How to Dress Up That Little Black Dress

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Black dresses are a must-have in your wardrobe—they can move you seamlessly from an office to a party, or a variety of other occasions. If you’re on the hunt for some new, stylish ways to jazz up your little black dress (LBD), look no further! Take a peek through these chic suggestions and see if any appeal to you.

1

Wear over-the-knee boots for a sophisticated look.

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    These long boots add some height to your outfit, and create a chic, streamlined look when paired with your LBD.
    • Make your outfit extra monochromatic with a black handbag and black sweater.
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2

Stay cool in a pair of statement sandals.

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    Grab a pair of black sandals, which complement your dress nicely while still showing off your legs. Then, add a burst of color to your look with a coat of fresh toenail polish.
3

Make a statement with brightly-colored shoes.

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    Give your outfit a little extra height with a pair of heels for an especially dynamic look. [1]
    • For instance, red shoes look great with an all-black outfit.
    • Reader Poll: we asked 942 wikiHow readers, and 72% agreed that the best shoes to wear with dresses are heels. So according to our readers, they're the perfect choice for your LBD! [Take Poll]
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4

Stand out with bold jewelry.

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    Play around with choker necklaces, wide bangles, and other daring pieces of jewelry. Bold accessories help spruce up your dress in a way that’s both fresh and modern. [2]
5

Create an elegant look with pearls.

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    This creates a really adorable look, à la romantic Audrey Hepburn. Try to stay away from pointed pumps—these are too fierce for such a soft and retro look. [3]
    • This works great with a shift-style dress.
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6

Go bold with a glittery clutch.

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    To really make a statement, pick out a larger clutch to complement your dress. [4]
7

Contrast your LBD with a light-colored handbag.

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    Choose a lighter handbag, which will look really striking against your dress. If you’d like, pick out a bag with a subtle, chic pattern that meshes nicely with your dress. [5]
    • For instance, a white handbag with a leafy vine design could be a tasteful complement to your LBD.
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8

Add a splash of color with a decorative scarf.

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    Your dark dress acts as a blank canvas, with scarves adding a touch of brightness and personality to your look. Play around with bold, solid colors, or mix things up with patterns for an extra dynamic look. [6]
    • Polka dots, stripes, floral designs, and paisley all look great with a little black dress.
9

Slip into a faux fur coat for a cozy look.

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    That’s where a faux fur coat comes in! This thick garment adds a cozy touch to your outfit without compromising style. [7]
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10

Layer a printed coat over top for a bold outfit.

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    Leopard print offers a striking, stylish complement to your dress, while bold floral patterns add a splash of color to your look. Play around with different patterns and designs until you find a coat that fits your personal aesthetic.
    • For instance, a blue, orange, red, and yellow patterned coat offers a bold, eye-catching edge to your LBD.
11

Create a chic, simple look with black pantyhose.

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    Sheer black or gray-tinted pantyhose are a great option if you’re dressing in evening wear, especially if it’s a little chilly outside. Black tights create a seamless, sleek look that blends well with the rest of your outfit. [8]
    • Your legs tend to look longer when your shoes and tights color match. [9]
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12

Add some volume to your outfit with textured tights.

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    These tights add some extra volume to a stylish and sleek LBD. [10]
13

Accent your dress with a belt.

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    Select an accessory the meshes well with your dress—it might be a matching color, or have a complementary pattern or texture. [11]
    • For instance, you might add a dash of brightness with a gold belt.
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14

Pick out a hat or hair accessory for a formal touch.

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    [12] You might also play around with astutely-placed hair bows, floral accessories, bejeweled hairpieces, or simple ribbons. All of these accents go a long way in making a statement with your black dress! [13]


Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What can I stay comfortable in a little black dress during the winter?
    Kalee Hewlett
    Image Consultant
    Kalee Hewlett is a Celebrity Stylist & Confidence Coach with almost two decades of experience helping clients build confidence and ‘dress for success.' She works with her clients to transform their sense of self 'from the inside out’ by merging her expertise in image consulting with Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Kalee’s work is rooted in science, style, and the understanding that ‘identity is destiny'. She uses her own methodology and Style To Success Strategy to create positive identity shifts. Kalee is a fashion TV host and appears regularly on QVC UK sharing her fashion expertise. She also was appointed as the head judge and host of Fashion One Network’s 6-part TV show 'Design Genius.’
    Kalee Hewlett
    Image Consultant
    Expert Answer
    Pick out a dress that’s comfortable for you! Not all little black dresses are equal, and some have more style and suitability than others.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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  • Question
    How do I look sleek in a black dress?
    Kalee Hewlett
    Image Consultant
    Kalee Hewlett is a Celebrity Stylist & Confidence Coach with almost two decades of experience helping clients build confidence and ‘dress for success.' She works with her clients to transform their sense of self 'from the inside out’ by merging her expertise in image consulting with Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Kalee’s work is rooted in science, style, and the understanding that ‘identity is destiny'. She uses her own methodology and Style To Success Strategy to create positive identity shifts. Kalee is a fashion TV host and appears regularly on QVC UK sharing her fashion expertise. She also was appointed as the head judge and host of Fashion One Network’s 6-part TV show 'Design Genius.’
    Kalee Hewlett
    Image Consultant
    Expert Answer
    For a sleek look, choose a necklace that fits the neckline of your dress, or pin a brooch in a cute spot on your garment. You can also change things up with a pair of daring earrings—the possible combos are endless!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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  • Question
    What kind of jewelry should I wear if I've got an awesome dress?
    Kalee Hewlett
    Image Consultant
    Kalee Hewlett is a Celebrity Stylist & Confidence Coach with almost two decades of experience helping clients build confidence and ‘dress for success.' She works with her clients to transform their sense of self 'from the inside out’ by merging her expertise in image consulting with Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Kalee’s work is rooted in science, style, and the understanding that ‘identity is destiny'. She uses her own methodology and Style To Success Strategy to create positive identity shifts. Kalee is a fashion TV host and appears regularly on QVC UK sharing her fashion expertise. She also was appointed as the head judge and host of Fashion One Network’s 6-part TV show 'Design Genius.’
    Kalee Hewlett
    Image Consultant
    Expert Answer
    You don’t want too much going on around the neck if there’s a lot already going on with the dress. Something smaller and tasteful is probably better.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • A lint brush is your best friend! If you don't have one, buy one or try to keep your dress really clean and free from pet hair or lint.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/gallery/10-easy-ways-to-update-your-little-black-dress
      2. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/gallery/10-easy-ways-to-update-your-little-black-dress/#1
      3. ↑ Kalee Hewlett. Image Consultant. Expert Interview. 23 April 2019.
      4. ↑ https://www.redbookmag.com/fashion/how-to/g1893/accessories-for-little-black-dress/
      5. ↑ https://fashionmagazine.com/style/how-to-style-handbags/
      6. ↑ https://annetouraine.com/blogs/news/14309109-style-your-little-black-dress-with-scarves
      7. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/gallery/10-easy-ways-to-update-your-little-black-dress
      8. ↑ https://www.thelist.com/23106/new-ways-dress-little-black-dress/
      9. ↑ https://www.fabulousafter40.com/dressing-tips-to-slim-heavy-calves-and-ankles/
      1. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/gallery/10-easy-ways-to-update-your-little-black-dress
      2. ↑ https://www.redbookmag.com/fashion/how-to/g1893/accessories-for-little-black-dress/
      3. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JyYw70IE4Lk&t=0m38s
      4. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/the-little-black-bow-its-the-s

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