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IN THIS ARTICLE
1Wear over-the-knee boots for a sophisticated look.
2Stay cool in a pair of statement sandals.
3Make a statement with brightly-colored shoes.
4Stand out with bold jewelry.
5Create an elegant look with pearls.
6Go bold with a glittery clutch.
7Contrast your LBD with a light-colored handbag.
8Add a splash of color with a decorative scarf.
9Slip into a faux fur coat for a cozy look.
10Layer a printed coat over top for a bold outfit.
11Create a chic, simple look with black pantyhose.
12Add some volume to your outfit with textured tights.
13Accent your dress with a belt.
14Pick out a hat or hair accessory for a formal touch.
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Co-authored byKalee Hewlettand Janice Tieperman
Last Updated: January 5, 2024Approved
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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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2
Stay cool in a pair of statement sandals.
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3
Make a statement with brightly-colored shoes.
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Bold, bright shoes act as the focal point of your outfit. 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 856 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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5
Create an elegant look with pearls.
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6
Go bold with a glittery clutch.
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7
Contrast your LBD with a light-colored handbag.
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Handbags are a stylish, on-the-go accessory that can keep up with your LBD. 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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A variety of colors work well with an LBD. 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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10
Layer a printed coat over top for a bold outfit.
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Let your LBD be a canvas for a bolder, brighter color scheme or pattern. 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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Pantyhose help even out your skin tone and provide a great finishing touch. 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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13
Accent your dress with a belt.
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14
Pick out a hat or hair accessory for a formal touch.
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Expert Q&A
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Question
What can I stay comfortable in a little black dress during the winter?
Kalee Hewlett
Image ConsultantKalee 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.
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Question
How do I look sleek in a black dress?
Kalee Hewlett
Image ConsultantKalee 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!
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Question
What kind of jewelry should I wear if I've got an awesome dress?
Kalee Hewlett
Image ConsultantKalee 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.
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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
- ↑ https://www.glamour.com/gallery/10-easy-ways-to-update-your-little-black-dress
- ↑ https://www.glamour.com/gallery/10-easy-ways-to-update-your-little-black-dress/#1
- ↑ Kalee Hewlett. Image Consultant. Expert Interview. 23 April 2019.
- ↑ https://www.redbookmag.com/fashion/how-to/g1893/accessories-for-little-black-dress/
- ↑ https://fashionmagazine.com/style/how-to-style-handbags/
- ↑ https://annetouraine.com/blogs/news/14309109-style-your-little-black-dress-with-scarves
- ↑ https://www.glamour.com/gallery/10-easy-ways-to-update-your-little-black-dress
- ↑ https://www.thelist.com/23106/new-ways-dress-little-black-dress/
- ↑ https://www.fabulousafter40.com/dressing-tips-to-slim-heavy-calves-and-ankles/
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About This Article
![14 Ways to Dress Up That Little Black Dress - wikiHow (50) 14 Ways to Dress Up That Little Black Dress - wikiHow (50)](https://i0.wp.com/www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/45/Kalee_Hewitt1.jpeg/-crop-100-100-78px-Kalee_Hewitt1.jpeg)
Co-authored by:
Kalee Hewlett
Image Consultant
This article was co-authored by Kalee Hewlett and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. 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.’ This article has been viewed 1,029,913 times.
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Updated: January 5, 2024
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