Ever since the iconic Audrey Hepburn dazzled us in her gorgeous dress during “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” the black dress has equaled class, sophistication and all around versatility.
Every woman needs at least one perfect black dress, while some women (hmm…I wonder who?) “need” one of every length, style and for every occasion.
My name is Jen, and I admit, I am a black dress-aholic.
It is my “go to” choice whenever I can not decide what to wear, but still want to look and feel fabulous. In my opinion, every woman, no matter what size, can look great in a black dress. It may take some accessorizing, but going on the hunt is well worth it. This is definitely one of our core essential wardrobe pieces.
Finding the perfect dress for your body type may take some figuring out, but once you determine that, the sky is the limit with thrifting.
Because a black dress is a work horse item in so many closets, larger thrift stores are full of black dress choices. Yes, some are dated, but I find classic styles all the time.
You don’t find one your first time around? Check again and I guarantee with a few “eagle eye” hunts, she’s all yours.
My first dress is sleeveless. I completely understand that not everyone feels comfortable with sleeveless dresses, but remember that if you are going to be a Frugal Fashionista, you want to think outside the box.
Is is a classic? Is is a designer brand? Is the fabric high quality? Then snatch it up. A wrap, cardigan, shrug or sheer blazer/blouse gives you many options if you find something sleeveless for a steal.
Here is the Audrey look in a shorter length version. This fully lined Chaus dress that I bought for $5 at Good Will is perfect for our hot NC summers. I have a lot of versatility with accessories.
(So, here is what it looks like to be a Frugal Fashionista model on a 90 degree day with your son taking the pictures…)
Create a fun, feisty new look just by changing out the pearls for a hot pink scarf and black earrings. Make sure you play it up a big bracelet as well.
I was thrilled to find this Jones of New York 3/4 quarter length dress marked WAY down due to the season at our local thrift store. My price $2.99. (Clapping gleefully in the dressing room of the store.) This is a style that works on every body type.
I wish I would have taken a close up of my necklace. Don’t be afraid to add drama with black dresses. Often, one focal point completes an outfit. (I’ll share more when I cover accessories).
I wanted to get an estimate of what this would cost new. This is a very similar dress that Jones New York offers, but for summer. “Think flawless fit, timeless elegance and simply chic. Think Cosmopolitan Dress! It’s the dress that will make you feel like a million bucks with every wear!” $124 at the Jones New York site. Yes, it’s a good thing.
I paid $1 at a yard sale for it.
Why treat it like it’s for a “night on the town” only. My kids are finally ceasing the “where are you going” question, and I am finally feeling like a true Family Manager (well, almost…I have stuffed closet issues, but I’m working on them).
But this GINORMOUS DOG is always an issue.
This is a perfect hit the grocery store kind of little, black dress. And if I was one of those ladies that play tennis at the club, I do believe this would work. $1 – yard sale.
I got really tired of running down stairs to go out and sweat outside. Yes, my bedroom. 🙂
Now, look at the difference a dress STYLE can make.
Same day, minutes apart. I look 20 lbs heavier below, so learn to accent your best features.
This is actually an Anne Taylor Loft dress that I love. I just picked this pic to show you how before and after’s are done. Isn’t this hideous?
With a really long necklace that comes down past my chest, and a great pair of heels that accent my legs and not the stomach, this dress can be very cute. Is it a dress that I wear if I want to “WOW” someone? No, but it’s comfortable and snuggly warm in the winter. It stays!My old time readers will remember the movie premier that I attended.
While others fretted and pondered, I blessed Good Will for providing just the right attire.
Total cost of my outfit – dress, wrap, shoes and jewelry – $11.75!
I don’t feel very comfortable in spaghetti straps, so this is a perfect example of how I didn’t pass on a beautiful dress, but I added to it, making it even better. (I was just showing off my shoulders for you all. I tied it around for the night. 🙂
This is my third premier, with the others being Black Tie events, and all of them I have dressed thrift. Oh yes, I was dressed in my Good Will glory chit chatting with Jim Caviezel, Jesus from Passion of the Christ,
I am telling you, my friends, reconsider the Frugal Fashionista approach. 🙂
These are just a few of my black dresses, and I am actually sad to tell you that my two favorites never even saw the light of day. I ran out of time, and you are probably getting tired of seeing my dresses anyhow. Some of the other black dresses are “to the ankle” dresses, a black velvet one that I wear at Christmas and a elegant JCREW dress that I bought at their outlet store ten years ago.
It is still in perfect shape. The style is still completely in…it’s a classic, and I have had years of wear out of it.
That is an example of how finding the perfect black dress which is both simple, yet elegant will be your “go to” item for years to come. Quality makes a huge difference.
So even if you are convinced to go thrift, I am all about making an investment in the perfect black dress.
So is having ten perfect black dresses a little overkill? Probably. But when this Frugal Fashionista paid $40 for TEN dresses, I’ll take a little criticism. 🙂 Now, if I didn’t wear them, then that would be different. So off, to clean out the rest of my closet.
Jen – I ADORE your Frugal Fashionista posts. They absolutely give me permission to try things that I never would have paid full price for, and it's FUN! Thanks for the inspiration and for sharing your fashion cents.
xoxoxoxox
You are just too cute, Ms. Jen! And how unfair is it that you look amazing in every single thing you put on??? Love these posts!
~Amanda
Jen…you have given me the desire to head right down to our local Goodwill store and shop for a black dress!! I must say, I don't do well when I have go because I'm never sure what to be looking for…I'm sort of one of those people that expect it to jump out at me!!!
