Different Ways to Accessorize a Black Dress

There are dozens of different ways to accessorize a black dress. Whether you are looking for ideas for elegant evening accessories, fun and flirty date night looks, or fresh and pretty ways to accessorize a black dress during the day, you have plenty of options for completing your look and adding an extra splash of style.

Turn a simple dress into the perfect eye-catching style with a big belt. This look works well with a stretchy knit, jersey, or sweater dress. Add a wide belt and slingback heels for a cute dress-casual look that can be worn for day or night.

Boots can add a fun, fresh update to your favorite little black dress. Here, a velvet wrap dress is paired with mid-calf leather boots. A simple necklace helps complete the look without detracting from the bold statement the boots make.

A bold, oversize necklace makes an incredible style statement paired with a formal dress. Be careful not to go overboard on your other accessories, however. Consider nothing more than a simple pair of stud earrings and an elegant clutch purse to finish off your look and keep it balanced.

If your formal or semi-formal dress has a higher neckline, you will probably want to skip wearing a necklace. Instead, choose high-impact earrings, such as the long chandelier style pair shown here, for a stunning look.

A basic mini dress gets a fun and pretty dose of style when you add a chunky bracelet and earrings. Choose a bracelet and earrings that have a similar theme for a pulled-together look. This model, for example, wears chunky round earrings, and the theme is continued with the large round links of the bracelet.

Also consider neckline when choosing jewelry. The rounded scoop neck of the dress shown here meshes well with the curves of the jewelry.

Don't put away your favorite black dress when the warm weather comes. The right accessories can help you brighten up a dark dress for spring and summer. Sheer hose, a bright floral hairpiece, and cute black and white flats can update a black dress so that it has a distinctly warm-weather vibe. Finish the look with a pair of classic small hoop earrings.

Another way to update a black dress for spring or summer is to wear brightly colored accessories that reflect the season. The yellow shoes and turquoise bracelet shown here really add splash to the cut-out shift dress.

Keep in mind that pairing a black dress with colored accessories will typically make the look more casual.

You can still add your own personal style when wearing an embellished dress, but you have to do it carefully. Choose accessories that harmonize with the dress details for a flattering look.

The dress here, for example, features beaded details on the v-neckline of the bodice and some sparkle embellishment on the skirt. The accessories work because they aren't overdone and work together. The simple drop earrings mimic the line of the dress, the glitter detail on the bag works with the sparkles, and the strappy shoes are perfect with the lines of the neckline and earrings.

Ward off a chill in a dressy black dress by choosing an elegant cover-up. Wraps are popular, but they may not add enough warmth or you may want to try something different. Consider other options, such as fancy sweaters, for a different look.

The elegant feather-embellished sweater shown here, for example, doesn't detract from the sophisticated look.

You'll want to forego tights for a formal look, but pairing them with a black dress in colder weather can make a great option for daytime, work attire, or an evening out.

You can also go bold with color by choosing a fun seasonal hue for you shoes. For cooler weather, shoes in rich reds, purples, and blues look great with a black dress.

A black dress is often thought of as a go-to option for dressing up, but there's no reason you can't make most black dresses appropriate for work. One simple way to make your favorite LBD work-ready is to add a thin leather belt at or slightly above the natural waist. This also does a great job of drawing the eye in visually to make your waist appear smaller.

Add visual interest to a plain black dress for an evening out by pairing it with a long necklace and bangle bracelets. The result is a look that's elegant yet flirty; perfect for a date, evening out, or party.

A black maxi dress already has a strong visual impact, so keep it simple when it comes to the accessories. This elegant formal style is paired with a thick bracelet and a large ring.

For casual wear, you can create a boho-chic style in a black dress with a few fun accessories. The easy-going vibe of this style is created by layering and pairing different textures and colors in the bracelets. The fun placement of the headband also adds to the laid-back look.

When accessorizing in a more casual way, make sure to choose a black dress in an appropriate style and material. The casual fabric and relaxed ruffles shown here work well with the casual layered jewelry.

If you want a look that's less frilly and shows your edgy side, a large leather belt with studs or grommets can ramp up the rocker-chic style for your black dress. Wear the belt low slung on the hips, and pair with shoes that have a similar vibe.

If you are afraid your favorite black dress lacks flair, accessorize with a pop of color near your face -- such as in your earrings or necklace. The result is a look that will refresh the dress and also brighten and highlight your facial features as well.

You can never go wrong with classic and elegant items like delicate hanging earrings and a sophisticated clutch, especially for evening attire.

Try different textures, colors and combinations when it comes to accessorizing your black dress. When you add your creative expression to a classic dress, you'll find a style that's uniquely suited for you and the occasion.