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.

Photo:

Nick Harvey/WireImage

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)

Photo:

Getty Images

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.

Photo:

Getty Images

3. Top With A Printed Jacket

A trendy printed jacket is a great way to make your LBD pop. We especially love this multi-color pick as seen on Aida Domenech.

Photo:

David M. Benett/Getty Images for Thomas Sabo

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

Photo:

David M.Benett/Centrepoint/Getty Images for Centrepoint

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.

Photo:

Shanae Nae/BFAnyc.com

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.

Photo:

REX USA/IBL/Rez

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.

Photo:

Getty Images

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. 

Minimarket Long Wool Coat ($306)

Photo:

Getty Images

9. Layer A Fishnet Dress On Top

Here’s a fresh idea with a little edge: top your favorite tank or spaghetti-strap LBD with a sheer fishnet or mesh dress for a downtown effect.

Nike Air Max Defy Run Sneakers ($95) in Distance Blue/Chambray Blue/Armory Navy

Riller & Fount Todd Fishnest Sweatshirt Mini Dress ($113) in Black

Photo:

Getty Images

A.P.C. Plaid Long Sleeve Shirt ($215)