November 8th, 2012 
Audrey Hepburn made it iconic when she donned it in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” in 1961, and even over 50 years later, the Little Black Dress is still a staple in every woman’s wardrobe. It is timeless, classic and chic, and any lady who slips into one for a day at the office or for a fancy affair can’t help but feel the same. So with the holidays quickly approaching and all of the social affairs that are sure to fill up your calendars in the coming weeks, here are a few ways to bring new life to that old closet standby.
What I love about Little Black Dresses is the fact that they are essentially a blank canvas. Therefore you can add color, sparkle, texture, or even keep it simple with a monochromatic theme. The possibilities are endless!
First, find the perfect Little Black Dress:
This simple A-line LBD from Theory would be great on most body types:
Theory Meta Stretch Cotton Dress | $275 | (Photo Credit: Theory)
The pleats and playful bow on this long-sleeve blouse dress from Ann Taylor Loft make it perfect for a casual or fancy affair:
Ann Taylor Loft Bow Neck Pleated Blouse Dress | $89.50 | (Photo
Credit: Ann Taylor Loft)
And this lacy option from Madewell marries a little bit of romance with a little sexy edge:
Madewell Lily Lace Dress | $168 | (Photo Credit: Madewell)
Pair it with a warm-weather accessory:
Tights:
Keep those legs nice and toasty in black tights like these from Commando:
Commando Opaque Tights | $34 | (Photo Credit: Nordstrom)
Or get a little flirty with this polka dot pair from Anthropologie:
Anthropologie Sheer Polka Dot Tights | $18 | (Photo Credit: Anthropologie)
Neck wear:
Keep your neck warm with a faux-fur scarf like this one from Madewell:
Madewell Faux Fur Scarf | $55 | (Photo Credit: Madewell)
Or this sequin stunner from Rachel Zoe:
Rachel Zoe ‘Sequin Signature -Extra Long’ Scarf | $210 | (Photo Credit: Nordstrom)
Coats:
Keep warm to and from your event with a chic winter coat. I love the emerald color of this collarless coat by Proenza Schouler:
Proenza Schouler Collarless Tweed Coat | $2750 | (Photo Credit: Neiman Marcus)
You can never go wrong with the classic black and white combination like this chic option from Badgley Mischka:
Badgley Mischka Sasha Coat | $650 | (Photo Credit: Neiman Marcus)
Or incorporate another seasonal trend of contrasting fabrics with this architectural design with leather sleeve details from BCBG MaxAzria:
BCBG MaxAzria Genova Contrast Coat | $398 | (Photo Credit: Saks Fifth Avenue)
Accessorize with Jewels:
Collar Necklace:
Spice up your LBD with the hottest trend in accessories: the collar necklace. I love the hot pink color of this one from Anthropologie:
Rada Bewitched Bloom Collar | $298 | (Photo Credit: Anthropologie)
Or the unique design of this gold brass version from Forzieri Italia hand-crafted in Italy:
Forzieri Giuseppe Zanotti Brass Collar Necklace | $930 | (Photo Credit: Forzieri Italia)
Bracelets:
Frost yourself in crystals with this bracelet from J.Crew’s collection:
J.Crew Crystal Burst Bracelet | $138 | (Photo Credit: J.Crew)
Or this cuff by Reverie that incorporates a pop of turquoise:
Reverie Frosted Blossom Cuff | $368 | (Photo Credit: Anthropologie)
Choose some killer shoes:
The right footwear is key when dressing up a Little Black Dress. You can take it edgy with a pair of ankle booties, rock some foot bling with a little glitter, keep it classy with a simple pump, or get a little wild with the addition of animal print or a bright hue.
Aldo ‘Ayarza’ Boot | $139.95 | (Photo Credit: Nordstrom)
Boutique 9 ‘Emlyn’ Boot | $274.95 | (Photo Credit: Nordstrom)
Madewell The Frankie Pump in Glitter | $218 | (Photo Credit: Madewell)
Kate Spade New York Krysta | $328 | (Photo Credit: Piperlime)
Christian Louboutin Rolando Hidden-Platform Pump | $745 | (Photo Credit: Neiman Marcus)
Alice + Olivia Dina Snake-Print Leather Pumps | $295 | (Photo Credit: Saks Fifth Avenue)
J.Crew Etta Cap Toe Patent Pumps | $248 | (Photo Credit: J.Crew)
Charlotte Olympia Leopard Print Ponyskin Polly Pumps | $960 | (Photo Credit: Luis Avia Roma)
And finally, keep all of your valuables secure in a festive clutch:
The nature-inspired accents of this clutch from Anthropologie make it a little funky, but its rich gold tone still leaves it sophisticated enough for an evening out:
Hoss Intropia Varnished Foliage Clutch | $158 | (Photo Credit: Anthropologie)
This hot pink version from Valentino offers the perfect pop of color and the bow detail is fun and girly:
Valentino ‘Lacca Bow’ Clutch | $995 | (Photo Credit: Nordstrom)
And with silver and red sequins adorning this option from Deux Lux, it is the perfect way to incorporate a little of the holiday color palette into your wardrobe this season:
Deux Lux Bow Clutch | $95 | (Photo Credit: Nordstrom)
As we move into the season of gingerbread, twinkly lights and pine, breathe new life into your favorite Little Black Dress with a few season-inspired accessories. But keep in mind, less is always more , so opt for only one or two of the above listed options at a time.
Besides, too many accessories all at once could take away from the best accessories of them all -a gorgeous smile and a confidence like Audrey Hepburn herself! So happy accessorizing, ladies!
