Yesterday on the Today show, Hoda Kotb wore a blue dress with an asymmetrical neckline, squared-off cap sleeves, a defined waist and a skinny belt. This is the Jackie O. dress by Black Halo. Or, as we've come to think of it, The Dress That Won't Die.
We are convinced that every celebrity has this dress, or a version of it. There are some similar styles out there, by Herve Leger, Roland Mouret and Victoria Beckham. But the Black Halo Jackie O. dress is the one we keep seeing, over and over and over again. And there's a reason.
A few reasons, actually. First of all, it's tailored and body-skimming, which means it's flattering on all different types of bodies. Curvy, straight, hourglass, top-heavy, etc. The tailoring keeps it clean and smooth and unfussy. Next, the asymmetrical neckline frames the face, neck and collarbones just so. The effect is interesting enough not to be boring, but it's not about cleavage or showing skin. Ladylike, but not staid. Somehow, this means that the dress works both for evening and for daytime. Plus, women of all different ages look great in it. A younger woman looks polished and fashionable; an older woman looks cool and chic. It's easy to be fashionable when fashion is easy. And this is one piece. You don't rummage around for an "outfit." One item, and you're done. Just add shoes. In the grand scheme of How Much Fashion Costs, it's affordable. For instance, the one-dotted-arm Stella McCartney dress seen in yesterday's Midweek Madness is over $2,000. The Black Halo Jackie O. dress is $345. What's known in the biz as a "good deal."
And so we're seeing it a lot. Jesssica Alba wore it in Little Fockers. Raven-Symone has rocked it, as have Jessica Simpson and Britney Spears.
As a testament to its versatility and sheer perseverance — spottings date back to 2007 or earlier, and we saw Hoda Kotb wearing it just yesterday — here are a just a few images of the Jackie O. dress in action. There are so many more. This dress will not die.
Hoda Kotb on Today, March 21, 2012.
Judy Greer, September 2010.
Becki Newton on Ugly Betty, 2007.
Lindsay Price in a publicity shot for the quickly-canceled 2009 show Eastwick.
Kristen Bell in the 2010 movie You Again.
Kelly Clarkson co-hosting Today, November 2011.
Lucy Lawless, July 2011.
Teri Hatcher in a scene from Desperate Housewives.
Taraji P. Henson, June 2009.
Felicity Huffman, April 2009.
Tyra Banks, May 2009.