By Dayna Del Val
The Little Black Dress (or LBD as it has come to be known) is perhaps the single most powerful piece in your clothing arsenal. Dressed up or down, this dress can take you from morning errands to work, to an evening out on the town with the addition of a few key accessories.
Running errands. For a cool look on a summer day, pull out the LBD. Add a pair of flip flops — even the cheap rubber ones will work for a day of errand running. Continue accessorizing with a great straw or cotton hat with a big brim to keep the sun off you face, neck and shoulders. Jewelry should be simple and no-nonsense, and your bag could be a straw tote.
Work. If you are wearing the LBD to work, consider a jewel-toned belt to draw the eye to your smallest area and add a splash of color. Add a matte metallic pair of heels and simple bangle bracelets and earrings. Don't forget a stylish little cardigan to fend off the air conditioner's chill.
Day to evening. Either around your waist or around your neck, a brightly colored scarf adds a fun pop of color. Or, consider an antique or costume brooch. A large pin looks great against the stark black of your dress. Pin the brooch to a belt for a festive waist accessory. Change your shoes from functional heels to something strappy, and you can easily transition from day to night.
Pearls. Think Audrey Hepburn and Breakfast at Tiffany's. For day, one strand is professional. To ratchet up the glamour, add layers of pearls in varying sizes. This makes a dramatic statement and no other accessories are necessary.
Makeup. Lips, eyes and nails can also be incredible accessories to the LBD. Think drama and apply darker colors. Don't be afraid of red lips, but be sure to find the right red for your skin tone. Try hot pink, fire engine red or an intense metallic for fingernails and toenails. Experiment with daytime makeup that transitions to evening with smoky blues and purples on your eyes. The dress acts as the perfect canvas to your artistic face.
Whatever you do to make this your favorite go-to piece, remember that nothing says style like well tailored clothing. Make sure your LBD fits your body well without being too revealing or too boxy. The right hem length, sleeves or no, and neckline go a long way towards making the little black dress your best clothing choice no matter how you accessorize it.
Shockingly, although she has six incredible black skirts, freelance writer Dayna de Val does not have a little black dress. She better get to the store — pronto.
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