HOW TO WEAR A BLACK DRESS: A GUIDE TO STYLING OPTIONS AND OUTFIT IDEAS

Black is one of high fashion's most timeless colors, embraced by the likes of Saint Laurent, Prada, and Versace. In the decades since, the LBD has taken all shapes and forms, from flirtatious, head-turning bodycons to the iconic elegance of Holly Golighty’s satin Givenchy in Breakfast at Tiffany's. 

Deciding how to wear a black dress outfit that’s perfect for you and the occasion comes down to styling preferences.

STYLING TIPS FOR THE LBD

The little black dress needs no introduction. Nor does it know boundaries: It’s as radical, powerful, and sophisticated as the wearer wants it to be.

While black dresses flatter any body type all on their own, a number of layering and accessorizing techniques elevate the look. From colorful accessories to statement top handle bags, there's no shortage of ways to enhance an LBD.

Here’s what to wear with a black dress to create a striking look:

Statement jewelry

Silver, gold, and pearls always play well with a little black dress. But for a bit more creativity and contrast, try adding a pop of color.

Plunging necklines pair nicely with vibrant statement necklaces, which show their own personality while drawing attention to the décolleté. For a simple yet elegant dash of color, a citrine gemstone necklace will quench a thirst for luxury. 

Oscar de la Renta offers an unparalleled selection of showstopping multi-colored pieces. Consider delicately crafted hand-painted blossoms or the bold radiance of a vibrant glass necklace, adorned with gorgeous glimmering glass stones that will steal the spotlight against a black backdrop. 

Top handle bags

For dresses with a high neckline, reach for a handle bag, pouch, or clutch to avoid having a strap detract from the design. 

Handbags in metallic silver are an excellent choice for dinner dates and special events. Add a touch of fierceness to a sophisticated black dress with a metallic snake-embossed clutch. Sport a Valentino top handle bag for a punch of vibrant pink punctuated by the brand’s iconic studs. 

Black-on-black footwear

Walk New York City’s urban streets in high boots or sit at a San Francisco Sunday brunch in your favorite kitten heels. Wherever you travel, shoes alter an outfit’s narrative, giving multiple lives to your favorite black dress. 

Black footwear can lend a black dress a uniform, timeless, or utilitarian look—it’s all in how you style it. Buckle-strap ankle boots from Valentino make a sleek yet edgy statement that lets the world know your style means business. If a classic look is more your speed, Manolo Blahnik slingbacks rise to the occasion, delivering sophistication and comfort in equal measure.

Belt it out

Belting a midi or mini dress cinches the waist, accentuating the body’s natural curves. As an alternative, top the dress off with a belted statement coat, which creates the coveted hourglass effect.

Belts are also perfect for a more casual black dress outfit. Flowy, free-spirited black dresses pair well with leather—a tie belt from Isabel Marant puts the perfect finishing touch on a luxe-casual look. For an equestrian vibe, pair a black knit dress with a horseshoe buckle belt and a pair of knee-high riding boots. 

6 FLAWLESS COMBINATIONS

The versatility of black dresses creates endless irresistible opportunities for self-expression. Try these six fresh-off-the-runway ideas:

Sequins + delicate jewelry

Take a page from the Gentlemen Prefer Blondes playbook with an iconic black sequin dress. Choose from halter, sweetheart, and off-the-shoulder necklines, and add stunning diamond earrings to pay homage to old Hollywood glamour. 

Mini black dress + wool coat

Wool coats are a must for luxurious winter looks. Throw one over a black mini dress for a formal event or New Year's Eve party. It’s essential to match the energy of each wool coat to a dress with a similar personality—delicate with delicate or edgy with edgy. A Jil Sander single-breasted wool coat and Diane von Furstenberg ruched mini dress make the perfect pairing, complementing one another with feminine silhouettes.

Little black dress + boots

The perfect LBD can be accessorized in any number of ways to fit a variety of occasions and contexts. For an elevated look, pair a black dress with knee-high boots, or opt for combat boots for a style that’s a little more utilitarian. The simplicity of a sleeveless mini dress makes it easy to dress up or down. Dresses with untextured fabric look wonderful with plain boots, while textured dresses pair exquisitely with boots with intricate designs, such as side buckles and front zippers.

Straight black dress + colorful belt 

Straight black dresses are perfect for a minimalist look and belong in every capsule wardrobe. Brighten it up and accentuate the shape of the dress with a colorful belt. For a sophisticated combination, pair a form-fitting mini dress with a vibrant embellished leather belt. Chunky gems and gold rings and earrings enhance the look beautifully, and a black leather jacket and ankle boots can transform the outfit into something a little edgier.

Formal midi dress + statement earrings

Formal midi dresses and statement earrings are an excellent combination to wear for happy hour or date night. From ribbed to feather-trimmed, halter to scooped-back, black formal midi dresses can be ravishing and refined. Statement earrings pair exceptionally well with high-collared necklines when a necklace won’t appear as powerful against the fabric of the dress. 

Long black evening dress + metallic bag

Pairing a long black evening dress with a metallic bag is a great way to add a touch of attention-grabbing shimmer after dark. Whether you’re pairing a gold clutch with a simple gold chain or a silver handbag with bold silver earrings, matching metals is an excellent way to appear polished. Complete the look with a black blazer and strappy black heels.

With the right styling, black can be elegant, powerful, rebellious, sexy, glamorous, or edgy—or all of the above. For more tips on how to wear a black dress, outfits that suit your unique style and shape, and more, book a one-on-one in-store or virtual appointment with a Neiman Marcus style advisor.