How to Wear a Shawl With a Little Black Dress

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The Little Black Dress (LBD) is considered a clothing staple for many women because it's so versatile. While you can wear your dress by itself, why not pair it with the other pieces in your closet to create fun new looks? Whether you want to keep things casual, put together a professional outfit, or style a glamorous evening look, you can transform your LBD with layering, shoes, and accessories.

1. 1

   Layer a button up shirt over your dress for a relaxed look. Choose a button up that fits you loosely so it will fit comfortably over the top of your dress. Button your shirt make it look like you're wearing a skirt under it, or leave it open to give a glimpse of your dress. As another option, tie the ends of the shirt for a twist.^[1]

   • Soft flannel is a great look for cold weather days. Additionally, it contrasts with the formality of a black dress.
   • Denim is also a great option because it pairs well with the black.

2. 2

   Pair your dress with a chunky sweater that's cinched with a belt. Choose a bulky sweater that's a loose knit so it doesn't hang too heavily on the dress. Then, put your sweater on over the dress and fasten a belt around the narrowest part of your waist. This will pull the sweater in and create an hourglass figure.

   • Choose a neutral color like tan, beige, or white for a classic look.
   • For a twist, choose a brightly colored or patterned sweater. For instance, you could pick hot pink or leopard print to mix things up.
   • If you're slim, pick a thin or medium-sized belt.
   • If you have a curvy figure, try a medium-sized or wide belt.

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3. 3

   Layer scarves to change the neckline. Choose a long scarf or several scarves that share the same color palette. Then, loop or tie the scarves around your neck. This helps hide a low or dressy neckline to help create a casual look for daytime.

   • For instance, you might choose loose, neutral colored scarves for a classic look.
   • If you want a pop of color, pick a bright scarf or a fun pattern. For instance, you might spice things up with a batik print or create a classic look with a polka-dot scarf.
   • To go for an edgy or playful look, try something like a leopard or zebra print.

4. 4

   Wear your favorite pair of sneakers or ballet flats to dress it down. Choose a fashion sneaker or walking shoe, like Keds or Converse. Alternatively, opt for a pair of ballet flats to keep your look classic. This will contrast with the formality of the LBD to make it work for a casual daytime look.^[2]

   • Keep things neutral with white or black sneakers or ballet flats.
   • Alternatively, play around with color or pattern. For instance, wear your LBD with red Converse low tops or a pair of leopard print flats.
   • Since your LBD is a neutral color, you can pair it with the craziest shoes in your collection, so play around.

5. 5

   Wear sandals for a spring or summer vibe. Choose simple straps for a beachy, dressed down look. Alternatively, pick a statement shoe like a gladiator sandal to add a little flair to your look.

   • Opt for black or nude sandals to keep your outfit casual chic, or add a twist with a bright color or pattern. For instance, you might pick pale blue sandals for a beachy brunch or polka-dot espadrilles for a playful weekend vibe.

6. 6

   Skip jewelry if you're going for a dressed down look. It's easy to over-accessorize your LBD, especially if you're going for a casual look. Adding jewelry could undermine the casual elements in your outfit, so you may prefer to skip it. If you do wear anything, stick to simple earrings and maybe a bangle bracelet.^[3]

   • If you'd prefer to dress it up a little, you could add a simple necklace or a thin choker. However, try to avoid gemstones since your dress is already a bit formal.

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1. 1

   Add a cardigan for a classic professional look. Choose a long-sleeved cardigan to stay warm, or pick a short-sleeved cardigan for warm weather days. Wear it buttoned up to make your LBD look like a skirt, or leave it open to give a peak of your dress. As another option, put a belt on over your cardigan to cinch in the waist and create an hourglass figure.^[4]

   • Pick a colorful or patterned cardigan to add a little color to your look. For instance, you might pick a neon green leopard print for a creative twist on a professional look, or you could go with a bright red cardigan for a fun, yet conservative, look.
   • Consider wearing a cardigan with a beaded neckline for a dressier look.

2. 2

   Layer a blazer over your dress for a business look. Choose a tailored blazer to compliment the formality of the LBD. Button it up to create a mock skirt suit, or leave your blazer open to show off your dress. The masculine quality of the blazer will contrast with the LBD to create a fun power look with a feminine flair.^[5]

   • A classic black blazer can work if you want an all-black look, but you might also try pinstripes.
   • If you're feeling bold, pick a blazer in a fun plaid or a bright color, like hot pink.

