Do you own a little black dress, otherwise known as an LBD? For decades now the little black dress has been considered a necessity for a lady’s social life. And I’m all for having a little black dress tucked into the corner of your closet that will serve you well at office parties, concerts and other social events. But I think it’s even more important for a woman to have another black dress…the powerful black dress.
While your little black dress probably features lace or chiffon, maybe sequins or beads, you won’t find any of that on the powerful black dress. Instead of flash or sparkle or feminine ruffles, this dress cuts to the chase with simple lines, fluid fabrics, more conservative hemlines and few embellishments. And instead of enticing to come hither, this dress says, “sit down and listen.”
I got this powerful black dress at my local Dillard’s, but they don’t have it on line. In fact, I can’t find it anywhere. Bummer. I love the cowl drape neckline and the ruching. It’s lined and extremely comfortable. I’m wearing the 8.
Since I can’t find this dress anywhere online, I’ve collected a pretty sizable assortment of other black power dresses from some of my favorite retailers in the shopping widget below. You’ll find that many of them feature similar elements – easy-to-wear jersey fabrics, ruching, flattering necklines and simplicity.
While you can certainly wear black shoes with black dresses, I really prefer the long-leg look created by wearing nude heels. I wore mine with my toasted sesame pumps from Ann Taylor. And I carried this leopard print, faux calf hair fold-over clutch. I love this clutch!
My earrings were in my most recent Trunk Club trunk, and they’re by Kendra Scott. They’re available in gold, silver and rose gold, which I’m wearing.
I think a powerful black dress is perfect for the office, church, a banquet, a funeral or even a wedding. And yes, it’s also perfectly suitable for a night out.
So what about you? I’d love to hear from you. Do you have a little black dress? A powerful black dress? How long have you had it? I’ve had one particular black dress for going on 20 years, and I still love wearing it! Where do you wear your black dress? And how do you accessorize it?
Shop This Look Here:
I’ve included lots of classic powerful black dresses in this shopping widget. Plus they’re at several different price points. The widget and the article include affiliate links, so if you shop through them I potentially earn a commission, but at no cost to you. Thank you for shopping through my links.
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Have a blessed and beautiful day!
I’ve linked today’s post with Jo-Lynne Shane’s Fashion Friday Link-Up so you can check out all the great styles there, too.
Blessed for My Day
Today I’d simply like to assure you that God is working on your behalf. He is for you, not against you. And He truly knows what is best for you and your loved ones. I encourage you to trust that, even though you can’t see it or hear it, God is completing the good work He has begun in you…and your loved ones. He doesn’t leave loose strings and He doesn’t give up. He finishes what He has started. So, dear one, be encouraged to know that God is working.
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip;
H e who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Will neither slumber nor sleep. ~ Psalm 121:2-4
You are beautiful inside and out and this LBD dress looks stunning on you!! I WISH I had some place to wear one like it but living in rural OK and the church we attend, just doesn’t justify owning one. When I wear my dressier pants to church, I’m over dressed. Ha! Everyone wears jeans and I just refuse to do that all of the time. I enjoy my nicer things so I’m going to wear them. I will definitely be sending ‘prayer arrows’ your way when you go to the eye dr. Just went through that myself. Love your blog and ALL of the great info you share with us!
Ah, thanks for the prayer Sondra. I don’t know why this sort of thing creeps me out so much, but it just does. I’m a weenie, really! Yeah, our church is pretty casual, too. But like you I just go ahead and wear my dressier clothes occasionally. Although I probably wouldn’t wear this dress. Unfortunately, the older I get and just by token of being a pastor’s wife, I do find that I need something like this on hand for funerals. Not all funerals require a dress like this, of course. But I’ve been glad I had something more understated a few times.
Thanks for sharing and for the encouragement!
Very elegant! I’m probably the only woman in the world who doesn’t own an LBD or a PBD – I guess I need to change that!
Ha! Well, whether you go with black or not, I do think a good solid colored dress is a wise investment. Blue, navy, dark green and grey are also good choices. But that gives you a perfect dress for those moments when something trendy just isn’t especially appropriate.
Exactly the promises I needed to hear today. Thank you for sharing ❤
Oh, I’m so glad, Margo. It’s so easy to grow discouraged as we wait for God to work, isn’t it? But it’s important to remind ourselves that while we’re waiting He is working.
You look stunning! Great find!
Thank you, Susanne!
That dress is amazing on you Kay. And I love how you added the leopard clutch with it. I’ve been trying to steer away from black lately because it just doesn’t look good with my complexion. So I have a LBD, but I tend to wear my little blue dress even more!!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I absolutely get that Jodie. I think the idea of a timeless dress transcends color really. Don’t you? I bet you look amazing in the blue!
Very nice! Love the sleeve length, too. Perfect to wear any season. I do not wear black a lot either since it doesn’t complement my light complexion, but do have one timeless black dress in my closet.
I think that is so smart! 🙂
Kay, you look amazing in this dress! I have several black dresses, casual and dressy. I have this clutch and I love it too!
Thanks so much Joan. Yeah, you know I return a lot of what I show you gals. Not because I want to, but because I have to. But I’m keeping this clutch!
I have been enjoying all of your posts; especially the “Blessed For My Day “ portion. Today’s was very timely and reminded me to trust God and His ways in my families lives. Last month I had an eye appointment and yes I was dreading it. I always feel like I’m failing the tests, will be praying for you.
I’m so glad the Blessing spoke to you, Brenda. It is hard to trust God. And it shouldn’t be, huh? He’s always so faithful! Thanks for the eye doctor prayer! And thanks for commiserating with me! 😉
I have exactly same dress like this one, but different color. I love the style – very slimming
You look great
https://styleofbonnie.com/
Ha! I bet it is gorgeous on you, too Bonnie! It is such a universally flattering cut. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
I like your look today very much and I have 2 LBD One I wore to a cocktail party even though it has capped sleeves. The other is called a Presidential LBD and is loose fitting in the skirt. I am going to wear the Presidential one when my siblings and I scatter my parents ashes in the Gulf of Mexico. I just bought a V neck sleeveless black polka dot dress, so fun! That will do it for my black. I will wear the black polka dot dress when it is warm and a happy occasion. Maybe to Church too! It will look good with pearl necklace and earrings! Good luck at eye doctor. Get a pair of cute glasses!
Oh, thanks for sharing that, Aimee. I know you’ll look beautiful for the day. Gratefully, it turned out that my eyes are perfectly fine! I was stunned. But I did order some prescription bi-focal readers that will have one setting for the computer screen and one for reading books and such. So I got some blue ones. 🙂