Fashion | thesofiamagazine

Sofia Style–The LBD

by JeanAnn Taylor | Sep 30, 2019 | Asheville, Fashion

By JeanAnn Taylor

Do you know anyone who doesn’t have one hanging in their closet? The “Little Black Dress” may be the most iconic garment in fashion history. The versatility and adaptability of the dress has made it a timeless and indispensable element of fashion. While the fabric and silhouette impacts the spirit of the dress, its power lies in the color.

The influence of black is unmistakable. Take any colorful dress you own, dye it black, and it will send a completely different message. Black can conjure up a plethora of reactions including elegance, danger, and sophistication.

The little black dress offers the opportunity to define oneself. This is primarily due to the wide range of appropriate fabrics, silhouettes, and added—or avoided—embellishments of flounces, ruffles, and other fancy trims. This dress has been re-invented countless times, yet remains as stylish as ever. This essential LBD works for all women regardless of age, size, or lifestyle.

The LBD can be worn during the day, night, and every time in between. It is appropriate for cocktail parties and picnics, for frolicking and funerals, for a business meeting or a tryst. This dress can be as simple as a silk sheath, or as elaborate as a full-skirted ballgown. It can be accessorized with classic pearls or trendy costume jewelry. Every color in the rainbow can be worn with black. Pastels, brights, and jewel-tones all play nicely with the dark color. The LBD can be worn as a monochromatic ensemble or as a canvas to highlight brightly colored accessories. A LBD worn with only one pop of color, as in a pair of hot pink high-heels or a pumpkin orange fedora, sends a statement of chic confidence. Of course, wearing orange with black will also say, “Happy Halloween!”

While Coco Chanel is credited with creating the little black dress, she was actually not the inventor. Wearing black garments to make a statement dates back to centuries ago. Coco is however, responsible for designing dresses for all women—not just the elite. They were also original in her use of jersey fabrics which were at the time reserved for men’s underwear—not ladies’ dresses. Her designs were simple, appropriate for ready-to-wear, and more easily mass-produced, making the LBD the timeless, fashion sensation it has become.

All colors affect our mood, but a color that can express both grief and sexiness at the same time, definitely has power. Maybe that’s because black is actually not a color at all. Black is technically the absence of color—which adds to the mystery and magic of the LBD.

Style expert JeanAnn Taylor can be reached at [email protected]

YES! You Can Wear White After Labor Day!

by JeanAnn Taylor | Aug 28, 2019 | Asheville, Fashion, Lifestyle

By JeanAnn Taylor

If you are like me, you grew up with the strict fashion rule of, “No white after Labor Day.” White clothing was appropriate from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Period. Fortunately, that silly fashion rule is outdated. White is too pretty to limit to only spring and summer. Wearing white is now considered to be appropriate for all seasons.

White fashion during the heat of summer makes perfect sense. White fabrics don’t absorb heat the way darker colors do. The light color also lends itself to the easy-breezy silhouettes found in full skirts, loose-fitting tops, and butterfly sleeves. These flowing styles help to keep us cool when the temperatures soar.

To transition white into autumn and winter, consider your choice of fabric. Obviously, eyelets, linen, and seersucker are too lightweight for cooler weather. Denser-weave cotton, wool, cashmere, and flannel will feel much better on chilly days.

Summer whites are often clear, bright whites; the whites of fall are softer creams, ivories, and vanillas. For a pretty accent on a monochromatic outfit, try including one element of color such as a bright ruby or soft blush scarf. This will add just a pop of color. Mixing whites is also a flattering way to wear white. Eggshell can be mixed with ivory; cream can be worn with vanilla. The key to mixing prints, colors, and textures is to make the ensemble appear intentional—not haphazard.

Labor day is considered to be the end of summer fashion; however, with cozy hoodies in vanilla, cashmere sweaters in ivory, skirts in eggshell, and pea-coats in marshmallow—all in our foreseeable fashion future—who can feel sad about that?

Style expert JeanAnn Taylor can be reached at [email protected]