Friends Like These Black Dress

As a fashionista always looking for my next stylish purchase, I was beyond excited when I discovered the timeless Friends Like These black dress. This iconic LBD has developed a cult following among fans of the show, thanks to Rachel Green’s unforgettable wardrobe.

If you’re looking to add this wardrobe essential to your own closet, you probably have questions about fit, style, and where to find the perfect dupe. As a self-proclaimed Rachel Green fangirl, I’ve done my research to bring you this comprehensive buying guide for the Friends Like These black dress – aka the magic cocktail dress that looks stunning on everyone!

A Brief History of the Iconic Friends Like These Black Dress

Let’s start with a quick history lesson, shall we? The Friends Like These black slip dress first appeared in Season 3 of the hit 90’s sitcom. Rachel wears it for a night out during the episode “The One Where No One’s Ready.”

This iconic LBD featured thin spaghetti straps, a cowl neckline, and a body-skimming silhouette that landed right above Rachel’s knees. The dress became an instant classic, prompts Rachel to declare: “Look at me, I’m in an ad for cologne!”

Over 25 years later, this scene remains one of the most memorable fashion moments in Friends history. The iconic black dress sparked major 90’s nostalgia when Rachel wore it again in the 2021 Friends reunion episode.

Where to Find the Perfect Friends Like These Inspired Black Dress

Of course, the original Friends Like These dress was a custom-made designer creation just for Jennifer Aniston. But that doesn’t mean we can’t recreate Rachel’s iconic look ourselves!

Here are some of my favorite places to find stylish LBD dupes:

• ASOS: This online fashion mecca has endless options for Friends inspired black dresses. I especially love this cowl neck slip dress that’s spot-on for channeling Rachel.
• Lulus: For trendy and affordable dresses, Lulus is my go-to. They have the perfect short spaghetti strap LBD to emulate Rachel’s look.
• Nasty Gal: This edgy brand never fails to put a cool spin on classic styles. I adore their satin cowl neck dress for a modern take on Rachel’s iconic frock.
• Revolve: With tons of influencer-approved labels, Revolve is a one-stop shop for on-trend dresses. Their Lovers + Friends LBD is a spot-on dupe for Rachel’s dress.

Key Features to Look For

Rachel’s iconic LBD has some signature features to look for when finding the perfect dupe:

• Silky sleeveless fabric: The Friends Like These dress has a slinky, silky texture that drapes beautifully. Look for dresses made of satin, silk, or rayon to emulate the style.
• Spaghetti straps: Thin spaghetti straps are a must to channel the 90’s vibe of Rachel’s LBD. Wider straps just won’t have the same effect.
• Cowl neckline: That drapey cowl neck is one of the most recognizable parts of the dress. Find a neckline that gathers and drapes across your décolletage for that iconic RachelGreen look.
• Bodycon fit: Tailored to hug the figure, the iconic black dress hits at the knees with a body-conscious fit. Make sure to get a dress that accentuates your shape.
• Short hem: Mini and midi lengths are perfect for recreating Rachel’s classically short LBD hemline. Anything too long just won’t capture the essence of this dress.

Deciding If the Iconic Dress Works For You

The Friends Like These dress is truly one of those magical unicorn garments that looks beautiful on so many body types. However, there are a few things to consider before deciding if it will work for you:

For formal events

While undeniably gorgeous, I’d stop short of calling the iconic black dress formalwear. The slinky silhouette and barely-there straps give it more of a going-out vibe. I’d recommend choosing something more conservative if you need a dress for weddings or black-tie affairs.

However, it could definitely work for informal cocktail parties or even a date night! Just pair it with some sparkly accessories to dress it up a bit.

Style and fit considerations

One of the dress’s biggest perks is how flattering it looks on a variety of figures. That said, the slinky fabric tends to be clingy and revealing. If you prefer more coverage, look for a style with an attached slip.

Since the straps are fragile, the Friends Like These dress offers minimal support. Well-endowed ladies may feel more comfortable in a style with thicker straps. Petite girls should make sure the length doesn’t completely overwhelm their frame.

Overall, finding the perfect fit will ensure you feel sexy AND confident! Make sure to try the dress on and move around before purchasing.

Plus size options

As a curvy lady myself, I’m happy to report there are now tons of plus size Friends Like These dresses available! When shopping, look for styles that include words like “curvy” or “plus” in the item description.

Brands like City Chic and Torrid offer gorgeous LBDs in sizes up to 4X. There are so many flattering options made just for our bodies!

Style Tips and Ideas for Wearing Your LBD

Once you’ve found the perfect Friends Like These inspired dress, let’s talk about how to wear it! A versatile black dress can work for day dates, parties, and beyond. Here are some of my favorite styling tips:

For parties

When it comes to making an entrance at your next party, your LBD has you covered. Just add some sparkly, attention-grabbing accessories! A pair of rhinestone earrings and metallic heels will take your look from 0 to 100.

