Welcome to day 15 of the “New Year New You” Challenge, which I am hosting with Ceri from Fabafterfifty.co.uk. (although you don’t have to be over 50 to join in!), and tomorrow’s challenge is to “Dress down a LBD”.
We are posting each challenge the evening before so that you have time to prepare your outfit/ your challenge ahead of time.
“ One is never over-dressed or underdressed with a little Black Dress”
Karl Lagerfield
New Year New You Challenge 2021 : Dress down a LBD
The little black dress, or LBD, is something that every woman should have in their wardrobe, as it is really one of the most versatile pieces you can own.
The LBD is a very affordable addition to your wardrobe, and is likely to be worn on more occasions than most of your other outfits, making it a great investment piece with a low cost per wear.
The great thing about a LBD is that you can choose to dress it up or down, depending on your mood and the occasion. have a look here for why every woman should own a LBD.
Whilst dressing up a LBD is really easy, by adding some jewellery, a sparkly bag and/or some statement heels, dressing down a LBD can be a more thorny problem.
So, here are 6 ways you can dress down a LBD
1 Switch out your jacket/ coat/ top
Pair your LBD with one or two other pieces in colours, prints and/ or textures that contrast with the dress. Pairing your LBD with a leather or suede biker jacket, especially a brightly coloured one (or in summer a denim jacket) is a great way to dress down your look.
2 Change your accessories
You can also dress down a LBD by pairing it with brightly coloured, more casual style accessories. For example, choose a brightly coloured belt to contrast with the dressier nature of the dress, or add a pop of colour with a vibrant scarf.
Add a fun pair of patterned tights to tone down the seriousness of the dress, and opt for fun and oversize bags and jewellery.
3 Change your shoes
- Pair with sneakers : white sneakers are often seen on the runways and on fashionistas, or
- Wear with “doc marten” type boots or knee-high boots to make the look less feminine. I chose to wear “doc martens” as it is snowing here at the moment, but white sneakers are a great option for summer.
4 Switch out your bag
Adapt your handbag – swap out the elegant clutch for an oversize tote bag or a casual fabric bag
5 Adapt your jewellery
- Style your little black dress with pieces that contrast with the elegant feel of the dress, such as bright colours, vivid patterns or casual textures.
- Select one or two pieces of bold costume/ fashion jewellery to wear with the dress and avoid gold and silver jewellery with expensive gemstones that would make the dress too elegant.
6 Change your hair and make up
Similarly, you will want to change your hair and makeup to be more relaxed and casual.
- Pull your hair back in a casual ponytail or a messy updo if you normally wear your hair tied back. If you prefer to leave your hair down, opt for a more tousled, loose waves look rather than sleek, straight hair or perfect curls.
- Keep your makeup more natural and choose a nude lip colour – keep the red lips for when you want to look more dressed up!
If you don’t have or want to add another LBD to your wardrobe, here are my picks of the LBDs
Lastly, just have some fun with it, and try different ways to dress down your little black dress.
The aim of this challenge is to stay positive and fabulous as we start the year in lockdown again and to experiment and have fun with your wardrobe, by wearing what you already own to put together new outfits.
It’s about putting together what you own in new ways and shaking you out of your style rut. So, just have some fun with it!
I hope you enjoyed these tips for how to dress down a LBD and have a look here for more style inspiration.
I love theses tips.
A black little dress can be so versatile !
I love the outfit here.
xx
Margot
Thank you Margot! A LBD is definitely a wardrobe essential! x
Julia,
This is fabulous! You look so gorgeous with that little black piece, it’s beautiful. Love all your tips, and I agree with the bit of thought process and a bit of mirror time, one can put that LBD into a marvellous attire. Thanks
Thank you Hasin! So glad you like the tips x
You look fabulous!
xx- Nina
http://www.stylingwithnina.com
Thanks Nina x
I love the idea of making a LBD more casual and fun. Love how you styled this outfit!
Make Life Marvelous
Thank you Ashley x
Love how you styled your LBD . You look amazing.
https://www.ninakobi.com
Thank you so much 🙂
I love how versatile LBD are! You did a great job dressing it down!
Thank you Rach x
Great suggestions! Love your look!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thank you Lovely x
These are great tips! I love wearing sneakers and combat boots with dresses!
Jill – Doused in Pink
I never used to, as I love wearing heels! I guess that’s the good thing about a challenge as I actually quite liked styling this dress with combat boots! xo
I just love that you wore your LBD with combat boots like that. I have seen them all over, so I better pull my pair out!!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thank you Jodie! I normally wear it with heels, but the challenge was to dress it down…… xoxo
Such a stylish and bright outfit! Beautiful combination of red and black
http://www.recklessdiary.ru/
Thank you! I’m glad you like it 🙂
You look amazing in this LBD! The leather jacket is the perfect layering piece with it.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you so much Kathrine x