Five Ways to Wear: One Little Black Dress

After the positive response to last week's article on 6 Ways to Accessorize with the subject of a plain old top, I thought I'd give some examples with another old favourite: the little black dress. It's a staple we've all come to know and love, but are we really getting enough wear out of it? Perhaps yours only comes out for cocktails, or job interviews, maybe even just for funerals.

But, hang on now, if you can't tap into the versatility potential of a black dress - what hope have you got with the rest of your wardrobe? This sweet linen number from everyone's bust-a-bargain favourite, Forever 21, got my imagination whirring...



Go perfectly casual with a snugly cardigan, sling bag, scarf and cute flat shoes, all in gorgeous chocolate box shades of brown. There's something subtly elegant about pairing black with brown. See full product information here.


It's almost back-to-school time again and your little black dress will do wonders for your preppy credentials. I adore these wedge shoes (reminiscent of Nubby Twiglet's Dries Van Noten's but much easier on the wallet.) And you've got to love these bow socks and this stand-out heart-shaped umbrella! Full product information here.


Got a hot date? Then hot pink is the answer! Even a very simple black dress like this one can be made sassy with the right accessories (and under garments!) Don't be afraid of colour when you're wearing your LBD as this block-colour staple gives you a licence to be loud with your accessories. Full product information here.


Going away? Black can work even on holiday if you brighten it up with the right colours. Although you wouldn't necessarily immediately think to pair black with coral and gold, it seems to work pretty darn well, don't you agree? The key is experimentation. Full product information here.


Lunch and shopping with the girls? Stay comfy yet stylish by dressing down your dress with leggings, a loose, cropped cardi and some easy to walk in flats. Then have fun dressing it up again with all kinds of sparklicious bargains! Full product information here.

So, being honest, how many ways have you managed to utilise your LBD? Has this article sparked your imagination or made you want to be a little more adventurous?