For extra glam, go for bold makeup like a red lip and dark smoky eyes. Sleek, straight hair polishes off the ensemble. Who needs a cologne ad when you look this good?

For a night out

If you’re hitting the town for drinks, add some edgy layers to your Friends Like These dress for a street style vibe. A moto jacket, chunky boots, and crossbody bag create a cool night-out ensemble.

Add a pop of color with your makeup and accessories! A bright pink pout and blue graphic eyeliner make your LBD feel modern. This look transitions seamlessly from the dance floor to the nearest diner when the night is over.

Daytime activities

One of the best things about the iconic Friends dress is you truly can wear it before dark if you style it right. For daytime, slip on a denim jacket and white sneakers to create a more casual look.

Accessorize with a backpack purse and retro sunglasses for brunch or shopping trips. The dress easily dresses down with laidback pieces. Throw your hair up in a messy pony, and you’re set for a festival or picnic in the park!

Workwear inspo

If your office dress code allows it, the iconic black dress transitions to a professional daytime look with just a few tweaks. Add a blazer on top to instantly pull the dress into corporate territory.

finishing touches like a structured tote, pointed flats, and simple jewelry keep things office-appropriate. This polished yet chic look works for important meetings and presentations when you want to look put-together.

Additional Buying Considerations For the Perfect LBD

Now that you know how to rock the Friends Like These dress for any occasion, let’s talk logistics! Here are some key factors to consider when picking out your perfect iconic LBD:

Length

Rachel’s dress hits several inches above the knee, but you can play with different lengths. Mini, midi, and maxi silhouettes all emulate the vibe of the iconic slip dress. The longer the hemline, the more formal the dress will feel.

Petite ladies may prefer a shorter length to avoid getting drowned in fabric. Taller girls can choose a maxi for a stunning effect. Go for what flatters your height best!

Sleeves

The OG dress has those spaghetti straps, but sleeveless and short sleeve LBD options are equally chic! Cold-shouldered looks are also on trend. Sleeves add functional coverage while still showing skin.

In colder months, long sleeves look sleek and elegant with the silhouette of the iconic Friends Like These dress. Don’t be afraid to play around with different sleeve styles!

Price range

The designer original was out of most people’s budget, but these days you can find trendy Friends Like These dupes at pretty much any price point. I’ve scored similar dresses for as low as $20 at stores like Forever 21 and H&M.

Designer versions from Reformation and House of CB will cost you $200+. The Nasty Gal and Lulus picks I recommended are around the $50 mark. Decide what fits into your budget before falling in love with a dress you can’t afford!

Reviews

Speaking of budgets, be sure to check out reviews before purchasing any dress online. Look at customer photos to see how the LBD looks on real bodies like yours.

Reviews also give insight into the quality and fit. A few rave reviews can convince me to splurge on an expensive dress. But consistent complaints about poor construction or incorrect sizing are red flags to watch out for.

Caring for Your Beloved LBD

Once you’ve found the perfect Friends Like These inspired dress, follow these tips to make it last:

• Hand wash or dry clean only to avoid damage from machines
• Use gentle cycles and cold water if machine washing
• Hang or lay flat to dry to maintain the shape
• Steam or iron on low if wrinkled
• Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading
• Check straps and seams for fraying
• Use fabric tape on loose threads or holes
• Store in breathable garment bag

Treat your dress with love and care, and it will be your go-to LBD for years to come! Rachel Green would surely approve.

Finding Epic Deals and Discounts

The iconic Friends Like These dress is truly timeless and worth investing in. However, who doesn’t appreciate scoring a great bargain? Here are my tips for deals:

• Check sale sections first and bookmark items to watch for price drops
• Sign up for email lists to get notifications about flash sales and promo codes
• Shop off-season when LBDs will be on clearance
• Look for coupon codes before checking out
• Download apps like Honey or Rakuten to automatically find discounts
• Consider buying secondhand on sites like Poshmark, eBay, or Depop

With some strategic shopping, you can find a chic black dress without paying full price! Rachel would definitely approve of scoring discounts.

The Bottom Line

If you’re a Friends superfan or just love timeless fashion, the iconic Friends Like These LBD deserves a spot in your wardrobe. This dress flatters all body types and suits any occasion with the right styling.

Follow this buying guide to find your perfect little black dress inspiration by the one and only Rachel Green. Whether you go full-on dupe or just channel the essence of the dress, you’re sure to feel like a million bucks.

At the end of the day, fashion should be fun and make you feel confident. So slip on your favourite LBD and embrace your inner Rachel – you’re ready for any adventure or party that comes your way!