The little black dress is a staple piece that every woman should have in her closet. It’s flattering, goes with everything and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Think of a little black dress as kind of like a blank canvas. Just as an artist uses brushes and paints, you can use accessories to create your own unique masterpiece!
Here are our favorite tips for how to accessorize a black dress.
Accessories to Dress Down a Black Dress
Throw on an oversized jean jacket to give your look a trendy, casual feel.
Add a jean jacket–especially if it’s an oversized light wash denim–for a hint of grungy flavor. Add a pair of chunky white sneakers and you’re instantly concert-ready.
Give hipster vibes with a casual beanie cap and combat boots.
Make your LBD effortlessly comfortable by mixing it with a beanie cap, tights and combat boots. Whether or not you choose to spend your afternoon at the local coffee shop or thrift store, you’ll be the perfect mix of casual and cool.
Cozy up in a cute, chunky knit cardigan.
Cardigans are the ultimate in cool weather comfort. Wear one as a jacket over your little black dress during the fall or spring. Layer with tights and over the knee boots for a look that works for the office–or date night!
Walk on the wild side in leopard sneakers.
Leopard print has really become just as classic as black or tan. Add a bit of a casual twist to your little black dress with a pair of leopard print sneakers and a scarf.
Layer a T-shirt underneath your LBD to bring back the best of the ’90s.
A crisp white T-shirt looks especially fresh when layered under a slip-style little black dress. Clean white sneakers complete the playful, ’90s-inspired look.
Give comfort an edge with a shearling bomber jacket and black boots.
For a bit of a rebel look, black boots, leggings and a cropped shearling bomber will give your little black dress just the right amount of edginess.
Turn it into a faux two-piece set by layering a chunky knit sweater over it.
On chilly days, layering a chunky knit sweater over your little black dress will completely transform it. Add a pair of opaque tights and slide into a pair of over the knee boots in the winter (or a pair of block heel sandals in the fall) for a poised, put-together look.
Wear it as a tunic over leggings.
Blousy LBDs look great as tunics over leggings when the temperature starts to drop. Neutral ankle booties and a wide-brimmed hat create an effortless boho vibe.
Accessories to Dress Up a Black Dress
Add a pop of color with bright earrings, shoes or a clutch.
Give your little black dress a dose of energy with colorful accessories. A neon pair of pumps feels funky and fun against stark black, just as an electric green clutch or a sparkling pair of crawler earrings hardly feel like “too much” when balanced out by a traditional black shift dress.
Elevate your look with a trendy headband.
Headbands aren’t just for school girls anymore. In fact, they can look incredibly poised and professional. Plus, they are so on-trend right now! Recover from the dread of a bad hair day while giving your LBD a fresh new look with a top knot headband in a bold color or floral print.
Get work ready by pairing your LBD with a pair of timeless mules.
Mules are comfy, classy and a great match for your little black dress. Whether you choose a studded or printed pair for a bit of personality or classic black, your coworkers will know you mean business when you dress up your LBD with mules!
Stay warm by covering up with a patterned scarf.
A patterned scarf is a quick, easy way to keep your top half warm, even when the weather gets cold. Add opaque black tights and black booties for a sophisticated, layered look.
Layer shimmery tights underneath to add personality to your dressy look.
Take your special occasion LBD to the next level with a pair of tights in a fun floral or polka dot print–or even some sparkly lurex to really shine. Add a pair of black pumps and chandelier earrings to really shine.
Mix it up with snake print accessories for a stylish flair.
Snake print is an amazing option for dressing up an outfit because it adds visual interest while still acting like a neutral. Whether you opt for a scarf, a pair of booties or even a thin belt, this print makes the perfect addition for your little black dress.
Ace the interview with a blazer and classic pumps.
If you’re on the hunt for a new job, you can turn your little black dress into one of your new favorite interview outfits with just a few simple upgrades. Add a trendy, slouchy blazer in a sophisticated print like plaid, add a classic pair of black pumps and bring your most confident smile!
MAKE IT YOUR OWN
The little black dress is an amazing piece because it really gives you the opportunity to be creative and have fun. It’s important to accessorize yours in ways that feel true to your own personal style. After all, isn’t that what fashion’s all about?!
