15 WAYS TO STYLE THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS

The little black dress (LBD) is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. Once reserved for specific occasions, it’s now a versatile option for almost any event, including weddings and formal gatherings. Every wardrobe should include at least one LBD because it’s adaptable for all seasons and styles. In summer, keep it simple and cool, and for winter, layer it up with chic outerwear.

This effortlessly stylish piece can be dressed down with a denim jacket and slides for a casual day look, or elevated with sparkly accessories for a more formal vibe. If you’re a wedding guest looking to create an elegant outfit, try refreshing your LBD with a few thoughtful styling choices from the ideas below to make it uniquely yours.

HOW TO WEAR LITTLE BLACK DRESS?

Here are some essential do’s and don’ts for styling your little black dress:

DO’S

  • Layer Up: Add denim or leather jackets for an edgy touch.
  • Incorporate Patterns: Use stoles or scarves to introduce some color and pattern.
  • Elevate with Footwear: Choose statement heels, stylish sandals, or chic boots to enhance your look.
  • Accessorize Wisely: If your outfit feels plain, opt for statement jewelry or stylish bags, but be careful not to overdo it.
  • Belt It: Wearing a belt can define your waist and create a flattering silhouette.
  • Dress for the Occasion: Always consider the event and choose your accessories accordingly.
  • Add a Blazer for Work: For an office-appropriate look, pair your LBD with a formal blazer.

Don’ts

  • Skip Shiny Leggings: Avoid wearing shiny, metallic leggings underneath your black dress; they can clash with the overall style.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can effortlessly style your little black dress for any occasion!

TIPS TO STYLE LITTLE BLACK DRESS

DENIM LOOK

Our favorite combination features a little black dress (LBD) paired with a worn-out denim jacket. This perfect blend of comfort and style inspires us to create a chic outfit. For a girly and youthful vibe, consider statement jackets adorned with embroidery, sequins, or studs. This daytime look is ideal for Spring and Summer, perfect for those laid-back days. The nude block heels add a touch of sophistication while keeping the outfit balanced. We adore the addition of a chain bag and stylish shades, making for a casual and fun ensemble.

HOW CELEBRITIES WEAR BLACK DRESS

BFFs Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid are the epitome of both friendship and fashion goals. They consistently wow us with their style, whether strutting down the runway or strolling through the streets of New York. Here, they both shine in stunning black dresses that are truly red carpet-worthy. Kendall’s long silk gown features exquisite lace detailing, exuding elegance. In contrast, Gigi’s mesh dress showcases geometric patterns, giving her a cool and edgy vibe. Both stars opted for minimalism with sleek black shoes, foregoing any bold colors. However, for those looking to add a splash of color or flair, statement heels or eye-catching bags would be perfect accessories to elevate these looks.

LITTLE BLACK DRESS WITH BOOTS

Kim Kardashian’s Yeezy boot trend shows no signs of fading anytime soon. We’re obsessed with how this black dress is styled with over-the-knee boots, creating a striking Fall look. The trendy waist slit adds a unique twist, setting this dress apart from the rest. This casual street style is sophisticated enough to make a great outfit for a coffee date. To complete the look, consider accessorizing with a long handbag or a stylish tote for added flair.

STATEMENT NECKLACE

A wide neckline like this one makes it effortless to style with chunky statement necklaces. This vintage piece of jewelry can beautifully elevate a basic black dress. It’s not just for formal events; you can also wear it on days when you want to feel a bit more dressed up. Whether you’re going for a casual outing or a night out, this necklace adds a touch of elegance to any look.

FORMAL STYLE

How adorable is this minimalistic yet formal evening look? To recreate it, pair your little black dress with stylish stockings and cute lace-up pumps. The tiny handbag and watch serve as the only accessories, maintaining a chic and understated vibe. For a touch of shine and sparkle, consider adding small pearl danglers to complete the ensemble. This look is perfect for any elegant occasion!

