Need to Dress Up a Plain Black Dress? Try Jewelery and Scarves

A plain black dress fits all occasions. The simple and classy black dress has seen weddings, funerals, cocktail parties, and birthday blowouts. However, a plain black dress can get a little dull with frequent use, and accessories become a necessity at some points. Fortunately, as black goes with nearly everything, it is not terribly difficult to dress up a black dress.

Perhaps the easiest way to complement any wardrobe is jewelry, and the same methods used everyday to accent an outfit can be used to spruce up a plain black dress. Matching jewelry sets of necklaces and earrings are not hard to find, and a slightly lengthy necklace adds something new to a dress. In addition to matching jewelry, a woman's hair can also be used for decorative purposes. Go for something that grabs the attention, rather than a tool for keeping stray hairs in place. There is a fine line between pretty and gaudy, but a nice hair piece with matching jewelry works well with a plain black dress.

If you are out and about in public, you need to wear shoes. Instead of wearing black shoes for a professional look, branch out to find a pair of shoes that complement the dress rather than matching it exactly. Stockings or tights also go hand in hand (or foot in foot) with stylish footwear. Again, if it's not a professional outing, go for something beyond the ordinary. Fishnets and stockings with patterns are tremendously popular through generations of women, and the right pair of stockings with the right pair of shoes can make a plain black dress into a new favorite outfit.

Scarves are a personal favorite for spicing up a plain black dress. A lightweight scarf can be used during any season to accent an outfit. There are dozens of ways to tie a scarf, and most scarves can be worn on the head, around the neck, across the shoulders, and around the waist. Most of the combinations therein work for a plain black dress. For instructions on tying a scarf, I recommend the Texere Silk website. There is a specific section on the site that includes a guide for tying a scarf.

The plain black dress is a classic that fits any occasion. When used too often, things can get a bit boring. Fortunately, there are several methods for sprucing up a simple black dress, and some of those methods include jewelry, hair accessories, footwear, and the creative use of scarves.