suggest for a plus-size woman? I am balanced overall, but my lack of defined waist makes finding that right dress even harder. I agree -- having that perfect black dress is indispensable.
Valerie Steele: Sometimes it seems that fashion is only focused on the size 0 woman, but actually many styles are appropriate for plus-sized women. You want to look for something that glides over your body without clinging in the wrong places. Sometimes a slightly high waist can be flattering.
Valerie Steele: I was interrupted, so I'll continue my answer... Sometimes plus-size women try too hard to cover up and wear clothes that are too loose. The right belt can give the illusion of a waist; experiment. Also the right jacket over a dress -- maybe something in a cocoon shape can be fabulous. And remember to show off the parts of your body that you like -- a nice lowcut neckline can be flattering or show off your legs.
New York, N.Y.: I know nothing about fashion but made an effort over the years to visit every museum in New York City. I want the public to know that you have done an excellent job with your museum. The displays were interesting and the descriptions were not "over my head," so that I was able to understand, learn and appreciate what it was I was looking at. I left feeling as if I had a much better understanding of something I had previously given little thought toward. I thank you and your staff, and for a question, do you consciously realize that your museum is both a learning experience as well as a display for those who wish to just look at clothes?
Valerie Steele: Thank you for your message. I am especially pleased that you like our captions, because we consciously try to advance knowledge about fashion, rather than just displaying pretty dresses. Of course, we also want people to think "Wow. That's amazing," so we try to make each show beautiful AND intelligent.
_______________________
Friendly, Md.: What style of LBD should a size 2 long-legged 5-foot-3-inch high school sophomore wear?
Valerie Steele: A petite, slim person such as yourself can get away with a mini dress, but don't make it too short. Something with either cap sleeves or long sleeves would be nice. Since the hemline is short keep the neckline high and modest. Avoid anything too sexy. You can get great ideas from Japanese Vogue.
_______________________
Bethesda, Md.: Do you have any favorite designers who, in your opinion, do black dresses particularly well? Why do you think so?
Valerie Steele: Right now, I'm very enthusiastic about Alber Elbaz of Lanvin. However, his clothes are very expensive. There are also lots of great choices that cost much less.
_______________________
DYING to WEAR BOOTS: Hello, this is not quite a little black dress question, but somewhat related. I have a pair of brown leather boots (they have a skinny heel and are skinny toed, come almost to my knee with a CUTE buckle) I am dying to wear them with a dress to a holiday party. What could I pair with the, that will look like Christmas but with a twist?
Valerie Steele: Oh, I love boots. I think they look terrific with dresses. For a festive holiday style, I'd look for dresses in velvet and explore unexpected colors like dark blue or deep purple.
_______________________
Washington, D.C.: Do you have any thoughts on the best ways to accessorize a black dress?
Valerie Steele: Black is a great frame for color that pops. How about a red handbag? But if so, you probably don't want to look too matchy-matchy with red shoes also. (Although if you skipped the handbag, red shoes look terrific with a black dress. Gold jewelry is also fabulous. There's a reason jewelers line their boxes in black velvet.
_______________________
Arlington, Va.: Just curious. What's your reaction to Project Runway this season?
Valerie Steele: I'm ashamed to say, I haven't been watching it this season. Sorry.
_______________________
Friendly Maryland: Throughout my adult life and various sizes, I have kept a LBD. I tend to keep to traditional styles so that I can dress it up or down with accessories. If a LBD compliments your figure, you have an emergency outfit no matter the occasion.
Valerie Steele: I totally agree. And it's so easy.
_______________________
Fairfax, Va.: I am so excited to have just yesterday gotten an amazing LBD. I haven't had one in years. It is surprising how good that can make you feel.
Valerie Steele: I am in exactly the same place. For years, I did black trousers or s***ts and only recently rediscovered the black dress.
_______________________
Annapolis, Md.: I am a 62-year-old woman in reasonably good shape and have not been able to find a good quality, classic dress of any kind, much less the prized little black one for a long time. Reasonably good shape doesn't mean I want to reveal a lot of skin or have the hem at mid-thigh. I also have curves and so many of the stores seem to cater to women who don't have to have darts in the bodice of their dresses -- translation, they tend to cater to very young women. Even Nordstrom's, which I use to love, seems to follow this trend. I love wools and silks, good lines. Any suggestions?
Valerie Steele: Do what the rich do, get it custom-made. Not haute couture, just a nice "little" dressmaker in your neighborhood.
_______________________
Fredericksburg, Va.: What style and/or fabric would you suggest for a plus-size woman? I am balanced overall, but my lack of defined waist makes finding that right dress even harder. I agree -- having that perfect black dress is indispensable.
Valerie Steele: Sometimes it seems that fashion is only focused on the size 0 woman, but actually many styles are appropriate for plus-sized women. You want to look for something that glides over your body without clinging in the wrong places. Sometimes a slightly high waist can be flattering.
Valerie Steele: I was interrupted, so I'll continue my answer... Sometimes plus-size women try too hard to cover up and wear clothes that are too loose. The right belt can give the illusion of a waist; experiment. Also the right jacket over a dress -- maybe something in a cocoon shape can be fabulous. And remember to show off the parts of your body that you like -- a nice lowcut neckline can be flattering or show off your legs.