Fabulous Find of the Week: Forever 21 LBD
Every girl knows (especially if she reads CF!) that if there’s one thing she needs in her wardrobe, it’s the Little Black Dress. I don’t need to count the reasons why LBDs are amazing here. Suffice to say that this must-have piece can literally be any style, length, whatever, and you can wear it absolutely ANYWHERE. It’s all about what you pair it with!
So why go out and spend big bucks on a swanky, expensive black cocktail dress when you can get one at one of our favorite places on earth, Forever 21, for $14?! …Exactly – there’s no good reason. This post is all about how to take a simple, inexpensive LBD and dress it down for class, or up for a fancy night on the town.
1. Going to Class
Dress, Tights, Bracelet, Scarf, Shoes, Jacket
This outfit is perfect for class or any casual outing. With black tights and a rugged utility jacket (this is actually a men’s jacket – call me crazy, but I really like things oversized – I like to get men’s shirts and jackets in a XS or S) to keep you warm, all you need are a few cute accessories to finish off the look. I chose some suede lace-up booties, a floral scarf with an interesting color palette, and a blue bejeweled bracelet to tie everything together.
2. Just Hanging Out
Dress, Shirt, Socks, Boots, Necklace, Ring
I picture this as a perfect low-key date outfit – or again, it could also be a cute casual look for class or hanging around campus. The black dress gets a fun twist when paired with a bright plaid shirt (to be left open) acting as a cardigan or jacket. These awesome vintage boots complement the shirt’s rugged vibe and look cool with a pair of over-the-knee socks peeking out from the top. Top off the look with a long necklace (how cute is the dinosaur? I’m obsessed) and a geometric gold ring.
3. Night on the Town
Dress, Blazer, Necklace, Tights, Oxfords
Now for a dressy look – something the LBD does best! Amp up this plain black dress with a super chic off-white blazer and a pair of shiny patent oxfords for a dressed-up feel. Add some black tights for warmth, and finish off the outfit with this awesome statement necklace – Pearls? Rhinestones? Shiny silver and clear beads? – This seems like a lot, but it’s a PERFECT complement to this ultra-sophisticated, dressy look.
What do you think?
Now for some feedback from our lovely readers! What was your favorite look out of these three? Would you buy this dress? How would YOU style it? Let me know by leaving your thoughts in a comment!
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Posted on on February 13, 2011 / Filed Under: Shopping / Tags: Budget Fashion, Dresses, Fabulous Finds, Forever 21, LBD, Shopping
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Karissa - Elms College
Wow I love all three of these outfits! :) Black dresses are so versatile. That must be why I have four different LBDs.
Serena
This is a greattt basic piece to have and Forever21 is always a good place to look for stuff like this but they always sell out so fast :( I like the first look the best.
x.S
Sarah
Oh, the second look is my favorite! I can’t believe I don’t own a LBD! :(
Jen
This is SOOOOO much better than the LBD post from last week, no offense CF.. I love all of these outfits!!
Sara
I love LBD, I have a few of them myself…however, this one looks rather cheap in a way it would be ok for just lounging or a beach or something really low-key but not for a dressier outfit…
Love the ring though! :)
Charlotte - University of Birmingham
Wow, what a great staple piece for so cheap- great find Katie!!
I love all three of these outfits- great job :]]
Charlotte xxx
Leah
i found the american eagle shirt from the second outfit for like ten bucks at tj maxx :) love the post!
Kaela
Best series on cf by far… Keep up the good work Katie!
kate
Great dress! And great pieces to pair with it! Im actually having a forever 21 giftcard giveaway on blog so this perfectly timed :)
-Kate
kelsey
Gorgeous looks, my favorite is the second! (:
Arielle W
I think the looks are great. But a while ago CF posted a link in their haute link post that casted Forever 21 in a really bad light.
It seems like CF can’t pick a side when it comes to Forever 21. If you’re going to use items from the store, don’t post articles saying F21 steals designs, etc.
Brenna
Stoked because I have the dress! haha
Thanks CF
Ginger
Bought this dress in January from Forever 21! So excited to see you put together outfits with it!
Dara
I love, love, LOVE your ‘Fabulous Finds of the Week’! I find them to be SO helpful! You mentioned a pair of sparkly flats a couple weeks ago and I actually went out and bought them! Thank you CF! ?
Lily
I love the last outfit. And the dress is a great snatch for 14 dollars. =)
Katryna
I bought this dress a few weeks ago at F21 and after buying it realized it’s a whole lot shorter in the back! I wonder if this is just a coincidence or a product of their something-to-be-desired quality. It’s happened to me before with dresses at F21 and it’s quite noticeable. I know it’s only 14$ but still…when the length is an inch shorter in the back it’s pretty noticeable. I think I need to stop buying certain things like dresses there; even though they’re pretty cheap they lose their shape really quick and always seem to have flaws.
Caitlin
Wow, I love that dinosaur necklace! Too cute. That second look is definitely my favourite :)
Paulina VD
I’ve had a dress exactlly like this one for over 5 years now and I’ve never thought of wearing it to class!!! or even dressing it down. Great ideas
Rosie
This dress is SHORT, if you’re tall it will be way too short for class!