But you've inspired be to try it again!
~Beth
What a fun post!!! I envy you all those dresses. I have SUCH a hard time finding dresses I feel good in. And I do love a black dress. 🙂
I heart thrift finds..looks like you've perfected it well!!
They are ALL darling! Thanks for all the fashion tips.:)
All the dresses are gorgeous! Have you ever thought about wearing some kind of belt around the long-sleeved black one? Like something silver maybe?
I also am in love with your Frugal Fashionista posts. I'm no fashion plate…that's for sure! I could use a wardrobe makeover but I feel that I don't deserve it (especially since I'm only a SAHM). I just need to take some time ALONE to check out the local GW stores to see if there are any lovely outfits/dresses there for me. 🙂
You are a Fashionista!!! Love all your black dresses and your fashion sense.
Cynthia
Cute dresses! I have a little black dress I bought at TJ Maxx several years ago, and I have gotten a lot of use from it. It is a simple style, but some black pearl beads add a little extra pizzazz.
Oh, Jen, I love the wrap dress. You look great in all of them. That wrap is pretty much the only style I can wear and feel semi-confident in these days. Hopefully not for too long though…have something in the works. I think. 😉
Ok, I have ONE black Maternity Dress, and that doesn't count! I think it is time for me to start REALLY looking for that "little black dress":)
~~Great Pics~~
You look great in all of the Black Dresses!!! Can you believe I don't own 1 black dress! Ugh! I would love to find great dresses like you did at Good Will and thrift shops! Thanks for posting ALL of your great finds! You are awesome!
Looking great, Jen!
Good job on all your finds. I have to say that it seems like your thrift stores are a lot cheaper where you are…
So enjoy the thought that you are living in a place that facilitates what you are doing!
You have some great dresses and frugal finds.
I'm pretty sure that your "wearing around the house" dress is my favorite. So cute! Perfect neckline.
Okay, I actually came to show you my Friday Haul. Just posted it. Eeek! I'm totally scoring on these gorgeous garage sale days!!
I saw a bunch of jewelry in little baggies and I thought of you. I KNOW you said to buy it, but I'd already spent my $4 of my $5 budget and couldn't afford it. {sigh}
Maybe next time!
I love all of your dresses! you look great in everything Jen!!
I'm wearing my frugal black dress to Yanni Voices tonight. After hunting for jewelry and thinking about shoes, I finally forced myself to be even more frugal and use a wrap that hubby gave me a few years ago (from India!) and shoes and a clutch that I already had.
I decided I will do a frugal fashionista post next week with all of the looks I can do with the one black dress and stuff I already have. I might have to post it Monday, but then I'll link it up Friday.
Love your black dresses! I don't have that perfect little black dress yet. I'll start searching Goodwill and consignment sales for one. 🙂
PS: Just downloaded Firefox. So glad to finally be able to get to your blog. Will have to catch up soon.
These are just great. And love getting the old post from Sept. I had not read that one before. 🙂 You could forget GW and go into acting/modeling. 🙂
I love all of your black dresses!
Jen, now THAT's some serious collection of black dresses. I love black too, but don't have quite that many. Lots of black pants though.
I love the term fashionista,,,but have you heard resessionista??? Perfect for the upcycler!!! Great dresses. Did you tell the doggies to stay away till your photos were over???
I believe every woman should have a black dress, I have a couple and they were all bought a GW for $5.35 each. You look fantastic in all of your black dresses! Fun post!
Toni
I love my little black dresses and the best part about them is that you can wear them for years and years and years. With just a little change in accessories, it looks like an entirely new outfit. I think I have worn the same black dress to all of the blog functions I have been to and switched cardigans, pins, jewels, and shoes to make them look new.
Loved this post and black dress inspiration 🙂
Great dresses! I used to love lbd's until I turned 50, and black no longer did for me. I am now trying to find a new "little —— dress" to substitute.
Mary Lou
I'm new here and love what I've seen so far. I always try to go with the classic styles verses trendy because they never go out of style. Knowing what looks good on you also helps. I love thrifting although I haven't had the same good fortune you've had. I'll have to get out there more to see what treasures I can unearth.
Great black dresses and I cannot believe the amazing deals you got on them!
Thank you for inspiring me to give the black dresses a careful look at the Salvy. On my weekly trip this morning, I found the perfect solution for an upcoming evening event. Cut very much like the Audrey Hepburn dress, this LBD (by Petite Sophisticate) fits me to a tee–for $7! THANKS!!
Oh, my gosh! I have those strappy sandals, and I was asking the other day if they were still in style! They look amazing with that outfit, I'm keeping mine!
I really enjoyed looking at "some" of your black dresses. I am sitting here thinking that I have black skirts, black sweaters, black tanks, black hoodies, but NO black dress! What have I been thinking? I will have to be on the lookout for a really good deal on that black dress that wants to come live with me.
Thank you for your kind comment on my blog. I have really enjoyed getting to know Sarah Mae and have been so blessed by her blog also.
TOG, it is my favorite homeschool curriculum out of all that we have used and we have used a lot! 🙂
It takes a little bit of time to get used to, but it is so worth it. Don't try to do everything in the plans, you probably know that already though. I have learned so much using TOG, I think I will keep browsing through them even after we are done homeschooling.
~Robin
I absolutely love your blog! I am a big fan of GW (Goodwill) fashions, especially when you can find such great brands and buys for such fabulous prices! Thanks again for showing ladies how they can outfit their wardrobe without spending hundreds of dollars. I look forward to following your posts in future!