The little black dress is a classic wardrobe staple for every woman. It's elegant, timeless, versatile, and suitable for any occasion. The key to transforming a simple black dress into a fashion statement lies in how you accessorize it. Jewelry, shoes, handbags, belts, jackets, and other accessories can completely change the look of a simple black dress. Let's explore a range of accessories that you can use to enhance your little black dress and make it stand out in this article. This might just be one of the most exciting items in your wardrobe to play around with when creating outfits.
Accessorizing Your Little Black Dress
There are five types of accessories that you can choose to create unique styles for any black dress. Remember that sometimes the simplicity of the dress is best enhanced by choosing a simple yet elegant accessory . As Coco Chanel once said, "Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off."
Jewelry
Jewelry complements a black dress beautifully. Gold, silver, pearls, acrylic, and sapphire are reliable choices. Silver, diamonds, and pearls will elevate your look. Gold goes well with any type of event. Sapphire can be a more casual option. Balance is key here. A pair of small earrings can be paired with a visible necklace or statement earrings to draw attention to the unique neckline.
Shoes
For a casual and comfortable style, opt for boots, flats, or sneakers. If you want a more sophisticated look, high heels are always a great choice. Black or nude-colored shoes are excellent options. Remember that nude-colored shoes will elongate your legs.
Belts
A belt adds a great touch when paired with a simple black dress. This is another area where you can get creative. If the dress is minimalistic, then a more detailed belt will be a great choice. A leather belt, chain belt, suede belt, or Western-style belt are options to consider. A wider belt will balance the outfit when the dress is midi or maxi length.
Handbags
We found some great options in this category. You can add some great details or a pop of color here—red being a trending color. We have included the Tory Burch Reva Handbag in vibrant red. The Kurt Geiger Shoreditch Crossbody Bag will be perfect for a formal event paired with the Anthropologie Bibi Lou Alessia High Heels. The choice of handbag also depends on what you need to carry - phone, wallet, keys - make sure your essentials fit.
Jackets and Blazers
If you need an extra layer to complete your outfit, there are plenty of options with jackets and blazers. You can easily create a casual, elegant, warm, or edgy style with these pieces. We particularly love the leather moto jacket and denim jacket paired with a black dress, but the blazers from Veronica Beard and Banana Republic are also fantastic options!
Outfit Ideas
Here, we want to show you how you can creatively style a black dress to create outfits based on your personal style.
From Day to Night
Accessories can transform this outfit from a daytime look to an evening party. The M.M. LaFleur dress is the perfect shift dress with pockets. We love the Chanel-inspired pumps shown above - they have received great reviews. Click here to view these Jon Josef Daniela Block Heels.
From Classic to Chic
This is a perfect example of the versatility of a black dress. The accessories on the left are excellent for a formal event, and the accessories on the right are a fantastic day-to-night outfit. This dress is from Reiss, and they make amazing knitwear. Bev has purchased a pair of Veronica Beard leather boots and can attest to their comfort. A great investment boot!
From Affordable to Chic
The dress and accessories above are another example of how outfit combinations can be simple or elegant. You can mix and match any combination, and you will still look polished and confident. The camel and black combination is always a successful pairing. This Michael Kors jacket will go well with denim and dark brown. It's a cardigan with pockets and perfect for when the weather starts to get chilly.
Scroll down to see more images of the little black dress and other accessories that we found. Let us know if you find something you like or if it inspires you to create outfits from the items in your wardrobe.
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Bev and Val
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