Last Updated on October 28, 2023 by Eve Dawes
LBD Fundamentals | How to style your casual, glam and work black dresses for all seasons and occasions
Black dress outfit ideas that aren’t just your basic little black dress and heels or work black dress and pumps. From how to style a black dress casually, to work wear to sexy little black dress outfit ideas with killer heels to black dress with sneakers outfits. The possibilities are endless but it can be easy to get stuck in a rut. I know I’m guilty of throwing on a sweater dress and boots or an LBD and black strappy heels. So I have lots of little black dress outfit ideas for you as well as warmer looks. These casual, glam and work black dress outfit ideas will keep your mini, midi, maxi dresses on rotation all year whatever your personal style.
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How to style a black dress casually | 16 Casual black dress outfit ideas
A lot of how to style a black dress casually will come down to the cut, style and material of the dress. Obviously a cotton little black dress or simple slip dress lends itself to casual looks a lot better than satin, sequins or velvet that work better for the night. With the exception of an elegant satin slip dress that works well for both the day and night.
Black dress with sneakers outfits obviously work really well for a casual and comfortable look for the day. It’s also an easy look to play around with by styling it with different styles and colors of sneakers and accessories.
Most of these how to style a black dress casually outfit ideas work for mini, midi and black maxi dress outfit ideas.
Black dress with sneakers outfit
Style your little black dress with fresh white sneakers for a comfortable everyday look. I tend to go back and forward between my Veja’s for a slightly smarter look and Air Jordan’s for a more casual, sporty look.
Trending black dress outfit idea | Little black dress and cowboy boots
I always get so many compliments when I wear my cowboy boots with my LBD. It’s an easy way to create a little black dress outfit with some personal style and interest.
Summer black dress outfit idea | Satin slip dress with slide sandals
A slip dress or black summer dress with flats makes for a effortlessly chic black dress outfit for Summer.
Fall black dress with sneakers outfit
Another black dress with sneakers outfit. An LBD, midi or maxi dress with a denim jacket and sneakers is great for Spring and Fall. Tie it around your waist when you’re too warm and slip it on whenever you need it.
Casual transitional season black dress outfit
Layer tights/stockings underneath a little black dress or sweater dress for extra warmth.
Preppy black dress outfit idea
Another way to style a black dress that’s casual but on trend and polished is with ankle or knee-high socks and loafers. For a more classic look skip the socks.
Warmer preppy black dress outfit idea
As above but layer your little black dress or sweater over a crisp white shirt.
Winter black dress outfit
For even more warmth, wear tights or leggings underneath a little black dress or sweater dress for extra warmth.
I vary the type of leggings I style with them from faux leather Spanx to plain black lycra with either flat or heeled boots. If I’m going for a slightly dressier look I’ll belt the dress with something like this gold chain Chanel belt too.
Sexy black dress outfit idea
Style a sexy black leather dress with heels for an edgier but equally glam outfit idea. I like mixing softer textures with leather to keep the look feminine rather than biker chic.
Rainy day black dress outfit
Style your black dress with flat knee high leather boots and a trench coat on damp, drizzly, grey days.
Street style
A utility jacket is an easy way to create a relaxed aesthetic with your LBD.
Edgy casual black dress outfit idea
Add a leather or faux leather jacket for damp or cooler days for an edgier look that’s casual and practical.
Western vibes
Layer your black dress under a plaid shacket either with sneakers, boots or even cowboy boots depending on how Western you want to go with your look.
Monochromatic street style
Create a sleek but casual look with chunky black ankle boots, a black leather jacket, black crossbody bag and black dress.
Bad hair day
Throw on a hat on bad hair days or just to totally change the vide. Whether that’s a wide-brim hat, baseball cap, berets, or sun hat. There’s a hat for all seasons and occasions.
Black maxi dress outfit ideas
A casual black maxi dress with ankle boots or flats like the one above is a comfortable and cozy option for all seasons depending on the thickness of the dress. I tend to throw on a white denim jacket with the outfit above when it’s cooler to tie in with the white ankle boots.
Y2K black dress outfit
Style your LBD over jeans or trousers/pants for a Y2K throwback look and some extra warmth.
Keep these black dress outfit ideas simple or add gold accessories and belts to add some personal style. I personally love gold hoops and gold chain bracelets or chain necklaces even with the most casual looks.
Colorwise, it doesn’t matter whether you keep it monochromatic, add some neutrals or a pop of color with your bag, jacket and footwear.
15 work black dress outfit ideas for the office for a sophisticated look for all seasons
For work wear and the office you can never go wrong with an elegant black pencil dress, cap sleeve sheath dress or wrap dress. I also love a good blazer dress for something a bit different.
