Black is a classic, timeless color, and you can never go wrong with a little black dress. While many people see black as solemn because it’s traditionally associated with funerals, you can wear it for any occasion. If you’re struggling to build the perfect outfit for a date, consider how to dress up that little black dress for a date night.

Choosing Your Little Black Dress (LBD)

The first step to styling your LBD is finding one that works for you. Not everyone has the same taste, but that’s the beauty of fashion. While the color is always the same, the variety of black dresses is endless.

Comfort

Comfort is everything when it comes to dresses. Although the primary goal of wearing a dress is to look fabulous, you can’t have complete confidence in yourself if you’re uncomfortable. With that in mind, stay away from materials and styles you know agitate you.

Versatility

If you truly want one black dress to keep in your closet, it must be versatile. You can’t always dress down in a fancy dress, but you can always dress up in a casual dress. There’s nothing worse than the wrong attire for a specific location or activity, especially a date.

Body Shape

You should always consider your body shape when choosing your little black dress. This dress should flatter your figure. Luckily, there are different styles to choose from. One design doesn’t fit everyone, and that’s more than okay.

Dress for the Season

Believe it or not, you can wear the same dress for a date in any season: it all depends on the accessories you choose.

Spring

The weather is shifting to consistent warm days. With that in mind, consider the unpredictable weather of the warm months. Pair your dress with a cardigan and flats for a cooler day, or bold heels and a light jacket for a warmer day.

Summer

In the summer months, you can almost always expect a warm day. In this case, you can wear the dress on its own and pair it with heels or platform sandals for a head-turning outfit!

Pro Tip: Add statement jewelry to take your little black dress to the next level in the summertime!

Fall

As the summer heat dissipates, you might need an extra layer to stay warm. A knit wrap or wool cardigan with ankle booties or wedges should do the trick! Consider maroon, auburn, and other fall colors for a beautiful contrast to your black dress.

Winter

Don’t let the cold discourage you from wearing your little black dress for a date night! Dusty blue or green make great accent colors for your dress during the winter months. Throw on a pair of leggings or tights, knee-high boots, and a printed or bold coat for an outfit that will wow your date!

Dress for the Location

While this goes without saying, you must consider the location of your date before you build your outfit. Otherwise, you might end up wobbling in stilettos on the grass.

Carnival

Going to a carnival or county fair is always fun! You might not believe you can wear your little black dress, but you definitely can! Pair it with simple jewelry, strappy sandals or cute sneakers, and a small crossbody bag. This style will give you an outstanding casual look without taking away from the dress.

Pro Tip: Wear shorts or shapewear under your dress if you plan on getting on carnival rides!

Restaurant

Everyone loves a fancy restaurant date, and this is the perfect opportunity to take your little black dress for a spin. You’ll want to dress It up with a gorgeous pair of heels, a shawl, a matching jewelry set, and a bold-colored or printed handbag. For an extra pop of color, consider wearing bright red or pink lipstick.

Concert

Your black dress is the perfect choice to wear for a concert date. In fact, a dress is more breathable than jeans and other pant options. Pair your black dress with an oversized denim jacket, neutral-colored combat boots, and a small, bold-colored handbag for the ultimate concert outfit. Rock on, girl!

Bar or Club

Going out to a bar or club can be an excellent option for a date night, but you might not know what to wear. It’s probably no surprise, but you can break out the little black dress for a night on the town. Set off your ensemble with a chain belt, a pair of bold stilettos or chunky heels, and a unique clutch.

When in Doubt

It’s completely normal to be unsure about your date outfit, especially on a first date. However, perusing an online women’s dress boutique might be the best way to find the perfect little black dress.

It’s frustrating when you have no idea what you’ll be doing on a date because you won’t know how to dress. When in doubt, you should opt for something comfortable that works for any location or event. Believe it or not, your black dress can be the basis of any date night outfit, no matter the activity.

For instance, a black dress with simple classic jewelry, ankle booties, and a light sweater to cover up is a perfect ensemble for any potential date night activity. You can never go wrong in an all-black outfit with a single pop of color, whether it’s your shoes or purse.

Knowing how to dress up that little black dress for date night is necessary for every woman. It can save you from purchasing a new outfit for every date, and it takes some of the pressure off of deciding what to wear. The key to styling the same LBD for many different activities is adding and swapping various accessories to make new and authentic looks and ensembles.

There’s nothing better or more necessary than keeping a black dress in your closet as your date night secret weapon! Building style after style with the same dress is an art, and doing it successfully feels like magic.

How To Dress Up That Little Black Dress for Date Night
May 17, 2022 — Laine Spruiell