WINTER LOOK

Upgrade your winter wardrobe with a chic little black dress that’s perfect for the colder months. Pair with a cozy overcoat or tailored jacket for added warmth and style. Pair with stylish knee-high or ankle boots to keep your legs warm while looking effortlessly stylish. Finish the look with a stylish scarf and a statement handbag for a polished yet cozy winter outfit.

SPARKLY OUTFIT

This sparkly little black dress is just what you need to ring in the New Year in style. The chic fur pumps perfectly complement the fancy outfit and are on-trend for the season. For a bold statement, add a pop of color with a vibrant red handbag, or keep it sleek and sophisticated with a nude clutch. Either way, you’ll be ready to celebrate in glamorous fashion!

LEATHER DRESS

If you’re a big fan of all things leather, here’s some outfit inspiration for you. Pair your favorite black leather skirt with tights for a cool, edgy look. We love the sunglasses and chain bag as understated accessories.

PRINTED COAT 

The simplest way to give your little black dress a fresh makeover is by embracing a monochrome look. Adding a printed jacket can introduce both pattern and color to your ensemble. We love this black and white jacket, which perfectly enhances the monochromatic vibe. The addition of stylish shades and heels injects a touch of sass into the overall appearance. While this outfit is designed with maternity in mind, it’s versatile enough for anyone seeking a chic everyday look.

SIMPLE JEWELRY & FLATS

Probably an obvious one! Let me explain. I could wear it to a graduation party. I like wearing black with brown boots or shoes and my necklace is actually navy, but it looks good too. Black dresses (or mostly plain dresses) are a great canvas for a variety of jewelry options.

Classic Look

A black dress is the ultimate choice for achieving a classic look. Opt for a timeless silhouette, such as an A-line or sheath style, that flatters your figure and exudes elegance. Pair it with sophisticated accessories like a string of pearls, a sleek clutch, and classic pumps to enhance the refined aesthetic. Finish the outfit with a tailored blazer or a trench coat for added polish, making it perfect for any occasion, from a formal event to a dinner date.

STRAPLESS LITTLE BLACK DRESS

A strapless dress is a versatile choice for events like proms, weddings, or parties. If you prefer to cover up a bit, draping a fur stole or cape over your shoulders adds a classic vintage touch to the look. Pair the dress with sleek black or metallic stiletto heels for an elegant finish, and don’t forget to adorn yourself with gems and jewels to elevate the ensemble. Silver or gold danglers can bring a touch of sparkle, ensuring your black outfit shines beautifully without overwhelming the overall aesthetic.

LITTLE BLACK DRESS FOR WEDDING

There are so many elements of this cute little black dress that we absolutely adore. The ruffled waist detail adds a charming touch, while the crisscross skirt creates a slimming effect on your legs. Minimalist heels and a black handbag complement the dress perfectly, enhancing its overall appeal. As we’ve seen, black is increasingly embraced as a wedding dress color, providing a stunning contrast to traditional white weddings and exuding grace and elegance.

LACE DETAILS FOR SUMMER

You can never go wrong with a timeless classic like this black lace dress featuring intricate cutwork detailing. This versatile piece can be styled in numerous ways; for instance, wearing it over a black t-shirt adds sleeves for a sophisticated and polished look. The nude heels help neutralize the outfit, while the handbag offers a smart touch that keeps the overall appearance formal yet elegant. The turtleneck eliminates the need for a necklace, making it a statement piece on its own.

WITH CAMEL COAT

Here’s how to refresh your little black dress in style! The addition of a beige overcoat brings the ultimate fall vibes, transforming this basic black dress into a chic and sexy outfit. Pairing it with black knee-high boots and a brown handbag adds the perfect touch of sophistication. This combination of class and comfort is our favorite way to elevate any look!

CONCLUSION

The little black dress has stood the test of time, remaining a perennial fashion favorite. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to adapt to changing trends while retaining its timeless elegance. By exploring these 15 diverse styles, we’ve witnessed the versatility and power of this iconic piece. Whether you’re a fashion-forward individual or a classic style enthusiast, the little black dress offers something for everyone. So, embrace its potential and let it become your go-to outfit for any occasion.

