By PAGE Editor

Very few items of clothing have stood the test of time quite like the black sheath dress. Also known as petite robe noire or little black dress, its many names testify to the established popularity that has swept the world.

A garment capable of accompanying the evolution of women's fashion over a hundred years, this popular dress is synonymous with femininity, elegance, and simplicity. It was not for nothing that it had an exceptional godmother: it was Coco Chanel, in the 1920s, who sensed the value of this garment, until then used by factory workers as a "work" dress to camouflage stains and signs of wear.

No longer a "work uniform," the little black dress began to become a symbol of female emancipation. The woman of those years is more self-aware, educated, working and confident and this model is representative of the social transformation taking place.

Over the years the little black dress has undergone endless transformations in step with fashion trends. From Guy Laroche's most sensual model with a back slit to Lady Diana's silk Revenge Dress by Christina Stambolian and a chic Versace midi dress in lace and satin.

Although in the collective imagination the quintessential sheath black dress will always remain the one worn by Audrey Hepburn, who consecrated it as the most influential dress in fashion in the film "Breakfast at Tiffany's."

The 7 most iconic designs

There are many designers who have succumbed to the temptation to reinterpret this dress in their own way and some versions have gone down in history, also thanks to the celebrities who contributed to their popularity. 

One example is the black sheath dress with an essential design conceived by Prada and made famous in the 1990s by supermodel Kate Moss. Or the long, strapless dress designed by the creative flair of Armani, worn by Winona Ryder at the height of her success.

This popular model has also accompanied top moments in the careers of numerous celebrities, such as, for example, the short black dress sported by Adele after her weight loss or the version with safety pins worn by young Elizabeth Hurley in her early days. Definitely grittier, the black leather dress in which Beyoncé performed at the 2010 Grammy Awards.

And what about the one designed by Christian Siriano for Lady Gaga for the promotion of the film House of Gucci? A concentrate of classic charm and modern glamour! Demonstrating the versatility of this garment, we conclude the overview of the most iconic models with the transparent petit robe noir that an expectant Rihanna sported during the Dior show in 2021.

Some peculiar combinations

A must-have, present in every woman's wardrobe, the little black dress is perfect as it is and certainly does not need too many accessories to enhance it.  An emblem of timeless elegance, this piece of clothing has always been considered a passe-partout dress, perfect for any occasion.

While it is true that it shines with its own light, it is also true that all it takes is a particular accessory to distort the appearance of the dress and make it more gritty, sensual, or contemporary. Here are some examples.

Nude high boots

A classic pairing to show off during a mid-season special occasion is the combination of a short black dress and high boots. You may opt for a pair of nude boots if the intent is to make the silhouette more slender and streamlined and want to break the monotony of the single color.

High-heeled pumps

A little black dress and a pair of high-heeled pumps: the ideal choice for a romantic and glamorous look. Dare a model with jewel embellishments, if you want to add sparkle and sophistication to your outfit.

Leather Biker Jacket

Pairing a leather biker jacket with a sheath dress means expressing your rock soul. A striking outfit that you can complete with heeled ankle boots or with a pair of combat boots.

Sneakers

Here's a light, youthful pairing perfect for a casual look: sheath dress, sneakers and a denim shirt knotted at the waist. Ankle-length white canvas shoes are the model that best suits a short black dress. Alternatively, British-style lace-up sports shoes will also do.

Blazer

Blazer and black dress: a practical yet refined outfit. You can wear a white or beige blazer in the morning and replace it with a more brightly colored jacket when you leave the office to join your friends at an aperitif downtown.

Socks and knee-highs

Who said that a sheath dress should never be worn with stockings? You can pair it with opaque tights to look classy and elegant. If, on the other hand, you aim to break conventions and pull off a glam look, try completing your outfit with a pair of sandals or mules and distinctive socks or sheer knee-highs.

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