How to Dress Up a Black Dress for a Formal

November 18, 2021

dresses

HOW TO STYLE A BLACK DRESS FOR EVERY OCCASION

A black dress has never failed me! They're my go-to year-round, whether I'm running errands, meeting a friend for coffee, or attending a wedding. The versatility is truly limitless, and I love how timeless they look. You can wear them again and again to all sorts of occasions, and it never gets old. Whenever traveling, I try to pack at least one black dress to bring with me because I know it's something I'll wear more than once. Somehow it never feels like I'm wearing the same dress on repeat when it's a classic black dress, ha!

HOW TO STYLE A BLACK DRESS FOR EVERY OCCASION

Top Row: One // Two (under $70) // Three // Four // Five // Six

Bottom Row: Seven // Eight // Nine // Ten (under $90) // Eleven // Twelve

BLACK WORK DRESSES

HOW TO STYLE A BLACK DRESS

There are a few black dresses in my closet I've had on rotation for a while now. I love anything smocked and wore my black nap dress over the weekend with flats and a straw tote to meet a friend for coffee. Honestly, this dress looks just as cute with white sneakers when running errands as it does with a pair of heels for dinner, which is why I think it's probably my favorite style of dress I own (review here). Although the black nap dress is sold out right now, I found an identical dress under $70 and wanted to share it since I get questions about similar styles all the time.

You can't go wrong with a blazer, black dress, large tote, and heels for a chic outfit you can wear to the office. It's a classic combination that you can wear multiple ways just by swapping around your blazers and shoes. Since the base of your outfit is already simple, have fun by bringing in different fabrics and textures to your outfits, like tweed or linen.

Investing in a formal black dress or cocktail dress is my biggest tip for anyone with a lot of weddings to attend on the horizon. You'll be able to wear both more than once and swap out your accessories instead of having to buy a new dress every time. Add statement earrings, a different clutch, or a shawl to vary your outfit. Even if you like buying a new dress for every occasion, I think everyone should have a backup wedding guest dress in their closet you know you love and feel good in!