WHAT SHOES TO WEAR WITH RED DRESSES? OUR 12 TOP PICKS

Whether worn as a vacation costume, a daring date dress, or an evening look, one thing is certain: we ladies still adore a vivid red dress in 2024! Am I correct?

However, the dress is an obvious choice. Because the dress color is so vibrant you may wonder “Do I have any shoes to wear with a red dress ?”, determining what color shoes to wear with red dresses–and matching purse colors–can be difficult.

If your dress is burgundy, poppy, or pink-tickled-red, the shoe colors in this piece are appropriate. They are all the greatest color shoes to go with most red dresses or outfits. That means any red outfit, no matter how red! 

Now, keep scrolling to see our 12 picks for best shoes to wear with red dresses!

Sam Edelman’s Yaro

This is one of the nicest colors to wear with a gown for a formal, a beautiful color shoe for a party dress, and excellent shoes for lace dresses. A flat, minimalist strappy sandal in this rich color pairs well with a casual or bohemian-style red dress. Sam Edelman’s Yaro is a versatile gold sandal that goes with everything. If it’s not your style, look at other gold metallic shoes in other shapes to discover what might suit you best. 

Patti Strappy Sandal

Beige, taupe, and blush are some of the greatest shoe colors to wear with a red dress! These neutral footwear hues look well with red and are probably easily accessible in your shoe closet. However, a red dress with nude shoes and heels is a fan favorite! This may surprise some, but believe me when I say these are neutral-colored shoes that work with anything!

It truly highlights the red attire, and a Nudist-style sandal is an excellent way to let a more complicated red dress speak for itself. Patti Strappy Sandal is truly an affordable nudist-style option

Double Straps Mary Jane

Black complements all colors, so it’s no surprise that it’s on the list. Not only do black shoes seem sleek and stylish, but they’re also easy to pair with a matching bag. You probably already have at least one black bag or pair of shoes in your wardrobe!

While black and red are a safe color combination to wear to a formal occasion, they can also be striking and sensuous, making them ideal for a date night. Simply pair your favorite black strappy sandals with a bright red dress and matching clutch, and you’re ready to go!

Alternatively, choose a pair of black double straps Mary Jane to make the outfit look both cute and chic!

Jewel Badgley Mischka – Galen Red Heels

Red on red is a stunning color combination that gives a truly eye-catching style, ideal for parties, dates, and special occasions. To get a cohesive monochromatic effect, choose red shoes that are the same tone as your dress.

While we believe that having an exact color match is ideal for this color combination, it is not always necessary. As long as the tones complement each other properly, you’ll look great.

So, if your dress is cooler-toned, match it with red heels with pink or even burgundy overtones, and if it’s a warm red, wear shoes with mild orange undertones.

J.Reneé’s ‘Maressa’ Silver Pointy Toe Pump

When shopping for shoes to pair with a red dress, silver is a terrific alternative to gold. They look wonderful paired with pointed-toe heels, brogues, or sandals! Silver shoes look great with metallic jewelry in the same tint and a red outfit. A pair of silver high heels can go well with a red dress, flattering its bold color.

If you’re looking for a closed-toe silver shoe, J.Reneé’s ‘Maressa’ silver pointy-toe pump has been a big hit this season due to its unique texture and inexpensive pricing. These heels are also versatile, easy to wear. It has a conventional but never out-dating form that can easily match well with any type of clothes. To elevate your outfit, pair it with a silver metallic bag.

Steve Madden – Lafayette Heeled

Brown is another neutral color that works exceptionally well with red. Because brown is a more casual shoe color, you should pair it with casual red outfits.

For example, we believe that brown shoes with casual red sweater dresses look great during the Christmas season. Similarly, in the summer, a casual red beach dress looks casually stylish with brown flats. The warm tones of brown can balance the brilliant shade of red, making it more wearable for everyday events. Additionally, brown shoes will allow your dress to shine on its own. 

