Day to Night: 11 Ways to Accessorize a Black Dress

The little black dress is one of the most iconic pieces in any woman’s wardrobe. Known for its simplicity, elegance, and sophistication, this staple item can easily be transformed for day or night——and for any occasion.

With the right accessories in place, anyone can wear their favorite little black dress to the office, for a day at the beach, while volunteering at school, or when sipping cocktails at a trendy hotspot. To help you make the most of this timeless apparel item in your closet, we’ll show you a variety of versatile styling options to help you look your best.

How to Style a Little Black Dress

Discovering how to style a little black dress the right way is all about attitude. Are you going for a smart and sophisticated appearance? A casual, nonchalant vibe? Or more of a sexy look? No matter which option resonates with you, there are plenty of little black dress accessories to help you pull it off.

Eyeglasses and Eyeglass Accessories

The first step in learning how to accessorize a black dress is to consider the type of eyeglasses and eyeglass accessories you typically wear, if any. Modern reading glasses and chains are both stylish and functional. So use these pieces to accent your little black dress. 

Think about things like lens shape, frame colors and patterns, and chain materials while deciding which of these accessories for a black dress you like most. Remember, all types of eyewear and eyewear accessories are part of your personal style, so don’t overlook them while getting dressed.

Hats and Hair Accessories

Hats and hair accessories are a fun way to complement any black dress. From crystal hairpins to bowtie headbands, fedoras, floppy hats, and beanies, hats and hair accessories can help you set any vibe you choose.

Jewelry

The jewelry you pair with a little black dress can be considered to be elegant accessories for a black dress, casual accessories for a black dress, or somewhere in between. It all depends on the materials the jewelry pieces are made with.

Fine jewelry made with gold, sterling silver, or platinum would all fall under the elegant category while fashion jewelry made with beads, leather, feathers, or shells would fall under the casual category.

Any item or items you choose can be considered statement pieces, but the jewelry you wear will either dress up or dress down your little black dress so choose wisely.

Belts

A well-placed belt can also add visual appeal to any black dress. Try a skinny gold belt, a silver chain belt, a brown leather belt, or a stretchy red belt to see just how much one accessory can change your look.

Scarves

Scarves are great examples of color accessories for a black dress. With so many hues, patterns, and textures out there, it’s easy to select a scarf that adds a little something extra to your black dress.   

Part of deciding how to style a black dress in the first place is to consider where you want the eyes to go. And silk scarves, cashmere scarves, wool scarves, and cotton scarves all draw the eyes to them with the pops of color they provide.

Hosiery

Don’t forget about your legs. Black dresses pair well with nude hose, black tights, or patterned fishnets. Try a few and see what you like best.

Shoes

Shoes are key when it comes to mastering how to style a black slip dress. Wear high heels for more of a formal look, knee-high boots for a trendy look, sandals for the perfect summer look, or slip-on sneakers for a fun, casual look.

Handbags

All handbags look great with little black dresses, especially cross-body bags, boho bags, tote bags, and clutches. Mix and match different colors, textures, and patterns to create a unique look.

Button Down Shirt

Wondering how to style a black dress casually? Simple! Wear a button-down shirt underneath or overtop. This creates a layered look that is sure to get you noticed.

Cardigans, Blazers, and Jackets

Wondering how to dress up a black dress before you step outside? Simply add a cardigan, blazer, or jacket to complete the look. You can go the long striped cardigan route, a floral blazer, or a simple jean jacket.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are one of the hottest ways to style a little black dress. Not only can they take your look from indoors to out, but different types of sunglasses can also elevate your appearance in several ways.

Designer sunglasses add a touch of glamor. This is especially true when you select oversized or cat eye lenses and choose frames with gold, silver, or crystal embellishments.

Want to bring some classic elegance to your style? Stick to timeless sunglass shapes like wayfarers and aviators, which are both known for their iconic design and mass appeal.

Perhaps you’re looking to add some color contrast to your wardrobe. Sunglasses in whites, pastels, or bold colors really pop off a little black dress, giving you that eye-catching look you’ve been dreaming of.  

The same goes for adding prints and patterns to your outfit. Wearing frames with tortoiseshell, polka dots, wood grain, or floral patterns incorporate a playful element you simply can’t create any other way.

Of course, mood is another important consideration when choosing the right sunglasses for a little black dress. Are you interested in creating a bohemian look for an outdoor wedding in the woods—if so, choose oversized round lenses with tinted frames—or a sporty look for a stroll along the boardwalk, in which case you’d want an excellent pair of shield frames.

Black Dress Accessories

The black dress accessories you choose to wear can differ from one day to the next. Whether you’re learning how to style a black mini dress, how to style a black midi dress, or how to style a black maxi dress, it’s all about trial and error—while keeping the attitude you want to convey in mind.

Fortunately, the black dress accessories ideas we’ve shared above can be mixed and matched to create the look you’re going for. Check out the incredibly stylish and affordable reading glasses and sunglasses Privé Revaux has to offer now.