How to Accessorize the Little Black Dress

Co-authored by Kalee Hewlett

Last Updated: September 7, 2022 References

The Little Black Dress (LBD) is one of the most timeless, stylish, and versatile garments out there. Whether you’re wondering how to update your tried and true LBD or you need to know which classic pieces to pair with your brand new LBD, accessories will help you create a polished look for any occasion. Simply mix and match an accessory or two and you’re sure to make an impression anywhere you go.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Wearing Statement Pieces

1
Bring your outfit to life with a statement necklace. An eye-catching pendant revitalizes any ensemble. You can also draw attention to your figure with a long necklace. Layer multiple strands at once to create a more dramatic effect.^{[1]
X
Research source} With bling of different sizes and styles your dress will fit in at any occasion.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Neutral metallics support a more conservative look.
- A necklace with chunky stones and bold color create a funky look.
- A tattoo inspired necklace with its intricate patterns is pure vamp.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
EXPERT TIP

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

If you find the right little black dress, you don't need many accessories. Fashion and style expert Kalee Hewlett says: "If you're wearing a simple black dress, especially one that's very bare around the neckline, you could wear a silver or gold statement necklace and black shoes. If you're a more mature woman, you might prefer the timeless elegance of pearl earrings or a pearl necklace. However, if your dress has a high neckline, you might avoid wearing a necklace and wear a statement cuff bracelet instead."
2
Wear a daring bracelet. A wide metallic bangle captures a futuristic look while leather studded cuffs show off your inner rebel.^{[4]
X
Research source} Stacking multiple bracelets together will have a bolder effect.

Advertisement
3
Go for a big and bold pair of earrings. Tasseled dangly earrings and sparkly hoops are both strong choices. On the other hand, larger studs will draw extra attention to your face.^{[5]
X
Research source} Opt for smaller studs for a simpler, more elegant look.
4
Accent your look with a watch or a brooch. Go for a masculine-inspired (larger sized) watch to show off your sporty side. Embellish your outfit simply, with a classic brooch. Alternately, pair the dress with something more modern like a button-inspired brooch, or think outside the box with one made of ribbons or feathers.
5
Wear an embellished collar or scarf to draw attention to your neckline. If you're sick of your neckline, change it up with a detachable collar.^{[6]
X
Research source} For a semi-formal affair, pair your dress with a beautiful yet delicate neck scarf. A pashmina offers the most coverage for your neck and shoulders when it gets cold.^{[7]
X
Research source}
6
Use a chunky belt to draw attention to your waist. Pick a metal belt and clasp it around the smallest part of your waist to show off your shape.^{[8]
X
Research source} You can also try a brightly colored or glittery belt that pops against the black.^{[9]
X
Research source} This will add shape to a looser dress or emphasize form in an already fitted one.
7
Wear eye-catching tights to draw attention to your legs. Stay warm and stylish by adding a pair of tights to your ensemble. Try black tights for a more traditional look. For something understated pick a nude or a brown colored stocking. Try polka-dotted tights or sparkly stockings to add a sense of volume to your dress.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Experiment with colorful stockings. Purple, orange, or even bright red are especially fun to try. Wear these bold colored tights on a night out rather than a day at the office.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Experimenting with Layers

1
Add a women’s button-down top under your dress for a preppy new look. Pick a color other than black so the collar and sleeves really pop.^{[11]
X
Research source} If you are feeling experimental, add a men’s button-down top over your dress to create an interesting structure and block coloring.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Opt for a throwback to 90’s grunge by tying a plaid, button-down flannel around your waist. Pair it with chunky black boots for the full effect.^{[13]
  X
  Research source}
2
Wear a sweater for a relaxed look. Try an oversized sweater, a button-down cardigan, or a tighter shrug. Use your sweater to add a pop of color to your outfit. Create a casual style that will double as an extra layer in case the weather gets cold.^{[14]
X
Research source}
3
Pick your favorite mid-sized jacket. Add an edge to your sophisticated look when you wear a jacket over your LBD for an evening on the town. Go for a tailored jacket to make the silhouette of your dress seem new. Choose the unexpected with a military jacket or give off a cool, tough vibe with a leather bomber jacket.^{[15]
X
Research source}
4
Try a faux-fur jacket. Add a bohemian flair with faux fur. Try different colors and lengths to find the best size and fit for you. Faux fur is a very bold and eye-catching material so be careful not to clutter your look. If you choose a faux fur jacket, make your other accessories minimal. ^{[16]
X
Research source}
5
Go for a long printed or colorful coat. Break up the monochromatic palette of your dress with a long, bold coat. A bright green floor-length or a floral mid-calf length coat is perfect to draw attention away from an older dress that you may have gotten sick of.^{[17]
X
Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Picking Your Purse