The perfect option would be Steve Madden Lafayette Heeled. Not only do they make a great fashion statement, but they are also durable and long-lasting, so investing in these heels will not be a regret.

SCHUTZ Women’s Ariellen Sandals

Clear heels are currently trendy, playful, and slightly festive! How do I wear clear heels? With brightly colored outfits such as crimson! Choose between entirely transparent straps and bejeweled clear pumps. A pair of translucent heels with thin straps would look great with the red dress, regardless of how red it is. When it comes to clear high heels, the SCHUTZ Women’s Ariellen Sandals are the best option. The rubber heel cap provides robust support, making you feel more comfortable wearing it all day. 

Simmi London Paris Heeled Sandals

If you want to make your ensemble stand out, lime green pairs surprisingly nicely with red. Trust me, this sounds strange, but it is true. This is especially suitable for the summer – imagine a flowy red beach dress with lime green sandals!

Alternatively, if you’re dressing up for an occasion where extremely trendy people will be present, pair your red costume with lime green stiletto shoes to stand out. These Simmi London Paris heeled sandals with ankle ties in lime would look great with not only a red dress but also other outfits!

Stuart Weitzman Stuart 85mm White Leather Pumps 

Perfect for spring/summer! Especially if you reside in the snowy winter beauty of Toronto. Instead of black or silver shoes, pair your red dress with a dazzling white boot, sandals, or sneakers.

These white shoes are the most refreshing of all when paired with a red dress, as they are less aggressive than black but still contrasting (depending on skin tone and tights, if any).

White shoes look stunning with a modest red dress and are an excellent way to tone down the brilliance of the crimson outfit. Not the ideal option, however, if going to a romantic Valentine’s dinner 

Matisse Gigi 

If you can wear both black and white shoes with a red dress, why not try a two-tone shoe? Although red is more difficult to style with a black/white shoe, the simpler the dress, the easier it is to design a color block shoe.

That being said if you’re style-savvy and have a keen eye for detail, a more elaborate black and white shoe can complement an even more complex printed dress. A pair of Matisse Gigi is not only easy and comfortable to wear but also versatile. It can be worn with any type of clothes on any occasion. 

Purse Styling Tips: Opt for purses that are black, white, or metallic. 

Givenchy Red Satin Sandals.

Can you pair red shoes with a red dress? Matching your shoes and red dress works best for a black tie/red carpet event. Alternatively, you might attend a bridal event or opt for a matching prom appearance. Is this your case? If so, limit your shoes to a minimum, as Rosamund Pike did at the Oscars, wearing a gorgeous red lace gown and what appear to be Givenchy red satin sandals.

If you must wear red shoes with your red frock and want to make it casual rather than flashy, go with a dark burgundy shoe or bootie that will complement your red dress.

If you’re looking for a safe shoe to pair with your red dress, neutral hues like black and nude are always a solid option. However, we believe that metallics such as gold and silver should be considered neutrals because they may be worn with dresses of any color in your wardrobe.

Teva Anaya Womens Black Leather Boots Knee High

Black shoes are a versatile and fashionable alternative to pair with a red dress, providing a timeless style that complements any ensemble. For a relaxed and modern look, pair your short tiny red dress with your favorite black knee boots. Going out to a party in that dress is definitely a hit! I am confident that everyone will focus their attention on you. Wearing a black leather jacket and a black purse would complement your entire ensemble more. I’m confident those are simple, must-have staples in your wardrobe. One of the best black leather high knee boots would go to those from Teva Anaya. 

Conclusion

Finding the perfect shoes to go with a red dress can help improve your look and make a dramatic fashion statement. Whether you choose with classic black heels for a timeless and beautiful style, or metallic or neutral tones for a touch of elegance, the perfect pair of shoes may compliment and accentuate the brilliant attraction of a red dress. When choosing your footwear, consider the occasion, your own style, and your level of comfort. With the right shoes, you may boldly step out and create a show-stopping outfit that demonstrates your exceptional fashion sense. So, put your best foot forward and let your shoes enhance the appeal of your red dress.