[Meta: Accessorizing your black dress for a formal event doesn’t need to be as confusing as you might think. Our article gives you tips on how to accessorize.]
Black dresses are staples in many people’s closets, and you can wear your black dress virtually anywhere as long as you have the right accessories to dress it up or down. And while accessorizing your black dress for a formal event can feel overwhelming at first, this process doesn’t need to be as difficult as you may be expecting.
Our article gives you tips on what to consider when accessorizing your black dress for a formal event and how to pick the best accessories for your style needs.
When Are Black Dresses Appropriate for a Formal Event?
The great thing about black dresses is that they suit the majority of events and that they generally match the dress code for black-tie formal, semi-formal, and semi-casual events. You can wear a black dress to most galas or even rock a black prom dress. Depending on its style and length, your black dress may be able to be worn at formal events like prom, weddings, galas, or other public events.
Even if your dress doesn’t quite match dress code requirements, you can dress it up or down with the right accessories, something that makes it important to figure out the best accessories for your specific black dress.
Considerations for Accessorizing Your Black Dress
Choosing accessories for your black dress doesn’t need to be difficult, but there are a lot of different options out there. We list some important considerations below that you should keep in mind as you start to choose your favorite black dress accessories.
Comfort
While style is important, so is comfort, and the last thing you want at your formal event is hours of standing on your feet uncomfortably, or spending the whole evening adjusting jackets and scarves to fit your outfit in a particular way.
You should always think about how long you will be wearing an accessory, its size, how it fits your overall style, and the type of formal event you are attending to make sure it is the right choice for your black dress.
Style Matching
With the many different styles of black dresses out there, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the amount of choices you have in terms of jewelry, jackets, shoes, and purses to match your dress. However, you should consider the style of your black dress and things like the neckline, sleeve length, and any embellishments on your clothing.
You should choose jewelry and other accessories that match or complement this style to avoid creating a clashing outfit.
Venue
The venue of your dress may have specific dress code rules, or it may be indoors or outdoors. All of these things determine the types of shoes you wear, in addition to other accessories that might match your black dress. You can check the dress code of a specific venue by checking the invitation for your formal event or contacting the venue hosting the event directly.
Weather and Season
The weather and season also play a big part in the accessories you choose for your formal dress, as these determine the types of accessories you might wear, such as jackets and shawls for cold weather and simple, refined jewelry and sleeveless dresses for warmer weather.
You will also want to wear shoes that allow your feet to stay comfortable during whichever season your formal event is held.
Tips for Accessorizing Your Black Dress for a Formal Event
Below we give you some of our best tips for accessorizing your black dress for a formal event. Keep in mind that everyone’s dress and event requirements will be different, so pick the tips that best fit your preferences and styling needs.
● Color match your jewelry – you should settle on all gold or all silver jewelry instead of a combination of both in order to create a cohesive look; for slightly less formal events you can add jewelry with muted jewel tones, metallics, or neutral colors.
● Match your jewelry to your dress style – make sure that your necklaces, bracelets, and earrings don’t overwhelm the style of your dress, and opt for simpler and more understated options to enhance your formal look.
● Consider a statement piece – while understated and simple items are typically the best for formal events, a statement piece such as a pendant necklace for a low-cut black dress or a chunky gold bracelet can create a totally eye-catching outfit.
● Select easy accessories – smaller clutch purses, shoes with heels that aren’t too tall, and elegant hairstyles all help you to dress up your black dress while staying comfortable, which is the best combination to help you feel and look your best all night.
Styling Your Black Dress With Care
Styling and accessorizing your black dress for a formal event can be a stressful process, as you no doubt want your look to be eye-catching and appropriate for the event you are attending. Keeping in mind the considerations above as you choose accessories and making sure to settle on a consistent theme for your accessories is key, as is ensuring you take into account the style of your dress.
With all of this in mind, you are sure to style your black dress with care and turn heads at any formal event you attend in your black dress.