3. 3

   Put on a belt to define your waist and imitate a skirt suit. Wear your LBD alone with just a belt around the narrowest part of your waist. The belt will give the dress a more professional look without you needing to wear additional pieces of clothing.^[6]

   • A black or tan belt works great, but you could also choose a color, print, or texture. For instance, wear a bold red belt to draw attention to the narrow part of your waist, or pick a zebra print belt for a creative twist. If you want texture, try something like faux snakeskin.
   • If you're slim, try a thin or medium-sized belt.
   • If your figure is curvy, try a medium-sized or wide belt.
   • If you like, you can also wear a statement necklace or bracelet with this look.

4. 4

   Wear a pair of black tights to avoid flashing a lot of skin. While it's optional, wearing sheer or opaque tights with your dress can provide a little more coverage, if you prefer it. Stick with basic black if you want a classic look, or play around with color and pattern. A pair of bright tights can totally change the look of your LBD, so don't be afraid to experiment.^[7]

   • The right tights for you will depend on your workplace. If people tend to keep things conservative, wear a pair of black tights. However, if your workplace allows for creative expression, go nuts with color and pattern.
   • For instance, colors like purple, red, and bright pink will all look great with your LBD. You can also try plaid tights, or patterns like polka-dots or zig-zags.

5. 5

   Pair your dress with booties or heels for a dressed-up look. You can wear booties or heels with or without tights. Pick a shoe with a low heel that's comfortable for walking. This will create a feminine silhouette that's still appropriate for work.^[8]

   • For a conservative look, stick with black or nude shoes. If you're wearing tights, you might match your shoes to your tights.
   • If you want to get creative, try a fun color or pattern, such as a power red, mustard yellow, or leopard print.

6. 6

   Opt for ballet flats if you want a classic office look. Ballet flats are often more comfortable than heels, and they're great for the office. Additionally, they'll help you keep your LBD from looking too formal. Choose a neutral, colorful, or patterned ballet flat that creates the look you want.

   • Patterned or colorful ballet flats may be easier to pull off in a conservative office than heels. For example, you might try studded or zebra print ballet flats for a fun twist on a traditional work look.

7. 7

   Add statement jewelry to change up the neckline. A chunky or layered necklace can add a little flair to your office look. Plus, it will hide a low or dramatic neckline. Choose a necklace or necklaces that cover the top part of your dress or your cleavage, if it shows.^[9]

   • For instance, you might wear chunky gemstones or layers of pearls.
   • A collar necklace is a nice option because it's designed to cover your chest.

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1. 1

   Wear statement jewelry to create a glam look. A great way to wear your LBD alone is to pair it with large pieces of jewelry. Choose pieces that are structural or add sparkle to your look. Stick to neutral colors, like gold or silver for metal pieces and clear or black for gemstones.^[10]

   • For example, you might wear a chunky gold necklace that adds sheen to your neckline.
   • As another option, you might wear a large faux-diamond cuff bracelet.

2. 2

   Layer a shawl or kimono over your LBD for a look that's warm and glam. Pick a silk, satin, or velvet shawl or kimono to create an elegant look. Pick a shawl if you'd like to show off more of your dress or a kimono if you want to create a totally different profile.^[11]

   • Choose solid colors if you want your look to be more chic.
   • If you like to show off your creativity, look for a bright color or pattern. For instance, you might choose a paisley print or a caftan.

3. 3

   Pair it with a leather jacket to add a little edge. Take your LBD for a night on the town by adding a chic leather jacket. This will contrast with the formality of the dress to create an edgier look that isn't too formal. Switch up this style by wearing your jacket open sometimes but zipping it up other times.^[12]

   • Black and tan leather both look great for this look.

4. 4

   Choose strappy heels to show off more skin. It's normal to want to show off a little more skin at night, and strappy heels are the perfect way to do that. Pick a pair of heels that are still comfortable to walk or dance in, if that's what you're doing.^[13]

   • Try black heels for a monochrome look, or nude heels to make your legs look longer.
   • As another option, pick a colorful shoe, like a bold red or hot pink. Pattern also works well for the evening, so you might break out your leopard print strappy heels. Similarly, studded or jeweled heels also work great.

5. 5

   Wear heels or boots for a classy evening look. Heels work well for special occasions or date night, while boots offer a comfortable, unexpected option. Pick a pair that feels comfortable to you but that also compliments your dress.^[14]

   • If you decide to wear heels, play around with color to create the look you want. For instance, wear black or nude heels for a chic look, or be bold with a gemstone color or a fun pattern.
   • If you're wearing boots, stick to basic black or tan.

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• Question

  For a semi formal event, would black or nude hosiery be most appropriate with a little black dress?

  

  The nude hosiery would be appropriate.

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• Try your LBD with different pieces to see what works for you.

• To warm up your look for winter, add more layers, such as a sweater or overcoat. If tights aren't enough to keep your legs warm, try thigh-high boots.

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