How to Style a Little Black Dress

The little black dress (LBD) is a timeless staple in women’s wardrobes, known for its versatility and elegant charm. From casual outings to formal occasions, this classic piece is celebrated for its ability to easily adapt to any style requirement. In this guide, we explore seven distinct ways to enhance the appeal of your LBD, using complementary accessories and outerwear. You’ll discover how to pair the LBD with everything from knee-high boots to colorful handbags, allowing you to personalize your outfit to suit any occasion effortlessly. Let’s dive into these stylish combinations that breathe new life into your little black dress.

Under a Coat + Knee-High Boots

When temperatures drop, layering adds both style and comfort to your LBD. Pair your dress with a chic long coat that drapes elegantly over your shoulders. This combination not only offers warmth but also introduces an element of sophistication. Opt for a coat in neutral shades like camel or gray, which complements the dress without overshadowing it.

Knee-high boots are a powerful addition to this ensemble, adding a touch of drama and elongation to the silhouette. Choose leather or suede for a more luxurious look. This combination beautifully marries elegance with practicality, making it perfect for colder days while maintaining a fashionable edge.

Shop the Look

Explore brands like Zara, Mango, and ASOS for stylish coats, and check out Steve Madden or Aldo for a fabulous collection of knee-high boots.

Slingbacks + a Bright Handbag

If you’re looking to add a dash of color to your LBD ensemble, consider pairing it with slingback shoes and a bright handbag. Slingbacks provide a refined and graceful stance, perfect for casual and semi-formal occasions, while their open-back design brings a playful touch to the classic black dress.

A bright handbag is the ideal accessory to inject some personality into this outfit. Whether you choose a vibrant red, a bold yellow, or a striking blue, a bright handbag can act as the focal point of your ensemble, drawing eyes and expressing individuality effortlessly.

Shop the Look

Shop at Nordstrom or Bloomingdale’s for a wide variety of stylish slingbacks, and find bold handbags at Kate Spade or Michael Kors.

Loafers + Shoulder Bag

Embrace a more laid-back and comfortable style by pairing your LBD with loafers and a shoulder bag. Loafers are the epitome of chic comfort, providing a relaxed yet sophisticated look. They are perfect for a day out running errands or casual meet-ups, where comfort does not compromise style.

A shoulder bag complements this relaxed vibe, offering practicality with an element of elegance. Opt for a structured bag to add some polish or go for a slouchy design for a more casual appearance.

Shop the Look

Consider visiting Cole Haan or Clarks for quality loafers, and for a variety of shoulder bags, browse options at Coach or Fossil.

Jacket + Tights + Boots

For an effortlessly edgy look, layer your LBD with a jacket, thick tights, and boots. This combination is perfect for autumn and winter days when warmth is essential. Choose a leather jacket for an edgy touch or a tailored blazer for a more refined appearance.

Tights not only keep you warm but also add a layer of texture to your outfit. Pair them with ankle boots for a modern edge, or opt for knee-highs to elongate your frame.

Shop the Look

Get jackets from AllSaints or H&M, tights from Marks & Spencer, and explore boots at Dr. Martens or Stuart Weitzman.

Blazer + Combat Boots

This combination merges the sharp lines of a blazer with the bold, utilitarian look of combat boots. It’s an unexpected mix that exudes confidence and modernity, suitable for both work settings and casual environments.

The blazer offers a touch of elegance and can be worn in various cuts and colors, while combat boots ground the look with a rugged flair. This bold statement creates a striking balance between refined and relaxed.

Shop the Look

For great blazers, check out Banana Republic or J.Crew, and find trendy combat boots at Dr. Martens or Timberland.

Strappy Heels + Printed Bag

For a night out or a special occasion, elevate your LBD with strappy heels and a printed bag. Strappy heels enhance the elegance of the dress, adding a touch of femininity and grace without overpowering the outfit.

A printed bag showcases your playful side, introducing an element of surprise and intrigue. Whether it’s animal print, floral, or geometric, a printed bag becomes a conversation starter and complements the simplicity of the dress.

Shop the Look

Discover the latest strappy heels at Jimmy Choo or Stuart Weitzman, and explore unique printed bags at Anthropologie or Urban Outfitters.

Denim Jacket + Tall Boots

Fuse casual charm with sophistication by adding a denim jacket and tall boots to your LBD. Denim jackets are timeless and versatile, imparting a relaxed and youthful feel to the ensemble, perfect for casual outings or weekend brunch.

Tall boots add an elegant twist, balancing the casual nature of the denim. They can be paired with bare legs for transitional weather or with tights for added warmth in cooler months.

Shop the Look

Visit Levi’s or Gap for classic denim jackets and look for tall boots at Nine West or Sam Edelman.

Lessons Learned

Style	Description
Under a Coat + Knee-High Boots	Sophisticated and warm with neutral long coats and leather or suede boots.
Slingbacks + a Bright Handbag	Perfect for adding a pop of color to your outfit with vibrant handbags.
Loafers + Shoulder Bag	Comfort meets elegance with loafers and structured or slouchy bags.
Jacket + Tights + Boots	Edgy layers with jackets, tights, and boots for cooler days.
Blazer + Combat Boots	Combines elegance with rugged flair, suitable for work or casual settings.
Strappy Heels + Printed Bag	Ideal for special occasions, adding femininity with heels and intrigue with prints.
Denim Jacket + Tall Boots	Casual charm with relaxed denim and the elegance of tall boots.