There are few things in any woman’s wardrobe as versatile or iconic as the little black dress, and whether you have tens of different variations on it or just one favorite you pull out time and time again, chances are you have and love one. Of course, with something this simple, it can feel like accessorizing is a bit of a challenge – do you go for statement bags and jewelry that add character to the dress and draw away from its simplicity, or do you keep things eternally classic with minimalist yet luxurious matching black shoes and bag and simple, elegant jewelry?
Well, the answer is, whatever suits your style and the occasion! A little black dress that fits well will look just as good whether you layer on cool modern silver jewelry, bold ethnic pieces or classic diamonds! Below are some ideas for different looks.
Fun and Modern
Just because the party you are going to is likely to be full of trendy types doesn’t mean the little black dress has to give you an overdressed or ‘safe’ look. You can pair it with interesting, artistic jewelry like sculpted silver bangles, big dangly statement earrings, or bold necklaces. Silver is a great metal to wear with black, so if you are a fan of chunky silver pieces or weird shapes in metal then the LBD is a wonderful thing to try wearing them with. You can also inject some bohemian style by using a color in your jewelry. Turquoise is a very good choice, but you can also work with things like amethyst, rose quartz and tiger’s eye.
Discreet and Classic
If you want to capture some real old school chic, less is more with the jewelry yet it should still give off a sense of luxury and impeccable taste. Pearls are one of the easiest ways to do this as a simple string of pearls around the throat (not too long unless you are going for a twenties inspired look) paired with pearl studs or tear drops in the ears looks expensive, chic and classy. This is also a look that works at just about any age.
Glitzy and Glam
Nothing says glamor like diamonds, whether you can afford the real thing or simply plan to achieve that sparkling look with cheaper diamond effect glass or diamante jewelry. You can go for the full Audrey Hepburn look with ornate diamond necklaces and long earrings, or, if you want the sparkle without it distracting from your dress, try some simple diamond stud earrings and a subtle chain necklace with a diamond pendant. Another good way to add the sparkle of diamond to any outfit, including the little black dress, in a way that is unpretentious and practical, is to have a watch with some diamond embellishment. Many people forgo a watch altogether these days, or don’t wear one with evening wear because they want to wear other jewelry on their wrists, but a well chosen, dainty watch actually makes a fantastic accessory to any level of dress other than perhaps a full scale ball gown!
Featured images:
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
The author of this post, Nolan Grey, is currently working for Diamonds on Web. He regularly volunteers at a local senior citizen home and he is very passionate about photography.