The History of the Little Black Dress

Photo by: Naomi Abel, R29
3050 - 300 BC - Ancient Egyptians used to dress their recently departed in black, which was supposed to be the color of choice of Anubis, the god of death. Black robes would ensure that the recently deceased would gain safe passage to the afterlife.

By Connie Wang, Designed by Naomi Abel, Refinery29
The little black dress has a much more storied past than just the time spent as your go-to party piece. In fact, LBDs have a place in some pretty major moments in history, dating back over 5,000 years - from a garment reserved only for evil to an item that represented empowerment and enfranchisement.

Take a moment to relive its heritage, ahead - then, revel in a throwback that is both trendy and timeless.


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