How to Accessorize a Black Holiday Party Dress – 7 Simple Steps!

With Christmas nearing and celebrations underway, it’s the perfect time to wear a black holiday party dress. How do you accessorize it to look festive and fabulous? Here are 7 simple steps to pump up the glam.

1. Start with a Beautiful Foundation

A plain black dress is an elegant evening wear staple that can be dressed up or down depending on your chosen accessories. But since holiday time is extra special, you may want to start with a foundation that’s has a touch more glam. Why not choose a black dress in a luxurious winter fabric like velvet or satin to instantly uplevel your look?

Rich details, like a sheer neckline, crystal waist brooch, beaded cuffs, or a feathered hem, are also like built-in accessories, giving a black dress a festive vibe.

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2. Add Jewelry

Less is more when it comes to styling a black dress, but since Christmas and New Year’s is all about lights and sparkle, feel free to add a little extra bling. Gold is stunning with a black holiday party dress if you have warm coloring (hair and skin). If your complexion and hair are cool (ash hair and pink undertones to your skin), you’ll dazzle in silver jewelry.

Pearls are always romantic at Christmas; anything rhinestone or crystal will look fabulous when you gather around the Christmas tree for cocktails. And if you have ever wanted to wear chandelier earrings, now is the time! A glittering statement necklace or a dramatic cuff bracelet can also be beautiful, and it’s always fun to wear a big cocktail ring to look party-ready. (Dean Davidson has some fabulous rings!)

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3. Wear Sexy Shoes

Practical day shoes have no place at a formal holiday event. A black holiday party dress calls for a pair of sexy evening shoes. Go with delicate, strappy sandals or sexy, pointy pumps. These black suede heels with dainty crystal bows are elegant, timeless, and a beautiful way to accessorize a black party dress. Plus, they are not expensive either!

Metallic evening shoes in gold, silver and champagne are a natural this time of year and add that “wow” factor.

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4. Sizzle in Stockings

Another gorgeous way to accessorize a black holiday dress is to wear sheer, patterned hose. Look for stockings with a touch of sparkle, a decorative pattern, or some exciting embellishment. The less ornate the dress, the better the embellished stockings will look. All eyes will be on your legs!

5. Carry a Clutch

A black holiday party dress isn’t complete without a knock-out evening bag. Envelope clutches are the most popular but don’t rule out other styles, too, like a classy chain on a wallet, soft pouch bag, or a mini top handle. Accessories allow you to draw the eye where you want, so think of your evening bag like a glamorous punctuation mark on a classic black party dress.

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6. Sport a Bold Lip

Black is chic and stunning, but it’s also high contrast next to aging skin and can wash you out. A bold red or pink lip looks fantastic with black, so don’t be afraid to go for it. Don’t forget the lipgloss for holiday shine!

7. Try an Updo or Fancy Hairstyle

For many women, their hair is their best accessory, so experiment and try something different to make your black holiday dress look even more glam. A pretty updo, some waves or curls, or even a pretty hair accessory like a decorative comb or velvet hairband can transform your little black dress into something you’d expect to see on the red carpet!

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Have fun with your black holiday dress, and don’t be afraid to experiment. It’s Christmas, New Year’s, and your time to shine!