How to accessorize the little black dress?

This publication is also available in: Français Deutsch Italiano Español English (US)

The little black dress, you know it, don’t you?

Timeless and a true symbol of the wardrobe and the feminine silhouette, this oh-so-simple piece has nevertheless given style to many women who have honored it. 

If it has stood the test of time, it is still today a source of inspiration for designers and brands who have fun deconstructing it to offer models with ever more inventive cuts and materials.

But does that necessarily give us the know-how on how to wear the little black dress?

No. So, let me share with you in this article some tips on how to dress well with a little black dress, with a focus: on accessorizing. In this post, you will understand why this iconic piece is still a must-have in a woman’s wardrobe, in which styles you can wear it, but most importantly how to accessorize the little black dress.

The little black dress: a staple piece for varying looks

The little black dress: the timeless piece of the feminine wardrobe

It was at the end of the 1920s that the little black dress or “The Little Black Dress” became known thanks to Coco Chanel. Through the designer’s prism, many simple and sophisticated creations were born, including the little black dress. This piece, a true symbol of Coco Chanel’s vision, embodied the idea of breaking the stylistic codes of the time to give women a sense of freedom in the clothes they wore. A great success, this creation has stood the test of time without ever fading. 

Even today, the little black dress is known to all. On the runways, in fashion houses, in our mothers’ wardrobes as well as those of young girls, the little black dress is reinterpreted according to the codes and desires of each. 

It is a fashion creation that has never aged. However, with new stylistic currents, the dress has become contemporary. In the past, it was known for being a simple dress, cut at the knee and adorned with a modest collar, but today is quite different. Designers and brands have fun twisting the iconic little black dress by proposing models with bold cuts, surprising combinations, and the addition of ever more extravagant fabrics like tulle. 

Accessorizing has then become a trendy practice to reinvent one’s own version of the basic little black dress.

But rest assured, despite these flourishes, the little black dress has never strayed from its main goal: to flatter all silhouettes.

One dress, several styles

This is probably the first advantage of the little black dress: it can be worn with anything, and allows you to navigate from one style to another without having to overhaul your wardrobe. In short, with the little black dress, you can indulge in looks you wouldn’t have thought of. That’s the whole point of wearing a basic.

For example, with the little black dress, you can think of day outfits as well as evening ones. You can be seduced by a 100% preppy look with a little black knit dress with short sleeves paired with a pair of loafers, black tights, and a trench coat. Or dare a more marked inspiration with a very short, body-hugging black dress, a pair of chunky boots or Dr. Martens, opaque or patterned tights, and a black leather jacket. And why not go for a red carpet look by wearing a stunning designer black dress with an asymmetrical cut or backless for your Christmas or New Year’s Eve party outfit?

You see, the little black dress offers the advantage of being able to vary in a variety of cuts and styles to give very different but always timeless looks. This asset is what makes it a must-have in the feminine wardrobe. 

But like any basic, this type of piece appreciates being accessorized to bring a bit of depth and “humanity” to the outfit. However, there’s no need to complicate things. So, let’s see together how to subtly add a “je ne sais quoi” to your outfit to enhance the little black dress, and yourself in the process.

Accessorizing the little black dress: 3 paths to explore

Is it possible to keep it simple with accessories? That’s what we’ll try to explore in this second part with ideas for combinations that you can implement into your style starting with a little black dress.

Wearing a little black dress with jewelry

This is the first path that seems most obvious to me: pairing your little black dress with jewelry. 

Depending on your outfit, the circumstances, and the style, you will have to manage the amount of jewelry. But you can remember that with a little black dress, you generally opt for fine, rather discreet jewelry. 

For example, if you are wearing a beautiful evening black dress. A pair of earrings, a necklace, or a diamond ring will be more than enough to complete your outfit. Conversely, if you opt for a day black dress in a casual or urban style, you can add some jewelry, even if the little black dress likes essentialism. 

I would say there is one last option, which is a bit off the beaten path. If you are the type who likes to wear colors. You can just as well contrast your little black dress with a pair of orange or lilac earrings. It’s a fairly subtle way to add a touch of color, to break the codes, and to give a bit more life to your outfit. 

Pairing the little black dress with more rock’n roll pieces to break the mold

The other path is to pair your little black dress with more distinctive pieces from the wardrobe to create a unique combination. I am thinking in particular of the slip black dress combination which is a satin dress combined with a knit, and a pair of platform boots or cowboy boots. This is a particularly trendy look this season and gives you a feminine look, but in which you feel warm and comfortable. 

As an outfit idea for the day with a little black dress, it’s ideal.

But the combinations with wardrobe pieces are unlimited. You can play with volumes with oversized garments like the combo little black dress body-hugging and short with an XXL blazer. You can opt for a black dress with a slit with a pair of thigh-high boots for a bold and sexy look. But the combo of a black knit dress and sneakers or fur-lined boots works just as well for cold days. 

Handbags, scarves, and hats, other accessory ideas to spice up the little black dress

Another idea to accessorize your little black dress: a belt. Simple and effective, yet it’s a detail that is often forgotten but can elevate the outfit. For more glamour, choose it as a jewelry piece!

As for hats, you also have a choice. A cap for a streetwear or comfy look, a beret or a newsboy cap for a preppy or classic look, a cloche hat or a fedora for a touch of vintage. 

And finally, regarding trendy handbags, you can easily turn to the baguette bag, one of the it bags of the season. Small and delicate, it pairs very well with a classic or chic outfit. But other staples like the tote, the crossbody bag, or the bucket bag are also good suggestions.

Ideas of pieces to shop for accessorizing the little black dress

As you can see, there isn’t much that doesn’t work with a little black dress. I would say where you can make a fashion faux pas is by wanting to do too much with this type of piece. Like any basic, the little black dress thrives on minimalism. So, if you’re thinking of accessorizing the little black dress, think subtlety, whether it’s in the choice of your jewelry, hair accessories, or other wardrobe items.