Every wardrobe needs a great little black dress — it's the ultimate blank canvas and one of the most versatile wardrobe staples you can own. The trick isn't the dress itself, it's what you build around it. Here's how to accessorize an LBD for work, dinner, parties, and casual outings without losing its effortless appeal.
For the Office
Keep it polished: a structured blazer, low block heels, and simple gold studs. A mid-size handbag in a neutral tone finishes the look without competing with it, especially a structured top-handle handbag.
For a Dinner Date
This is where you can have fun. Add a statement necklace or bold earrings (not both — pick one focal point), a sleek clutch, and heeled sandals or pumps.
For a Party
Go bigger: layered necklaces, a metallic or embellished clutch, and strappy heels. A little black dress can handle a lot more sparkle than people think, making it easy to create a dressed-up evening look.
For Daytime Casual
Yes, an LBD works in daylight too. Add a denim or leather jacket, white sneakers, and a crossbody bag for an unexpectedly cool daytime look.
What Does the Term "Little Black Dress" Mean?
The term little black dress usually refers to a short, simple black dress that is easy to style for many occasions. Its appeal is in its versatility: with the right accessories, the same dress can work for the office, a date night, a party, or a casual weekend plan.
The Golden Rule of Accessorizing
Pick one hero piece — a statement bag, bold earrings, or an eye-catching necklace — and let everything else stay simple. An LBD is forgiving, but it still deserves an intentional finish.
Shop the Edit
Browse our current dress and accessories collections to build your own LBD looks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What jewelry goes best with a little black dress?
For daytime or the office, keep it simple with gold studs. For evening, choose one focal point — either a statement necklace or bold earrings, not both — to avoid overwhelming the look. For a polished finish, try an elegant pendant necklace or a moissanite bar pendant necklace.
Can you wear a little black dress casually?
Yes. Layer a denim or leather jacket over it, swap heels for white sneakers, and add a crossbody bag for a cool daytime outfit.
What's the golden rule for accessorizing an LBD?
Pick one hero piece — a statement bag, bold earrings, or an eye-catching necklace — and keep everything else simple so it doesn't compete. A bold accessory like a chunky chain necklace can do the work for you.
What is a short black dress called?
A short black dress is commonly called a little black dress, or LBD for short. It usually refers to a simple, versatile black dress styled for everything from casual wear to more polished occasions.