The PURRfect Little Black Dress (LBD)

I have this dress I bought on clearance years ago. I paid a good bit of money for it, because it is the perfect LBD and a quality designer brand. Here it is, ten years after purchasing it, having worn it many, many times, and it still looks pretty good. (Probably because I had the wisdom to set it aside when my body became far too large for it!)

So what's the problem? Well, there are a couple. For one, when I bought it I was 23 and "above the knee" seemed like a wonderful hemline length. Now it feels a bit risqué on my 33-year-old-seen- 275lbs-and-back legs. And it's a size 14. A trim 14, to be sure, but it is gapping a bit at the arms and care must be taken with undergarments. With a fitted blouse underneath, as in the photo, it does fit quite nicely though.

I love this dress. The fabric is that kind of dry-clean-only acetate crepe that refuses to wrinkle. It's lined so there's no need for slips and the like. The a-line cut and empire waist is oh-so-flattering. The zipper is an invisible under-the-arm model and the wide neckline reigns in my footballer shoulders.

So now I'm on the hunt for its successor. It must fit beautifully and flatter. Not wrinkle (even under pressure). Ideally it would be hand or delicate-cycle washable, but I can deal with the occasional trip to the dry cleaners for the perfect LBD. It must go from office to dancing to wedding and back, and be versatile for layering, suiting, etc. It should hit at the knee or just slightly below it and be simple, unadorned with beadery or bows. I will be willing to pay dearly for a piece that will serve me as well as this one has.