The Little Black Dress for the 50’s, 60’s, & 70’s in Winter: The Dressy Version
The LBD is a dress that I’m sure we all have at least one of in our closets. I admit that I usually only wear my little black dress (LBD) for funerals, but when I think about that, it seems quite silly. If I have the item in my closet, I might as well wear it, right?
Quote of the day: “Others believing in you is nice but worthless if not matched by your own thought.” – Scott Moore
This theme is not new on my blog. The three of us all wore these exact same black dresses in the summer here, and the fall, here. And even though it could be considered quite mundane, I’m seeing if the three of us can dress up our LBDs again for the colder months.
Jodie’s (50’s) Outfit: So to start off and make my dress warm enough for cold temperatures, I added a crew neck black sweater under my LBD! The neckline of the dress is square and the sleeves are short, so I wanted to cover those details with a scarf. I think this could have worked out better with a narrower scarf, so it wouldn’t be so overwhelming.
In fact, I kinda laughed that it looks like I’m wearing a bib this way. But, then again, how do you know if you don’t try? Here’s the closeup of the scarf. It is a sentimental piece, since it was Rob’s mom’s scarf! And there are a couple of sequins on it—but they don’t stand out much. I fastened the scarf with two different pins. One pin I used at the neckline, and the other closer to the sleeve hem.
But here’s my favorite look of the outfit. I threw on my hand knitted cape and long gloves! The cape actually started off as a sweater (if you’re on Ravelry-here’s the link), but it was wonky. It flared out too much in the body portion and the sleeves were too tight. Somehow I came up with the idea to transform it into a cape, which has worked wonderfully!
Here it is showing the front of it! The fur neck trim was a piece that my mom brought home from Russia. I only safety pinned it on, so I could remove it easily if I decided I didn’t like the cape. I even sewed some fuzzy fur to the inside of the cape for warmth! And there are two frog closures at the top! I’ve been so happy that I could repurpose it since sweaters take quite a bit of time to knit!
Dress: Beau David (similar here)~~Sweater under the dress: (similar here)~~Cape: I knitted it (similar here darker)~~Shoes: Sam & Libby-thrifted (similar here in black with studs)~~Scarf: (similar here as a blanket scarf)~~Earrings: (similar here)~~Hosiery: (similar here)
Nancy’s (60’s) Outfit: For Nancy’s dressy outfit, I decided to go with a more casual approach and just add the dressiness in the details. Nancy’s black dress is short sleeved, so I had her wear a black turtleneck under all of the outfits for the week.
We put her leopard sweater over top of the LBD. And then added in a cluster pearl necklace and some new pearl earrings she just bought from my friend’s jewelry shop, Mauzies!
Nancy has worn these shoes for many posts already, but most of time they’ve been covered by pants. So here they are in their full glory! I think the buckles and pointed toe add the flair and fun, yet the chunky heel makes it easy for Nancy to function in them.
Here’s a back view to show how the sweater is slightly longer in the rear. I also love how the zipper on the back of the shoes is evident! To me, it almost adds a little sassiness in contrast to the pearls!
Dress: SL Fashions (similar here with a vertical ruffle)~~ Sweater: LOFT (similar here)~~Turtleneck: Daisy Fuentes (similar here)~~Shoes: Charles by Charles David (here)~~Necklace: (here)~~Earrings: Mauzies (similar here)
Charlotte’s (70’s) Outfit: For my mom’s dressy outfit, I wanted to include her fabulous color block coat. I’m a huge fan of a great statement coat (well, we know the nut doesn’t fall far from the tree–ha ha)! I figured if you’re wearing your dress anywhere this winter, you’re also going to be throwing a coat over top, so why not have it be a standout?
My mom actually bought this coat although I know she could make one! I love how it’s so bright and the tassels are fabulous!
Mom added in a silver necklace & earrings since her dress has many other details. You can see in the closeups, that the dress material is a printed crepe, and then mom added ruffles at the hemline and sleeves.
And then she kept with the same silver & black theme for the bracelets and rings!
Here’s a photo of the LBD by itself. Since it does have 3/4 length sleeves, at least it’s not as exposed as many of the dresses you can purchase.
Dress: Mom made it (similar here)~~Coat: Sante Fe ReCreations (similar here definitely not inexpensive or here in a green or here in a faux fur or here in a jacquard print or here in denim)~~Shoes: Anne Klein (similar here)~~Necklace: (similar here)~~Earrings: (similar here)~~Bracelet: (similar here)
I’ll say it over and over—thank you so much for the continued support by reading, commenting and clicking on the links in my blog!
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Since I’m assuming you all already have a LBD, I searched for statement coats to wear over it instead: and don’t forget to check out the coats we wore yesterday from VIPme. That site has quite a few to select from also!
