10 Tricks To Update Your Little Black Dress
So go on and save yourself a shopping trip, and check out our ten fresh and easy tricks that will transform your boring old black dress into the life of the party.
1. Slip On Swiss-Dot Tights
A pair of patterned hosiery is an inexpensive and seasonably sensible way to add visual interest to an LBD. Notice how, at an Alice Temperley store launch in London, Laura Bailey added a pair of swiss-dot tights to play off the pattern of her Temperley London Lily Graphic Dress ($1,355).
Zara Dotted Tights ($17)
2. Add An Embellished Collar
Kiernan Shipka is no stranger to all things adorable, so its no surprise she picked one of the most darling ways to dress up a LBD at the Los Angeles premiere of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Although the actress’ collar is part of her Miu Miu dress, we love the idea of adding an embellished detachable collar to any of the high-neck dresses you own.
DKNY Embellished Silk-Blend Twill Collar ($95)
3. Top With A Printed Bomber
Leave it to Chiara Ferragni of The Blonde Salad to make a dress usually reserved for evening events, street style-appropriate. Her secret to pulling it off? Pairing her Styligion dress with a trendy printed bomber jacket.
Mr Gugu & Miss Go Snake Printed Bomber Jacket ($97)
4. Accessorize With A Statement Necklace
It may seem like a no-brainer, but the addition of an eye-catching bauble can give your LBD a new lease on life. For a more dramatic effect, try layering two Thomas Sabo necklaces like Georgia May Jagger did at the jewellery line’s collection launch in London.
Mango Ethnic Style Necklace ($24) in Silver
5. Style With A Metal Belt
There’s no better way to show off your figure than to add a belt around the smallest part of your waist. The Stella McCartney gown Michelle Dockery wore to the Winter Whites Gala in London came with the metal accessory attached, but the effect would be a cinch (excuse the pun) to recreate on your own LBD.
ASOS Full Metal Waist Belt ($55)
6. Try A Button-Down Underneath
For a schoolgirl-inspired look, layer a button-down underneath your trusty LBD. A Topshop heart-print top lent Atlanta de Cadenet Taylor’s Rag & Bone Geneva Sleeveless Textured Knit Dress ($325) a bit of quirky charm at the SATYA Jewellery store opening in New York City.
Equipment Harlow Peacoat Intemperate Dot Print ($248)
7. Wear With A Colourful Coat
Have a less-than-impressive LBD hanging in your closet? Take the focus off the frock by pairing it with bright outerwear, like Alicia Vikanders’ emerald Minimarket Starship Coat ($515) the Swedish actress wore to the Stockholm premiere of Hotell.
Minimarket Long Wool Coat ($306)
8. Pair With Sneakers
Wearing a cocktail-appropriate LBD with tennis shoes is a bold move, but for those daring enough, it can provide a delightfully unexpected contrast. See more ways to wear it here.
Image courtesy of Stockholm Street Style
Nike Air Max Defy Run Sneakers ($95) in Distance Blue/Chambray Blue/Armory Navy
9. Layer A Fishnet Dress On Top
Here’s a fresh idea with a little edge: top your favourite tank or spaghetti-strap LBD with a sheer fishnet or mesh dress for a downtown effect.
Image courtesy of Stockholm Street Style
Riller & Fount Todd Fishnest Sweatshirt Mini Dress ($113) in Black
10. Tie A Flannel Around Your Waist
The ‘90s throwback look is definitely still having a moment, and plaid button-downs tied around the waist are a major part of the vibe. It looks particularly cool when paired with a slightly edgy LBD and chunky boots.
Image courtesy of Stockholm Street Style
A.P.C. Plaid Long Sleeve Shirt ($215)