1
Carry a larger shoulder or handbag for everyday use. A larger bag can hold all your daily essentials-even your lunch! A larger shoulder bag in a neutral hue plus an accessory you love creates a casual, versatile, and completed look.^{[18]
X
Research source}
- If you always wear your grandmother’s citrine brooch with your dress, find a large shoulder bag in yellow to match.
2
Carry a cross body bag at a semi-formal event. Create a bohemian effect with a cross body bag. Wear it on a night out at an edgy party, or pick a textured, more muted cross-body for a casual daytime look. ^{[19]
X
Research source}
3
Carry a clutch with your most formal ensembles. Choose a fun bold color or a glittery metallic pattern. Create a dramatic look by choosing an oversized clutch made with relaxed leather.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Choosing the Right Shoes

1
Stay traditional with classic black pumps. Go for patent leather or suede and look timeless wherever you go. Keep your look simple with black shoes or use them to help draw people’s attention to another louder accessory.
2
Liven up your look with fun heels. Pick a stiletto heel in a fun color or style. Experiment with heel shape and height, color, and embellishment. Don’t forget about funky animal prints. Echo your shoe color in a matching belt or clutch.
3
Bring out your conservative heels for formal gatherings. It's possible to keep your shoe conservative but still polished! The key is to choose a lower heel, like a kitten heel, in a neutral color like nude or black. A nude shoe will also draw out your leg and make it look longer - who can resist that?^{[20]
X
Research source}
4
Stay comfortable in strappy sandals. Try an eye-catching pair of gladiator sandals or a pair of glittery sandals with ankle straps.^{[21]
X
Research source} Choose subtler styles with more muted tones for casual affairs.
5
Capture casual sophistication with flats. You can walk the line between casual and sophisticated by pairing flats with your LBD. An ideal flat will have a little embellishment on it, or a metallic hue to add some excitement. Though, not all flats are feminine. A pair of conservative loafers might be a good match for your masculine watch.
6
Adopt a cool, city look with boots or booties. As the weather gets colder you'll want to cover up your feet and legs with a high-heeled boot or ankle boot to look trendy. Go a more dramatic route with an over the knee boot or get edgy with a cowboy boot. A riding boot will add structure, especially when paired with a tailored top to match.^{[22]
X
Research source}
7
Wear sneakers for casual outings. Mix and match formal and casual, or "high" and "low" fashion, when you want to be experimental. Let your feet rest as you run errands or take a walk during the day.^{[23]
X
Research source}

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Styling Your Hair and Face

1
Volumize your hair. If you don't have the money to go out and buy new accessories or you just don't want to add much to your LBD, treat your hair like an accessory. Pump up your hair with high volume whether it is loose or in a fancy up-do. Try a messy braid on the weekends when you're out and about.
2
Use a hair accessory. Accessorize your dress by styling your hair. A sparkly headband, a small jeweled crown, and an embellished bobby pin or barrette will create an extra feminine look while helping to secure your hair.^{[24]
X
Research source} Place your headband half an inch back from your hairline to hold everything in place.
3
Add flare with a hat. Try the traditional wide-brimmed hat for a classic LBD look. Add a funky twist with a fedora over your messy braid.
4
Rely on a simple red lipstick. Since the LBD can often speak for itself, you may opt to skip accessories all together. Keep focus on the lines and shapes of the dress itself by accessorizing with nothing more than a timeless bright red lipstick.
5
Add a pair of sunglasses to finish off the look. Pick a more traditional pair of black sunglasses and focus on the style and shape of the lens. Alternatively, choose a trendier style. Try white or light pink rims with black lenses or black or silver rims with multi-colored lenses.

Community Q&A

Question

Is it OK to wear a cream-colored sweater with my black dress?

HumanBeing

Top Answerer

White is traditional to go with black, but cream can work, too. Go with gold jewelry instead of silver and your outfit should be nicely put together.
Question

I have a black, vintage, pencil dress with a white bow on the waist and a row of buttons on it. How do I style it up?

Community Answer

Wear a pair of sparkling dangling earrings and black shoes.
Question

What to wear with wrap dress with V neck ? I’m thinking about black and gold block sandals, gold necklace. I have long hair, so I am getting curls done by a professional and makeup done too but not sure what sort.

Community Answer

A wrap dress is sort of informally stunning. If you want to go with gold, that can work out too. Long curls and glossy lip color based on your skin tone can complete the look.