Fashion Forum: The best Little Black Dress

This weekend my good friend got married. I remember receiving her ultra-mod fuchsia and black invitation and opening it with glee. My excitement only heightened by the fact that the attire for the occasion was FORMAL. I hadn't been to a formal function in almost 2 years, so I knew I was going to buy something new to wear. However, as the weeks passed and some extra bills came up, I realized I wouldn't be able to buy a fancy-nancy new dress.

Saddened I talked to the soon-to-be bride who told me that the 'formal' classification wasn't set in stone and that 'dressy' was ". . . more like it". I was relieved. She suggested cocktail attire and told me not to worry.

That's when my trusty, memorable yet not so memorable black wrap dress (purchased from Lane Bryant 3 years ago for another friend's going away party) was readied to make an appearance. Ladies, I'm here to tell you that every woman needs a dress like this.

Your memorable/un-memorable dress (usually an LBD) is like a fashion 'wingman' it never upstages other dresses, knows how to settle in the background, but always makes you look good. What's a way to know you have a good LBD? Take a look below:

• Usually black - DUH
• Little to no embellishments or details
• Fits you perfectly
• It's made from a season-less material (heavy cotton)
• Classic shape (wrap, a-line, shift)
• Looks good by itself, but looks better with accessories.
• Age appropriate

Your classic LBD is a dress that most people say looks good on you, but no one ever realizes it's not new. When you wear your LBD, don't walk around in shame, however, don't pop into every picture taken at the event. In this day of Facebook and Twitter, you don't need your LBD popping up in too many photo albums. Really, having a trusty m-um-d is a way to save money and have a Lil less stress in your life.

Take a look at some potential LBD's that you may want to purchase for your closet:

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