The LBD has been a traditional wardrobe staple for generations, the go-to piece for everything from funerals to first dates. And while we all have more little black dresses, (in all shapes and sizes) than we know what to do with, sometimes the most overworked pieces end up feeling the least inspired.
So, if you're looking to add some color to your holiday wardrobe, we've rounded up 20 easy-to-replicate ways to upstyle your little black dress.
Repurposing the Little Black Dress you already have in your closet is a sustainable way to turn a boring basic into outlier outrageous. By adding accessories, footwear, headwear, and outerwear, the color of the LBD can be changed on a dime.
#1
ODD COUPLED
LBD + jeans
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Say “yes” to the Little Black Dress worn with jeans - the newest look for fall. The perfect way to dress down the LBD and dress up denim, this look is the epitome of unabashed sustainable style. Shop in your own closet or your favorite thrift store for the best-kept-secret in fall fashion.
#2
EVENING EDGE
LBD + combat boots +baby baguette
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One of the summer’s biggest trends is continuing its reign this fall. For an edgy evening look, lace up your Docs, pick up a baby baguette, and pair them both with your favorite frock for a girly–girl silhouette that rocks.
#3
MONOCHROME MENSWEAR
LBD + oversized boxy blazer + peep toes
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Along with the little black dress, 90s padded shoulders and oversized blazers are making a huge comeback this fall. For sexy and savvy street style, pair a mini LBD with a black blazer with the same hemline. Add some “it’s-okay-to-wear after Labor Day” white pumps and a few layers of pearls and mixed metal chains and you’ll have an updated monochromatic look, well-suited for fall.
#4
STREET SMART
LBD + cardigan + Panama hat + docs
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Before you pack your favorite mini little black sundress into cold storage,
give it an easy update by adding a long chunky cardigan, Panama hat,
and Doc Martens.
#5
CASUAL FRIDAY
LBD + denim jacket + sneakers
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For those once-a-week in-person meetings, the easiest update is also the cutest. Pair a lightweight cropped denim jacket with a midi LBD, sneakers, and crossbody for a pulled-together casual style that will take from 9 to 5 and beyond.
#6
SUNDAY MORNING EASY
LBD + sneakers + chambray shirt
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The iconic little black t-shirt dress gets a chill and casual spin. Tie a chambray shirt around a little black t-shirt dress as an accessory when you run out for coffee and bagels on warm Indian summer mornings. Then when the temperatures drop, you’ll have a cool way to warm up.
#8
DRESSED DISTRESSED
LBD + vintage brown leather jacket
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Sorry mom, but it is okay to wear brown with black and there’s nothing that says fall more than a brown leather jacket worn with a simple black dress.
Thrift shops are filled with vintage leather bombers so start your search early and you’ll find sustainable style that screams fall. (the more distressed, the better!)
#9
MOD MOTO
LBD + black leather biker jacket + strappy sandals
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Moto gets a modern twist when you rock black head to toe. Pair a faux leather motorcycle jacket, a midi LBD, and strappy flats for a look that will take you from breakfast to the boardroom.
#10
CHECKED OUT
LBD + belted buffalo check poncho
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Is it really fall without a warm wool poncho? 😉 No way! Just throw a big red and black buffalo check poncho over your favorite black little dress. Wear it fast and loose, and pair it with boots for a cozy weekend getaway. Or cinch it tight with a thin belt for elevated workday style.
#11
IN THE TRENCHES
LBD + trench coat + sneakers
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For sophisticated style that will take you from a day at the office to a night on the town, a classic LBD and a great long trench coat go together like rainy days and Mondays.
#12
INSTANT GLAM
LBD + maxi tulle skirt
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Toile isn’t just for ballerinas and ballrooms. Pair a simple tight mini LBD with a slip-on tulle maxi and heels for an instant glam look that will take you from late summer nights right into cool autumn days.
#13
DRESS REHEARSAL
LBD + opera coat + strappy sandals
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Life is not a dress rehearsal, so live every day like an opening act. Pair your favorite little black frock with wear-anywhere statement outerwear like this red and gold silk brocade opera coat by L2R.
#14
CLOSET CASED
LBD + colorful leggings + heels
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If you have a closet and a LBD, you have a different outfit for every day of the week. Just pair a midi with statement heels, ethnic-inspo accessories, and a handcrafted clutch for instant pops of color.
#15
NOT-SO LITTLE BLACK DRESS
LBD by L2R
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Who said a Black Dress has to be solid - or little, for that matter? This fall, grab some sweater swag from L2R - the dress that speaks for itself.
#16
FOOTBALL WEATHER
LBD + flannel
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Nothing says fall like Friday nights under the lights and flannel. Give last summer’s sundress an easy autumn update by throwing on an oversized flannel - the older and more worn and tattered the better. Head to the men’s aisle at your
favorite secondhand shop and throw some shade over your LBD.
#17
THE TRAIL BLAZER
LBD + oversized blazer
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Blaze a new trail this fall with a Y2K boxy blazer worn with a slim black mini and patent leather booties for sophisticated sustainable style.
#18
SLIP-COVERED
LBD + white tee + sneakers
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Slip a LBD over a white baby tee for fun and flirty sexy-in-the-city style.
#19
BOHO BEAUTIFUL
LBD + hippie chic accessories + platform peeps
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Be boho beautiful this fall when you pair a basic LBD with 60s-inspired accessories like a felt Panama hat, fringe suede bag, and platform peep toes.
#20
RANGE ROVING
LBD + cowboy boots + felt hat + western-wear big buckle belt
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For best-dressed out west style, upcycle your favorite little black dress with western boots and accessories.
The LBD will never go out of fashion, so simply add some trendy outerwear, footwear, and accessories to update the look every season, and you’ll never run out of big little black style.
