How to Style a Black Dress for Spring
I love the versatility of wearing black. It’s a great opportunity to play with the other elements of my outfit. Because I wear a lot of black, I have tons of experience styling it for all seasons. A reader challenged me to show how to wear a black dress in the spring. I just love a good challenge so here goes. Ignore the glare from my pasty white legs, I haven’t started using my self-tanner yet this season.
The first thing I do for Spring is to lighten my shoe. I’m wearing my new platform sandals from Adrian Allen for all these looks. They have a sassy back tassel and are comfortable enough to wear all day!
This Stella sandal has a 2 1/2 ” heel with a 1/2 inch platform which makes the heel just 2″. They’re a sophisticated shoe with an intelligent design. It’s cushioned footbed makes them incredibly easy on the feet.
This is the most casual look. I chose a light wash denim jacket, white and pale green jewelry and a straw handbag. Lighter accessories go a long way to making a black dress seasonally appropriate. I also lightened my toenail polish from burgundy to blush pink.
This dress has less texture than the first one so it is dressier. I chose a pearl and crystal bib necklace with hoop earrings. I added a bracelet in the same fresh blue as the large silk scarf that I tied as a wrap. My bag is a black and beige straw whose texture screams Spring. Mixing black with paler colors makes it feel more spring-like.
The formality level goes up with a blue and black silk shawl and shiny black handbag. 
Notice the cute tassels at the back of these sandals. I love how the straps of the shoes match the pattern on my shawl.
This dress has multiple layers of sheer black fabric. I topped it with a black and pink jacket, changed to pearl earrings and a crystal brooch. This is wedding ready and appropriate everywhere but a black tie event.
These sandals are designed by Gwen Allen who started her company to bring us elegant, low heeled dress shoes. Her sophisticated designs are wearable all day thanks to their wider toe box and cushioned insole. Check out her entire collection here.
This challenge was fun, do you have one for me? Please share in the comments.
Thanks for reading and have a great day ladies!
Thank you to Adrian Allen for partnering on this post and providing these shoes. I was compensated and all opinions are my own.
Thanks to you, my readers, for supporting the companies that allow me to continue this blog and bring you new things. You are the best!
Love all the looks except maybe the last one. I think the white jacket, especially combined with a brooch, is kind of matronly looking. I adore the shoes!
I have that denim jacket but because I have two others I was going to donate it today. At the last minute, I changed my mind. Three denims are not too much for this gal.
I have a challenge for you if you want to take it. I feel most comfortable in capris versus shorts. I know I’m not alone in this. Would you show us what’s in and how best to wear them to not look frumpy?
You do know that “too much denim” is an oxymoron, Joanna! One can never have too much denim :-D. Capri’s are really tough for short women. I have only worn shorts once in the last 30 years. You’re on but remember it is not my best look:)
Run with it!
Welk done! Also love the shoes and will check them out. Btw, even without self tanner you have great legs!
Thanks Janet! I am blessed to have gotten my Mum’s legs:)
I really love your idea of tying the scarf as a wrap as it is so useful and clever.I have a few black dresses in my wardrobe that would look great with a scarf wrap.Thanks once again for your ideas.
Also,it looks like it’s time for you to get out the self-tanner!I use Bondi Sands self-tanning foam and it works really well.It’s an Australian brand.
Now to think of a challenge for you……….hmmmmm!
Bring it on Julie! I love a challenge xxx
You’ve given me some great ideas, Jennifer. I especially like the denim jacket styled over the LBD. Boy, those Stella sandals are to die for! I’ll have to look for something similar that’s a little more attuned to my budget. I’ll consider it a challenge! As usual, you look lovely in each photo.
Thank you, Kathy! I am always thrilled to know I have inspired a woman to try something new.