The bag, shoes, your hairstyle and accessories can make or break the outfit. So take those into consideration too when putting together your look. Look for details like pearl or gold buttons which instantly elevate an outfit and go for more tailored, structured pieces for instant chic.
Sharp and polished work black dress outfit
A black blazer with a structured top handle bag is a classic style that looks elegant and polished for the office. Style it with stiletto pumps for the Spring Summer and tights and boots for the Fall and Winter.
Don’t be afraid of color
Change it up with a bright color or textured blazer like bouclé or tweed for Upper East side aesthetic or leather for an edgier look.
Sophisticated and timeless work black dress outfit idea
Classic pointed stiletto pumps or ballet pumps look elegant with a more fitted little black dress like a sheath or pencil dress.
The black wrap dress
Break up a simple wrap dress and all black work outfit with statement shoe like leopard print stiletto pumps to add some interest and personal style.
Pro tip: I always suggest doing the sit and walk test when buying a wrap dress to make sure you aren’t revealing more than you want to.
Sleek and chic office black dress outfit
Create a chic monochromatic look with a black dress, shoes, bag and chic chignon.
Winter work black dress outfit idea
A belted black sweater dress, with tights and ballet pumps or boots is cozy, warm and still looks office appropriate.
Designer touches
Add an elegant designer scarf for extra warmth and interest. Think more chic than winter scarf for this look. So that it doesn’t look like you forgot to take off your outer wear.
Cheat some height
To elongate your silhouette opt for nude pumps to elongate your legs instead of black shoes. Add a matching nude bag to tie everything together.
Preppy black work dress outfit
A black dress worn over a collared shirt with loafers looks polished and office appropriate. Just leave the tie at home and avoid braids for this look to keep it fashion not fetish.
Winter work black dress outfit
Style your black dress over a turtleneck to ensure it’s warm enough for when the temp drops into the minuses!
Sleek winter work black dress outfit
A sleek, fitted, black turtleneck sweater midi dress belted with stiletto pumps and gold accessories is a great way to make sure you’re ready for both the office and after work drinks.
Wear your dress as a jacket
Style a black shirt dress as a jacket over a print dress or sheath dress for extra warmth and to break up an all black outfit
Transitional season work black dress outfit
Ankle boots can work for the office as long as you keep them sleek and not chunky to keep the look dressy and not too casual. Although chunkier styles can work for a more business casual look.
Black blazer dress
A black blazer dress is a glamorous and sharp work black dress. Just add some gold statement jewelry and red lipstick to take the look from day to night.
Work black maxi dress outfit idea
Style a summery black maxi dress with flats or stiletto pumps for summer or a maxi sweater dress over knee high boots and tights for Winter. Swap out the boots and tights for strappy black heels to take the look from work to a night out.
Glam black dress outfit ideas that wow
It’s easy to glam up a little black dress or gown with some statement earrings, a beautiful necklace and killer heels. These are some of my favorite glamorous black dress outfit ideas for going out:
- Classic style
Style a black mini dress with coordinating strappy heels for a classic look that’s always in style. - Day to night black dress outfit idea
A black blazer dress with strappy heels is an easy way of transitioning from day to night when there’s some impromptu post work drinks. - Sexy black dress outfit idea
Style your little black dress with knee high or over the knee boots which looks great either with bare legs or tights. Matte leather or suede tends to look classier than patent leather for this look. - Glamorous black dress outfit idea
A sequin black dress brings instant glamour. Add a black velvet hair bow for a Chanel inspired look and black strappy heels to complete your look. - Trending now
A trending little black dress outfit idea for the brave is to style a sheer black dress over black booty shorts and a black bra. - Elegant black dress outfit idea
Opera gloves bring the drama! If you’re going for all out glam or to a black tie event, long satin gloves are a simple way to elevate your whole look. - Black and nude
To elongate your look, style your little black dress with nude heels instead of black which can break up the lines. - Bring on the bling glam outfit idea
Style your LBD, midi, maxi or gown with diamond accessories. - Dramatic black dress outfit idea
A long black cape adds drama and warmth to a little black dress for a night out. - Add a luxe touch
Designer logo tights like Gucci or Valentino’s add a luxe touch and interest to a black dress. Just be careful not to get your jewelry caught in them! - Glam black maxi dress outfit idea
A black gown with black stiletto heels is perfect for black tie dress codes. - Winter glam outfit idea
A long black sweater dress with gold buttons and heels create an elongated look and is a classic, timeless style.
Shop these trending black dresses
The black dress edit to recreate all of the black dress outfit ideas above:
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The best black dresses to create these looks
From cocktail to black tie, Winter sweater dresses to summer styles. These are some of my top picks for the best black dresses to wear for all seasons and occasions.
