How to Keep a Little Black Dress from Looking Too Skimpy

Add a touch of class to your little black dress.

A little black dress becomes a classic when it is paired with the right accessories. You can take that skimpy outfit from cheap to chic with a few adjustments to make a favorable fashion statement. Before you mix and match, however, consider the style and fabric of your piece, as well as the event to which you'll be wearing it and the season when the event will take place, to find a look that suits you in your little black dress, day or night.

Things You'll Need

• Opaque tights or leggings
• Long-sleeved buttoned-front shirt
• Ruffled blouse
• Cardigan
• Light-weight turtleneck sweater
• Cotton tee
• Jewelry
• Belt or sash
• Scarf
• Brooch
• Flat shoes
• Boots

Instructions

1. Wear your dress with opaque tights or leggings to provide coverage. A tone-on-tone palette provides color continuity, elongating your legs, or you can choose a coordinating color or a patterned print, such as paisley, to incite interest.

2. Pair your dress with a long-sleeved button-front shirt for a layered look. Wear the shirt under your dress to create an office-casual look, or, for a less structured look, wear the shirt unbuttoned, free-flowing, over the dress. Roll up the shirt's sleeves or tie the shirttail in front at your waist; a ruffled blouse also is an option.

3. Wear your dress with a button-front cardigan sweater to give it coverage and texture. For a dinner date, consider a cashmere cardigan with pearl buttons or a jeweled closure. For a sporting event, you might wear a lightweight turtleneck under the dress. A cable knit sweater worn over the dress is also a good choice.

4. Add a long- or short-sleeved cotton tee under the dress. Although a black-and-white striped top can be a good option, you can also choose a solid color, floral design or animal print to suit your style and taste.

5. Make a fashion statement with your accessories. A pearl strand with matching earrings can give you a classic look. Or put the spotlight on your jewelry by wearing clusters, such as chunky wooden bracelets or rings. If you like, use a colorful scarf, brooch, sash or belt to add interest.

6. Wear flat shoes, such as ballet flats, full-coverage slippers or sandals to make your hemline appear longer. Riding boots are also a classic option.

7. Pair your dress with classic outerwear, such as a blazer or trench coat, to add a casual and finished look.

References

• STYLEnosh.com; What to Wear: Work and Play; February 2011.