How to Perk Up Your Plain Black Dress

As summer draws near, it’s getting more out of vogue to wear a black dress to a daytime, or even a nighttime, event. However, with a few perky accessories, you can turn you plain black dress into the focal point at a party – in a good way.

Belts

This year, Compagnie Internationale Express has a varied selection of wide belts. These aren’t just the type you buckle at the side and drape on your hips. These belts are at least five inches wide and curve all the way around the back, with straps on the ends to bring back into a tie around the front. My favorite is a shiny silver belt I purchased there in late spring, and it goes with black dresses as well as black blouses and gray slacks.

Shrugs

There seems to be no shortage of shrugs on the racks this year. Go to Dillard’s, Gordman’s, Younkers, Kohl’s, and similar department stores and you’ll find a variety of these hanging on summer dresses and prom dresses. Since you’re looking to dress up a plain black dress, you can be creative with the color shrug you choose. If you’re looking for a light weight shrug, choose one in a cream lace or light crocheted color. If you’re searching for something with a little more flair, go with a crushed velvet or satin shrug instead.

Shawls

Shawls never go out of style – they just change form. Your style of black dress and the event you’re attending will help dictate what type of shawl you need. Again, you can choose a color or even a sequined shawl to accompany anything black.

Gloves

Some people feel self-conscious wearing gloves. But depending upon the dress, colored or pitch black gloves can make a real statement when worn with confidence. This of course is a better option for a dinner outing or a night party than a daytime function.

Necklaces

Long pearl necklaces are a sort of cliché item to pair with a little black dress, so go for something with a little more imagination. Anything with sparkle will dress up a plain black dress, just make sure you avoid excessive brown tones in any necklace you choose. You might go with a long, draped, chunky necklace for a high-neck black dress and a more delicate necklace with a previous stone or ceramic pendant.

If you can’t find some of these items at your local clothing stores, you can make a majority of these yourself. For shawls, go to a fabric store and look at the silk and chiffon section. By sewing a few simple seams around the edges, you can achieve the look of store bought fashion. For shrugs, check out Simplicity patterns dress line (or the Vogue section) for the latest styles. They usually don’t take too long to make.

You can also check out prom websites for fashionable black dress accessories. These are a good source for more creative and imaginative designs than most department stores.
Sources:
express.com
promdressshop.com