Little black dresses are classic and timeless, but sometimes you want to add a casual touch to it. This is where the fun begins! In this article, we will explore various ways to transform your little black dress into a comfortable, everyday wear outfit. From adding a denim jacket to pairing it with sneakers, we will cover all the tips and tricks you need to make your little black dress more casual. So, let’s get started and make your little black dress ready for everyday wear!
Choose the Right Accessories
Opt for Casual Jewelry
When it comes to casualizing your little black dress, the right accessories can make all the difference. Opt for casual jewelry that complements your dress without overpowering it. Here are some great options to consider:
Layered Necklaces
Layered necklaces are a great way to add depth and dimension to your outfit. Choose necklaces in different materials and lengths to create a layered look. You can wear them alone or stack them together for a more dramatic effect. Pair them with a simple black dress and you’ll have a chic and stylish outfit that’s perfect for everyday wear.
Stud Earrings
Stud earrings are a classic choice that never goes out of style. They’re simple yet stylish and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Choose stud earrings in silver or gold to complement your little black dress. You can also opt for statement studs with bold designs to make a statement.
Chunky Bracelets
Chunky bracelets are a great way to add some edge to your outfit. Choose bracelets in different materials, such as leather or metal, to create a layered look. You can wear them alone or stack them together for a more dramatic effect. Pair them with a simple black dress and you’ll have a trendy and fashionable outfit that’s perfect for everyday wear.
Add a Statement Belt
- Wide belts in fun colors
- Bright and bold shades such as red, orange, or yellow can add a pop of color to your outfit and make it more playful.
- Try pairing a wide black belt with a printed blouse or cardigan to add a touch of contrast.
- Belt with metallic buckles
- Silver, gold, or rose gold buckles can add a touch of sophistication to your outfit.
- A belt with a metallic buckle can be dressed up for a night out or dressed down for a casual daytime look.
Adding a statement belt to your little black dress can instantly update its style and make it more casual. Choose a wide belt in a fun color or a belt with a metallic buckle to add some flair to your outfit. You can also try mixing and matching different belts to find the perfect combination that complements your style. Remember to choose a belt that fits comfortably around your waist and complements your body shape. With the right accessories, your little black dress can be transformed into a versatile wardrobe staple that can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
Choose the Right Shoes
When it comes to casualizing your little black dress, the right shoes can make all the difference. Here are some shoe options to consider:
- Sneakers or sneaker-like shoes: Sneakers are a popular choice for a casual look. Opt for white sneakers for a crisp, fresh look or go for a pair of sneakers with a bold design to make a statement. Sneaker-like shoes with a flat sole or a low heel can also work well with a little black dress.
- White sneakers: White sneakers are a versatile choice that can be dressed up or down. They can add a touch of sporty chic to your little black dress, making it perfect for a day out with friends or a weekend brunch.
- Comfortable flats: Flats are a practical choice for everyday wear. Choose a pair of comfortable flats with a simple design that won’t clash with your little black dress. Flats with a low heel or no heel at all work best with this outfit.
When choosing the right shoes to wear with your little black dress, consider the occasion and the overall look you want to achieve. A pair of sneakers or sneaker-like shoes with a bold design may be more suitable for a casual day out, while white sneakers or comfortable flats may be better for a more formal event. Remember, the right shoes can elevate your little black dress from a basic outfit to a stylish and fashionable look.
Modify the Silhouette
Layering
- Tunic dress over leggings
- Layered under a denim jacket
Casualizing your little black dress (LBD) doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to its classic silhouette. Layering is a simple and effective way to transform your LBD into a versatile everyday outfit. By adding tunics, leggings, and denim jackets, you can easily create a more casual look while still maintaining the timeless elegance of your LBD.
One popular way to layer your LBD is by pairing it with a tunic dress. This is a great option for those who want to add some volume to their outfit without compromising on the elegance of their LBD. To achieve this look, simply wear your LBD underneath a flowy tunic dress, which can be made from lightweight fabrics like cotton or silk. The combination of the two dresses will create a chic and casual look that is perfect for everyday wear.
Another layering option for your LBD is to wear it under a denim jacket. This is a great way to add a touch of edge to your outfit while still maintaining the classic elegance of your LBD. To achieve this look, simply wear your LBD underneath a denim jacket, which can be worn open or closed depending on your preference. This layering option is perfect for those who want to add a touch of casualness to their LBD without going too far from its classic silhouette.
In conclusion, layering is a great way to casualize your LBD for everyday wear. By pairing it with tunics, leggings, and denim jackets, you can easily create a more casual look while still maintaining the timeless elegance of your LBD. So next time you’re looking to dress down your LBD, consider layering as a simple and effective solution.
