Getting Down to Basics with the Little Black Dress

There are so many ways to style a classic little black dress, or the LBD as they say in the fashion world.  This is the most basic black dress that I have.  There are many more ways to change this dress but this post would have been huge!  I actually have four other black dresses that have different details worked into them that I may show in the future.  Monday’s post will be about a basic long black dress and the looks you can get for some interesting options, so stay tuned for that.

This dress is a t-shirt style made from knit fabric and is actually a tad short for me.  I found a similar style here on Amazon for you that comes in all sizes from Small to 3X.  You know how self-conscious I am about my chalky vein-y legs, ha!  I just need to get that sunless tanner on as soon as possible, and I will eventually have those veins taken care of with either laser or injections.  Have any of you had your veins zapped?  Please let me know about your experience, good or bad, and what is a good solution to minimizing their appearance.   I use this sunless tanner by Jergens that is also a firming formula (bonus!), it is a 2-pack from Amazon.

//Sunless Tanner//   //T-shirt Dress//

For this simple more basic look, I have kept the jewelry simple with drop pearl earrings, silver necklace and cuff bracelet.  Mixing jewelry textures keeps the look interesting, and mixing gold and silver is also a nice twist for something unexpected.

You may recognize these shoes from my previous post about my daughter’s New York wedding here.  They are very comfortable strappy patent leather slide sandals by East 5th.  I found a similar option here at Amazon which I actually like better.  I think a strap around the back would make them dressier, but the patent leather keeps them somewhat dressy.

//Black Sandal//

Take the Little Black Dress Up a Notch

Adding a pop of animal print instantly brings up the look of the little black dress.  Just don’t overdo the animal prints, the thin belt works with the shoes, while the multi-strand faux chocolate pearl necklace, gold earrings and cuff bracelet keep the look in balance.  The warm tone of the necklace brings the black and brown together.  This is an older Avon necklace, but I found a similar option here on Amazon.

//Pearl Necklace//

I have chosen to wear cropped black leggings with the dress.  The leggings are very comfortable and easy to wear without having to worry about the dress being a bit shorter, and I think the look makes it very current and more youthful.  I wear my thin cheetah belt with lots of things.  I bought it from Amazon last year and it still looks brand new.  Below is the shopping link for the belt.  I have had the Franco Sarto cheetah shoes for a few years now, they were on sale at DSW.  If you look closely, you can see that they have fur on them, I don’t know what kind of fur, but they feel like petting a chihuahua. Here is a similar option for cheetah shoes at Amazon.

//Cheetah Belt//   //Cheetah Shoes//

Do Some Denim with the Little Black Dress

Mixing a denim jacket with the cheetah shoes and basic jewelry really brings interest to the little black dress for a combination of textures while keeping the look dressy and casual.  You are never too old to wear a denim jacket!  Read my previous post here about denim jacket options and wearing texture.

Structured Jacket with the Little Black Dress

Look what a structured jacket in a focal color does for the little black dress, what a difference!  It instantly makes it corporate and business meeting appropriate, even a job interview.  The statement jewelry and gold wedges bring in current elements of style without overpowering the look.  The gold wedges are a few years old and are by Naturalizer.  I found a similar option here on Amazon.  And here is a similar option for the statement necklace.

//Gold Wedges//    //Necklace//

Funky Jewelry Scarves with the Little Black Dress!

Y’ALL!!!!!!  I am having a fit over these scarves that already have jewelry on them!  Such an easy thing to throw on a simple outfit to kick up your look about three notches!  These are so fun, so affordable and come in lots of colors and prints.  I will be ordering more colors and  keep a few on hand for gifts.  Enjoy shopping these gems here.

//Jewelry Scarf//

For this look, I am wearing my Old Navy super skinny jeans under the dress!  Yes, you can wear slim fitting jeans under the dress and it works for a different type of dressy casual look.  The red background jewelry scarf with red shoes really sets off the look, I love it.

I have had the red sandals for a couple of years, they are “Rayana” by Life Stride with light support.  I found similar styles for you on Amazon:

//Jewelry Scarf//    //Red Sandal #1//

//Red Sandal #2//

Classic Black and White with the Little Black Dress

You can never go wrong with classic black and white for any occasion.  Adding the white leggings and scarf bring a refreshing element to the look.  I have had the scarf for a while, but have found a similar option for you here at Amazon.  A scarf instead of a necklace is a nice way to switch things up now and then.  The black gladiator wedge sandals are older by Naturalizer.  I found a similar option for you by Aerosoles here at Amazon.  Drop pearl earrings and a pearl bracelet complete the fresh look.

//Black and White Scarf//

 //Gladiator Sandals//

Have Some Fun with the Little Black Dress

Leggings and sneakers with the little black dress??  Sure, why not?!  Have some fun with this modified athleisure look. When you just don’t want to deal with fitted pieces and need a dressier casual look, go for something like this.

I bought my cushy comfy Dr. Scholl’s denim fashion sneakers last year here on Amazon, they are still available!   The shoes are priced by size and color, which is funny to me — I will pay a bit more for good quality shoes.  They are very comfortable and have a lot of cushion.  I did go up one-half size since these have a shorter toe box.  I wear low cut black socks or no socks at all, both work well depending on how much walking you are going to do.

//Sneakers//

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