How to style a black dress
A black dress is just a blank canvas to do as you please, but I still like to follow a few rules. My overall philosophy is to not overdo it, aka, not wear too many colors at once (unless they come in a print).
Here are a few [classic] ways to style a black dress:
Obviously, I like wearing black with red: a black dress, a red bag (similar option here), and shoes. You could add a red piece of jewelry — either earrings, a necklace (I love the idea of a red beads necklace), a bracelet, and at most, a red blazer or [lady] jacket.
P.S. My dress is sold out, but here’s a very similar dress that has straps.
Black and white is as classic and elegant as it gets and can be worn in multiple ways: black dress and white shoes; black dress and white blazer/cardigan/jacket/sweater, etc.; black dress and white accessories.
Black and cream is an ideal mix and looks more modern, in my opinion. Wear it the same way you’d wear black and white. Luckily, there are a myriad of cream pieces (as well as black) to mix as you please. Side note: I am drooling over this stunning tweed jacket, this one, this lady jacket, and this tweed pocket piece.
Black and gold is another ideal pairing, and depending on the size of the accessories, you can go all out. For example, gold shoes with a gold bag, and gold accessories look perfectly fine, especially for the evening. For gold shoes, I love these sandals and these slingbacks — they’re oh-so comfy. Note that code SARAHFLINT-CCMARINA1 will save you 15%). You can apply the same principles for wearing black and silver.
I love the combination of green and black, but I’d still keep it balanced, as in, add a piece of green jewelry, like earrings or a necklace as pops of color. If the style of the dress permits, I’d wear a green sweater over it, or a green jacket/blazer, and I’d stop at that. I would definitely wear neutral shoes with this combo.
When it comes to wearing black with prints, I ensure that the print has some hint of black in it for cohesiveness. I think it looks chicer that way. Side note: I personally don’t like mixing prints.
Even though classic fashion rules state to never wear black with navy (it was seen as a big faux-pas), I love this mix and would wear it the same way I’d wear black with white or cream (see above). And I’d do so without any guilt or shame.
While they say that black goes with everything, it’s not necessarily true. To me, it all depends on the hues and intensity. I find that some colors (like neon green) can “downgrade” a look, so I avoid them. Generally, deeper hues go better with black and look more elegant.
