Restyling The Little Black Dress

When it comes to festive partywear, there’s nothing quite like a little black dress. Whether it’s the office Christmas bash, a New Year’s Eve celebration, or a night out with your friends, a Little Black Dress remains a timeless wardrobe staple that countless women rely on to take them through the party season. But, with so many events in your social calendar, making your trusty LBD look fresh at every event can be a challenge.

However, you don’t have to buy a new outfit for every party during the festive season. Just adding a few simple accessories can make your tried and trusted little black dress look like a totally different item. Here’s Belle About Town’s style advice and ideas on how to update your LBD, meaning you can look effortlessly chic at every event this party season without splashing out on a new dress.

1.      Accessorise your dress with a collar or statement necklace

If you’re headed out to a party this year but don’t want anyone to know you’re wearing last year’s dress, then a statement necklace will give your outfit a new lease of life. Adding a collar or chunky necklace will instantly make last year’s LBD look like a new piece, and will also add a festive dash of sparkle to your outfit. Try teaming an embellished statement necklace, like this silver design from Butterfly Jewellery, with a pair of sparkly studs for maximum dazzle factor.

2.      Add a pair of patterned tights

The great thing about a LBD is that it’s essentially a blank canvas, meaning you can choose eye-catching accessorises that really show off your unique sense of style. This year, stand apart from the crowd with a pair of fashion tights in a bold colour or pattern. UK Tights has a huge range of fashion tights that will really elevate your LBD, including fishnet and studded designs for added glamour. Plus, a warm pair of tights can be a lifesaver during a chilly night on the town, so they’re the perfect choice if you plan on heading out to watch the fireworks this New Year’s Eve.

3.      Wear fashion-forward statement shoes

A pair of heels in a bold colour or metallic finish will be a great counterpoint to a plain black dress, so this year, pick a pair that will really get you noticed. These striking high-heeled sandals, by Terry de Havilland, are available in a range of bold metallic shades, and are sure to give your classic black dress a contemporary twist. Plus, you’ll be eligible for free next day delivery if you order before 2pm, which is perfect if you need a fresh outfit at short notice.

4.      Be bold with make-up

The festive season is about all that glitters, so update your outfit by incorporating a sparkly eyeshadow into your party makeup routine. Lime Crime has a selection of shimmery eye glitters available in a choice of bold colours — perfect for your New Year’s Eve party. Team yours with a slick of eyeliner and a simple nude lipstick to for a simple party-ready look that will add a pop of shimmery colour to any outfit. You could even try dusting some on your cheekbones and décolletage before a night out for added sparkle.

5.      Get noticed with an attention-grabbing clutch bag

If your little black dress is lacking the wow-factor, consider accessorising it with a unique, attention grabbing bag. A bold bag will instantly pull your outfit together, and is great opportunity to really showcase your individual sense of style. This year, try dressing up your LBD with an unusual clutch bag: one of these quirky statement designs by Skinny Dip is sure to be a conversation starter. Plus, with such an unusual bag on show, no one will realise that you’re wearing the same dress as last year.

So, as you can see, dressing for the festive season doesn’t have to mean buying a new outfit for every event, as there are plenty of ways to take your LBD to the next level. These simple wardrobe updates will make your trusty little black dress really go the distance — chances are, no one will even realise you’ve worn the same thing twice.

  • Emily Cleary

    After almost a decade chasing ambulances, and celebrities, for Fleet Street's finest, Emily has taken it down a gear and settled for a (slightly!) slower pace of life in the suburbs. With a love of cheese and fine wine, Emily is more likely to be found chasing her toddlers round Kew Gardens than sipping champagne at a showbiz launch nowadays, or grabbing an hour out of her hectic freelancer's life to chill out in a spa while hubby holds the babies. If only!