How to Accessorise a Little Black Dress

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So you’ve found the perfect little black dress and want to go out on the town. Your hair and makeup look great, and of course the dress looks perfect. You’re ready to go, except for one small detail that can make or break the look: how to accessorise?. Your accessories may be a small part of the outfit, but they are significant. Here are some easy ideas for accessorising the little black dress.

Shoes

The right shoe can really show off your little black dress. A great pair of heels is a classic choice that always looks sexy, which is perfect for a dressy affair. Sling back pumps are a great choice. Choose black for a classic look or silver for a different look. For a more casual setting, you can go with a sandal or other low-heeled shoes.

Jewelry

There are many options for using jewelry to accessorise the little black dress. Choose jewelry that matches your personal style and the type of event you are attending. For a classic look, a simple strand of pearls looks elegant. A diamond tennis bracelet is another sophisticated look to try. Cubic zirconia or another stone would work just as well as actual diamonds. For a more casual look, chunky costume jewelry can change the feel of the dress entirely.

Handbag

A handbag is the perfect accessory for your little black dress. It adds style and interest, so be sure to choose the right bag for the occasion. A small clutch or handbag works best for more formal events. A metallic clutch adds sparkle to the ensemble. For a more casual occasion, you can use a larger bag with color and texture, which helps the dress become more casual, and also adds more interest and style.

Other Accessories

You can change up the look of your dress by using different accessories. The possibilities are endless. A scarf can add a bit of color and pizzazz. Adding a belt can emphasize your figure and add style to the ensemble. Accessorise with a shawl or jacket to change your overall look quickly.

The little black dress is a must-have in any wardrobe, but the way you accessorise the dress is also key. That’s what makes the little black dress so versatile- choose one set of accessories and you can attend a black tie event, but you can also create an ensemble that works for a casual evening with friends. Accessories make or break the look, so choose them with care, and have fun.

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Accessorise with a hat

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Have you ever admired the glamorous movie stars from bygone eras and wondered what it was that made them seem so feminine and stylish? Well next time you are watching an old Marilyn Monroe movie you might observe that she would accessorise with sheer gloves, hat or even a pretty brooch. In my grandmother’s day men and women alike wouldn’t leave the house without a hat, with a different one depending on the occasion. Sunday church session hats would differ to the hat worn to weddings and christenings (the mother of the bride or baby taking special consideration to their hat and buying a special one for that particular occasion)

These days it seems hats are only worn as sun protection or to horse championships although the trend towards old world and vintage class is making a comeback. Milliners are still in business and with celebrities like Aretha Franklin wearing hats like her infamous bow hat which she wore to President Obama’s inauguration, the hat trend is certainly making its way back into fashion history. Incidentally, Ms Franklin’s hat is reputed to be worth around $2000, not bad at all for the designer Luke Song who said it took him two days to make.

Of course, if buying a unique hat from a milliner is out of reach, vintage hats are also a good option. For many die hard fashionistas with a love of the old world, vintage is the only way to go and does not at all have a negative connotation associated with ‘second hand’.  There are plenty of stores around that specialize in vintage, although bargains can be found at garage sales- especially estate sales or where elderly people have been moved to retirement homes and their belongings are to be cleared. Don’t be afraid to ask your grandmother or her friends if they have any “old” accessories they no longer wear!

If you’re uncertain about the style, get onto Google images and look up pictures of starlets from bygone eras such as Grace Kelly, Ginger Rogers or Ava Gardner for inspiration. Casual wear has a time and place, although it doesn’t hurt to take a leaf out of the history fashion pages and smarten up with accessories. Choosing the right accessory is as unique as choosing perfume and colognes and just like having the right fragrance, once you know what accessories work for you, you will be develop an eye for finding just the right thing.

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