Cut-outs
Adding cut-outs to your little black dress can create a more casual and playful look. Cut-outs can be strategically placed to add visual interest and showcase your figure. Here are some popular cut-out styles to consider:
- Off-shoulder with cut-outs: This style features an off-shoulder neckline with strategically placed cut-outs that draw attention to your shoulders and arms. To achieve this look, you can either choose a dress with this design or modify an existing little black dress by cutting it off-shoulder and adding cut-outs.
- Halter neck with cut-outs: A halter neck with cut-outs is a fun and flirty option that exposes your shoulders and back. This style can be achieved by wearing a dress with a halter neck or by modifying an existing little black dress by adding a halter neck and cut-outs.
Remember to choose cut-out styles that are appropriate for the occasion and your personal style. When adding cut-outs, it’s important to ensure that the dress still fits well and feels comfortable to wear. Additionally, be mindful of your undergarments when choosing cut-out styles, as they can be visible through the dress.
Belted Waist
A belted waist is a simple yet effective way to casualize your little black dress. This technique adds a touch of playfulness to an otherwise classic piece. The belted waist can be achieved in a few different ways:
- High-waisted with a cinched waist: A high-waisted dress with a cinched waist gives off a vintage vibe and can be casualized by wearing with sneakers or boots. The cinched waist can be achieved by adding a belt or by using the built-in belt of the dress.
- Wrap dress with a tie waist: A wrap dress with a tie waist can be casualized by leaving the tie undone or by wearing it in a messy, asymmetrical style. The tie can also be cinched in the front to create a more relaxed, off-shoulder look. This style is perfect for a casual day out with friends or running errands.
Overall, adding a belted waist to your little black dress is a simple and effective way to add a touch of casual flair to a classic piece.
Modify the Fabric
Linen
- Lightweight and breathable
- Pair with sandals for a summer look
Linen is a versatile fabric that is perfect for casualizing your little black dress. It is lightweight and breathable, making it ideal for warmer weather. Linen is also known for its natural texture and rustic look, which adds a laid-back vibe to your outfit.
To create a casual look with your little black dress, consider pairing it with linen. You can wear it as a tunic with a pair of shorts or jeans, or as a dress with sandals. Linen sandals are a great option for a summer look, as they are comfortable and easy to wear.
Additionally, you can experiment with different colors and patterns of linen to add a pop of color to your outfit. For example, a pair of red linen shorts or a blue linen top can create a fun and casual look.
Overall, linen is a great fabric to use when trying to casualize your little black dress. Its lightweight and breathable texture, as well as its natural texture and rustic look, make it a perfect choice for a laid-back and comfortable outfit.
Denim
- Dark-wash or light-wash denim
- Pair with sneakers or ankle boots
Dark-wash denim is a great option for adding a touch of edge to your little black dress. This type of denim has a more muted, deep black color, making it perfect for a more casual look. Pairing your little black dress with dark-wash denim creates a stylish, yet relaxed vibe.
Light-wash denim, on the other hand, is a more laid-back option for casualizing your little black dress. This type of denim has a lighter, more faded black color, giving it a more relaxed and comfortable feel. Light-wash denim is perfect for a more casual, everyday look, and can be paired with sneakers or ankle boots for a chic, yet comfortable outfit.
When pairing your little black dress with denim, consider pairing it with sneakers or ankle boots. Sneakers are a great option for a more casual look, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Ankle boots, on the other hand, add a touch of sophistication to your casual outfit, and can be paired with tights or leggings for a chic, yet comfortable look.
Cotton
When it comes to casualizing your little black dress, using a cotton fabric is a great option. Cotton is comfortable, versatile, and can be easily dressed up or down for different occasions. Here are some tips on how to incorporate cotton into your little black dress:
- Pair with sandals or sneakers: Cotton is a great fabric to pair with sandals or sneakers, making it perfect for a casual summer look. You can dress up the sandals with a belt or ankle straps for a more polished look, or keep it simple with a pair of white sneakers.
- Layer with a cardigan or denim jacket: To add an extra layer of warmth or casualness to your little black dress, consider layering it with a cardigan or denim jacket. This will give the illusion of a more casual outfit while still maintaining the elegance of the dress.
- Add a belt: Belts are a great way to add shape and definition to any outfit, including a little black dress. A cotton belt in a fun print or color can add a pop of personality to your outfit, while a classic leather belt can give it a more polished look.
