Victoria Beckham looked polished and proud as she stood next to husband David at Windsor Castle today. The couple were both in attendance as David received a Knighthood, honoured for his services to sport and charity. The couple looked suitably attired, with David in a smart grey three-piece suit, and Victoria in a sharply tailored black dress from her own label.
We're used to Victoria serving up some serious styling inspiration, and her take on the timeless LBD (little black dress) is a lesson in subtle cutting techniques that create a flattering silhouette that you can inject into your own autumn capsule wardrobe today.
Victoria Beckham's LBD is a masterclass in flattering silhouettes
The midi-length dress features a pencil-like silhouette, with seam detailing to create a figure-hugging fit. With a slightly fish-tailed, asymmetric hemline, the draped fabric at the sleeve head adds detail to the top half of the dress, balancing out the fluted hem and adding flattering width across the bust, for a fuller shape.
Going bare-armed, Victoria was lucky with a slightly balmy November day that was largely drizzle-free, and the former Spice Girl completed her look with a pair of black, patent croc-style court shoes.
A dress from the star's own line, we can't find the exact match, and Victoria may have created a one-off design for herself, based on her collection's guiding principles. And while the LBD never goes out of fashion, as we head into the festive season, this is a dress style you can rely on to see you through multiple events, simply changing your accessories to keep your look feeling fresh.
Get the look
While not an exact match to Victoria's outfit, this dress from her own label echoes her look beautifully. With the same figure-flattering front ruching, this particular design features an easy-to-wear A-line skirt and upper-arm covering short sleeves.
Black dresses come in so many guises, but it is the drapery and the ruched detailing that are our key takeaway from Victoria's design. A silhouette the designer has leaned into heavily across her collection, this shape fits and flatters, showing off a waistline and skimming hips and thighs.
This gentle fit and flare dress is a great option for a little black dress that will go from AM to PM. The side ruching offers a flattering fit through the middle, while the cape-style sleeve delivers elegant upper arm coverage that feels fun and floaty.
Taking drapery to the next level, this jersey high-neck design uses gathering across the waist, hips and thighs for a slinky fit that is sure to turn heads. Keep things fitted with black tights and boots, or opt for a pair of high court shoes and sparkly earrings to make this design party-ready.
With a similar length hemline, this draped black dress has an almost t-shirt-like silhouette. The slit ensures it's easy to walk in, while the gentle ruching throughout offers a flattering but relaxed fit. Team this one with boots and a chunky cardigan, or with trainers for a more laidback feel.
Reflecting Victoria's shoe choice beautifully, the mock-croc texture adds a luxurious finish to the design. A timeless buy, you can wear these with jeans or tailored trousers too.
When it comes to timeless style, few are as inspirational as Victoria Beckham, and this all black outfit really delivers in the style stakes. As we head into party season, if you get just one dress, make it a little black dress, as this look never dates and can easily be reinvented again and again, maxing out its cost-per-wear with ease.
Take style notes from Victoria and look for a black dress that uses flattering draping through the waist area, to nip in your middle, glide over midriffs and flatter thighs and hips. The more draping, the better, as this chic technique of fabric manipulation softens any look.
Whether you opt for a pencil silhouette or an A-line design, this draped aspect is really what you want to hone in on, and the level of arm coverage should also be chosen according to your personal taste. So as you head into party season, remember, you don't need to overcomplicate it.
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