petite black dress for women Karen Kane 3/4 Sleeve Jersey The fabric composition ensures a soft feel and a subtle drape The Little Black Dress (using

Cons to consider: They're one of the more expensive pairs on our list

Go for an off-the-shoulder gown in luxurious fabrics or fancy florals in vibrant hues

Christian Dior Haute Couture Black and White Dress, Betsy Bloomingdale 1980 By Christian Dior Located in Los Angeles, CA This is a black and white long "sailor" style day dress by Christian Dior Haute Couture, from 1980

(Wait -- that is my generation.) Why, oh why, did women ever want to dress like men

This dress was designed after a famous Alessandro Allori portrait of Eleonora di Don Garzia di Toledo di Pietro de' Medici

She has a few tips on her blog for painting black and white furniture