- Accessorize with hats or scarves: To add a touch of playfulness to your little black dress, consider accessorizing with a hat or scarf. A cotton scarf in a fun print or color can add a pop of personality to your outfit, while a baseball cap can give it a more casual look.
Modify the Style
Off-shoulder
The off-shoulder style of a little black dress is a perfect way to add a casual yet feminine touch to your outfit. By modifying the shoulder of your dress, you can easily create a more relaxed and comfortable look. This style is perfect for those days when you want to feel pretty and put together, but don’t want to sacrifice comfort for style.
To casualize your little black dress with an off-shoulder style, you can pair it with some comfortable sandals or ankle boots. This will give your outfit a more laid-back and effortless vibe, making it perfect for everyday wear. Additionally, this style can be easily dressed up or down depending on the occasion, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
Tunic
A tunic is a versatile modification that can instantly make your little black dress more casual. A flowy and comfortable tunic can be paired with sandals or sneakers to create a relaxed and stylish outfit. Here are some tips on how to style a tunic with your little black dress:
- Choose a lightweight and breathable fabric for the tunic, such as cotton or linen.
- Opt for a simple and classic design with a round neckline, cap sleeves, and a hem that falls just above the knee.
- Layer the tunic over the little black dress to create a casual and effortless look.
- Add a belt around your waist to define your shape and add some structure to the outfit.
- Accessorize with delicate jewelry, such as stud earrings and a pendant necklace, to add some shine to the outfit.
- Complete the look with sandals or sneakers, depending on the occasion and your personal style.
Maxi
The little black dress (LBD) is a wardrobe staple that can be dressed up or down for any occasion. If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your everyday outfits, consider transforming your LBD into a maxi dress. A maxi LBD is a long, flowing version of the classic little black dress, typically falling just above or below the ankle. Here’s how to make it work for everyday wear:
- Choose the Right Fabric: Opt for a lightweight, breathable fabric like cotton, silk, or linen in warmer months, or go for a thicker, more insulating fabric like wool or cashmere in cooler weather.
- Add Some Texture: A maxi LBD can easily become too plain, so add some texture with a belt, scarf, or shawl. A contrasting texture can help break up the monochromatic look and add visual interest.
- Mix and Match: A maxi LBD can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. For a casual look, pair it with a simple white t-shirt and sneakers. For a more formal look, wear it with a tailored blazer and heels.
- Accessorize Wisely: Avoid over-accessorizing your maxi LBD. Stick to a few simple pieces, like a statement necklace or a pair of delicate earrings, to avoid overwhelming the look.
- Consider the Occasion: Keep in mind the occasion and setting when choosing how to style your maxi LBD. For a more casual setting, like a brunch with friends, a simple pair of sandals and a wide-brimmed hat can help tone down the formality of the dress. For a more formal setting, like a dinner party, opt for a pair of strappy heels and a clutch.
FAQs
1. What are some ways to make my little black dress more casual?
There are several ways to make your little black dress more casual. One way is to pair it with sneakers or other comfortable shoes instead of heels. Another way is to add a denim jacket or a leather jacket on top of the dress. You can also wear a statement necklace or a pair of bold earrings to add some personality to the outfit. Lastly, you can wear the dress with a backpack or a tote bag instead of a clutch or a handbag.
2. Can I still wear my little black dress to formal events if I make it more casual?
Yes, you can still wear your little black dress to formal events if you make it more casual. The key is to balance the casual elements with more formal accessories or shoes. For example, you can wear the dress with a pair of heels and a statement necklace, or you can wear it with a blazer and a belt. It’s all about finding the right balance that works for the occasion.
3. How can I make my little black dress more comfortable to wear?
There are several ways to make your little black dress more comfortable to wear. One way is to choose a dress with a loose fit or a jersey material, which will be more stretchy and less restrictive. You can also wear a slip or a camisole underneath the dress to provide extra comfort and support. Additionally, you can choose a dress with a lower hemline or a split, which will allow for better airflow and movement. Lastly, you can wear comfortable shoes, such as sneakers or flats, to ensure that you can walk and stand for long periods of time without discomfort.
4. Can I still wear a little black dress to work if I make it more casual?
Yes, you can still wear a little black dress to work if you make it more casual. In fact, a little black dress is a classic wardrobe staple that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. To make the dress more casual for the office, you can pair it with a cardigan or a blazer, and wear comfortable shoes such as loafers or flats. You can also add a statement necklace or a pair of bold earrings to add some personality to the outfit. Remember to check your company’s dress code policy to ensure that the outfit is appropriate for the workplace.
