The best little black dress moments in fashion history

The year was 1926, when a leading fashion editor, referencing a black, long-sleeved sheath dress made by Coco Chanel, made a bold prediction that the dress would "become sort of a uniform for all women of taste". Fast forward to almost a century later and there’s simply no denying the fact that the little black dress has gone on to be one of the most iconic and versatile outfits of all time. More popularly called LBD, it has gone on to become a staple in everyone’s wardrobe, including the likes of household names such as the iconic Audrey Hepburn, Princess Diana, and Jane Birkin to name a few. 

We turn back the pages of history and look at some of the most iconic little black dress moments 

Marilyn Monroe

One of the most recognisable faces, Marilyn Monroe was an icon who the fashion world always looked up to. Her black dress in the 1959 comedy Some Like It Hot saw her play the character of Sugar Kane, a singer and ukelele player. A standout scene in the film is where she wears a black dress with a deep V-neckline and thigh-high slit and performs to "I want to be loved by you". Made by costume designer William Travilla, the dress is all things glam, sophisticated, fits the theme of the movie like a glove, and so very Monroe. 

Audrey Hepburn

Inarguably the best LBD fashion moment of all time. We say this because there will never be a more iconic moment than Hepburn’s outfit from the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany. We see the British actor looking chic as ever in the outfit that she pairs with a string of pearls, a tira, and elbow-length gloves. The look was designed by Hubert de Givenchy, founder of the luxury fashion house Givenchy. 

The scene where Hepburn’s character, Holly Golightly, steps out of a cab and gazes into the Tiffany & Co. window is one of cinema’s most memorable fashion moments. It’s a pop culture moment that’s definitely stood the test of time and cultural zietgeist. 

Cindy Crawford

Cindy Crawford’s look at Vogue’s 100th anniversary party in 1992 was indeed iconic. The black Hervé Léger bandage mini dress she wore became a defining moment for both the designer and Crawford herself. Hervé Léger’s bandage dresses were known for their body-con fit and were incredibly popular in the '90s, with Crawford’s choice perfectly showcasing the dress’s sleek, sculptural lines. The addition of elbow-length opera gloves and sheer black tights added a touch of old Hollywood glamour, while the classic pumps and black heels completed the ensemble with an air of sophistication. It was a memorable fashion statement that captured the elegance and excitement of the event. 

Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker's look at the 1994 premiere of Ed Wood is a great example of '90s fashion done right! Her choice of a black mini silk slip dress with sheer tights perfectly captures that era's chic and minimalist style. The dress and her signature curls definitely showcase her ability to elevate even the simplest outfits into something memorable and stylish.

Princess Diana 

It was an LBD dress so iconic that it got its own nickname, ‘Revenge Dress’. Designed by Christina Stambolian, Diana made headlines arriving at a party at London’s Serpentine Gallery in 1994 on the exact same night her husband Prince Charles revealed in a documentary that he had been cheating on her. This was a velvet, off-the-shoulder minidress that she accessorised with a sapphire choker in an ensemble that became one of fashion’s most memorable moments instantly. 

Kate Moss 

The actor donned a feather-trimmed off-shoulder black dress to Frank Sinatra’s 80th birthday bash in 1996 with actor Johnny Depp, whom she was then dating. Paired with a messy bun, black stockings, and pointy-toe mules, and keeping her makeup to the bare minimum, Moss’s look was one that will stay elegant and timeless forever.

Jennifer Aniston

The actor's appearance at the Cosmopolitan cover celebration in 1997 is a prime example of why the little black dress (LBD) will never go out of style. While it was a simple mini-dress, it exuded elegance and chic sophistication. Paired with a sleek updo and strappy black heels, her outfit perfectly showcased a refined yet understated approach to fashion. 

Kendall Jenner

Renowned for her fashion prowess, Kendall Jenner elevated her style in a strapless leather dress while out with her sister Khloé Kardashian in LA, back in 2018. She completed the ensemble with an orange clutch and a sleek hairdo—just the LBD upgrade we all needed for some inspiration! 

Images courtesy: Getty Images

Also read: The little black dress is having another great big moment, on both the runway and the red carpet