The LBD (little black dress) is every woman’s secret weapon and a must-have in any wardrobe. Depending on how it’s accessorized, the LBD can be part of your flirty, fun, or professional look – it’s all about how you wear it. Celebrity style inspiration for accessory ideas for a night out includes statement earrings, bold necklaces, and sparkling bracelets. With countless accessory pairs and combinations, you can get away with wearing the same dress on repeat while achieving a unique look each time.
That said – not all LBDs are the same. Certain accessories work with different cuts and necklines. Silver and pearl do well with just about any variation, as long as the accessory items cohere to the look you’re going for. For an office gala or a sophisticated date night, statement pendants with a classic timepiece are sure to leave the right impression. When you’re ready to let your hair down and let loose, non-traditional jewelry pieces can work with the LBD to give you a funky, edgy vibe.
Continue reading for ideas on how to pair different accessories with your LBD to make a statement on your next night out – wherever it is you’re going.
Start with the Dress Style
While they’re all great (obviously), not all LBDs are equal. Your accessory strategy should start with the cut of the dress itself – high-neck, V-neck, scoop-neck, or strapless – knowing the lines and curves you’re trying to emphasize. Make sure to stock up on the best accessories you can add to your wardrobe that work with almost any outfit.
- High-Necks ooze sophistication when worn right (think Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s). Though she wore diamonds, there’s something to be said about a more minimal approach. A subtle chain that follows the neck line can add the right accent, as do pendant earrings.
- V-Necks work wonders when it comes to elongating your profile and emphasizing your physique. Unlike with a high-neck, don’t hold back on donning an 18-24 inch statement y-necklace or statement piece to follow the cut. For a sleeveless, a charm bracelet or tennis bracelet gives just the right amount of class.
- Scoop-Necks might evoke thoughts of royalty – and for the right reasons. Keep to metallic tones or pearl for more of a classy upscale vibe, or use soft pastels to bring out a feminine springtime effect. Matching earrings with a necklace that doesn’t dangle above the cut is a sure win.
- Strapless is great, but be mindful of the tendency for the cut to look boxy (depending on your curves). Dangle earrings or a funky bracelet can help offset the more rigid frame, or if it’s time to get formal, don’t shy away from a large gem.
Stay True to a Look
Now that you have some idea about what works best with each flavor of the LBD, it’s time to strategize your look. The shape and cut of the dress should determine the length and size of the accessories you’re deploying, but each leaves lots of room for creative decisions. Wear fleece headband or beanie to keep your head warm and stylish on a night out. From done-up and elegant to flirty and funky, you’ll never be short of new combinations for your LBD.
Formal
Less is more for a formal look with your LBD. High-neck and V-neck are perhaps your best places to start. Anything silver, pearl, or diamond (faux or otherwise) are great go-to options, and best if they are minimal. When choosing the right jewelry for a night out, consider the occasion, your outfit, and your personal style. Drop earrings and a matching necklace are sure to impress with a V-neck, whereas statement earrings and bracelet are better suited to a high-neck.
For the formal presentation, keep the attention on the hands and off the wrists – nail polish and rings are your friends here. For stacked rings, balance both the number and the types of metal between hands.
Read: Perfect in Every Season: Styling with Jewelry Made Easy — Sticky
Casual
Dressing down an LBD is easy with a few additions. A large belt and matching watch band will let your LBD feel at home at a happy hour with coworkers, and some mid-height sling-back heels are a happy medium between formal and flirty.
Pairing your dress with the right boots is a great way to dress down your dress and add a bit of personal flair, and a jacket is as much a style element as a great functional item to have for those sundown soirees.
Boho
Boho is synonymous with accessories – and your LBD will make them stand out. Tassel earrings, braids, charm bracelets, and even dreamcatcher earrings are all great Boho options. Leather and natural fibers give a hippy-chic addition to your appearance, as does anything with feathers.
Don’t shy away from oversized floppy-brimmed hats or head scarves with Boho outfits – and you can’t go wrong with high-tops. Woven pullovers or denim can complete the look, though loose and whimsical trumps baggy every time.
Flirty
For a flirty look, aim for something between casual and formal. Metal bangles and a y-necklace complement your LBD’s sleekness and form well, and your shoe choice can bring a lot to the ensemble.
While metallic tones are safe, pastels can be surprisingly effective. To skew more toward funky and fun, chunky bracelets and some one-of-a-kind thrift store earrings should do the trick with your scoop-neck or strapless.
Edgy
For concerts or festivals, it’s time to turn up the edge. Fishnet leggings can set the mood right, along with the right slouched boots. Wrist cuffs, ear cuffs, studs, spikes, and black leather are great additions.
If you’re looking for a way to expand your edge factor, grillz for women could be your answer. They’re not just for guys (or rappers) anymore and come in a wide palette of tones. From white gold grillz to enamel with custom cutouts, the right girly grill can make your LBD speak out like never before.
