Black dresses are a staple in many people’s wardrobe, though you may sometimes need to dress up your black dress to ensure it fits a specific occasion. Figuring out how to make your black dress more formal can be confusing if you’ve never done it before, which is why our article is here to help you out.
Below, we give you details on the best accessories for a black dress that can help you elevate your style from casual or semi-casual to more upscale and formal.
Why Would I Need to Dress up a Black Dress?
There are many situations when you might need to dress up a black dress. Most notably, you may need to ensure your black dress meets formal dress code requirements for a certain event like prom (you can find appropriate black dresses for that here), or you may want to ensure that your black dress is suitable for a fancy date night out.
Whatever your reasons, dressing up a black dress isn’t a task you should take lightly – think carefully about the dress code requirements you need to meet and the venue you are attending to figure out the best way to make your black dress more formal.
Best Accessories for a Black Dress
When it comes to dressing up a black dress, the best things to use are accessories. A variety of accessories that match the style of your dress and create a cohesive silhouette can take your dress from more casual to eye-catching and formal. We give you details on the best accessories to utilize below.
Jewelry
Jewelry is one of the best things to use when dressing up your black dress. You can choose jewelry in a style and color that matches your dress, with gold and silver being the most popular colors, and use it to upgrade your style.
Make sure when selecting jewelry that all of the colors match and that you utilize statement pieces and bright colors sparingly; simple silver and gold jewelry are typically the best options for creating a formal look.
Belts
Belts are a good way to create style in your black dress or to create a more form-fitting appearance for looser and more casual black dresses. Select a belt with a simple design to wear around your waist to cinch in the dress, and consider matching your belt with the style of jewelry you wear to create a complementary look.
Jackets
Jackets can add layers and dimension to your black dress, and a nice jacket over your dress might make the appearance more formal overall. We recommend choosing a jacket that fits the season and weather in addition to a style that matches your black dress.
Stay away from denim and fabrics that are too casual, though you may be able to add a brightly colored jacket in a nice fabric as a statement piece for your black dress.
Purses and Clutches
Purses and clutches are a good way to dress up your black dress and ensure that you have enough space to hold onto any important items throughout the night. A small purse or clutch adds formality, and you can choose one in a matching style or use a bold-colored purse or clutch to create a statement piece.
High Heels
High heels are one of the most essential items to take your black dress from semi-casual to upscale and formal. A nice pair of strappy heels or even wedge heels can boost your style, and you should choose high heels that are comfortable to walk in. Select a matching black color for your dress, or opt for a bolder color like red or silver to create a statement with your outfit.
How Do I Make Sure My Black Dress Is Formal Enough?
Dressing up your black dress is typically done to make it appropriate for a formal event. However, you may still be wondering if your black dress is formal enough even with the accessories you choose.
We recommend ensuring that the dress fits well, that it isn’t too much of a risqué fashion choice, and that the length is suitable for a formal event; with high heels, accessories, and a complete hair and makeup style, your dress will likely be formal enough.
Always check the dress code of the event you are attending and seek opinions from friends and family members if you are confused about dressing up your black dress.
Upgrading Your Favorite Black Dress
Whether you have a black dress that you want to make sure meets formal dress code requirements or you are searching for a way to make a new black dress fancier for an event you are attending, accessories are key.
Using a variety of accessories, jackets, hairstyling, and makeup choices can help you upgrade your black dress from semi-casual to semi-formal or formal. Make sure that the items you choose to dress up your dress match and form a cohesive appearance to give yourself the formal, eye-catching appearance of your dreams.
