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

A little black dress is always a favorite for Christmas parties and New Year’s Eve. But its real beauty lies in how you accessorize it to look festive and fabulous.  Here are 7 simple steps to pump up the glam.

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

1. Start with a Beautiful Foundation

A simple, well-cut little black dress is an elegant eveningwear staple. Think of it like a blank canvas that can take on slightly different looks depending on the accessories you put with it.

Luxurious fabrics like plush velvet or silky satin make for a gorgeous foundation at holiday time. To look holiday party-ready, add some bold, sparkly jewelry, embellished evening shoes, and a glitzy metallic bag. These stunning velvet pumps are just what I’m talking about.

Some of my favorite black holiday party dresses have the accessories built in, or so it looks. For example, I love this little black dress with a crystal collar neckline. It gives the dress a festive vibe and omits wearing a necklace.

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2. Add Jewelry

Typically, when styling a black dress, less is more. But since Christmas and New Year’s are all about lights and sparkle, feel free to add a little extra bling.  Lacey gold or crystal earrings look fabulous, sparkling off the lights when you are enjoying a Christmas cocktail around the Christmas tree.

If your little black dress has a touch of another color, like dark purple, then play that up with purple crystal earrings. Gold is stunning with a black holiday party dress, especially if you have warm, golden coloring (hair and skin). Silver jewelry dazzles if  your complexion and hair are cool (pink undertones, ash hair)

Pearls are very romantic at Christmas, and if you ever want to wear sparkly 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. (Check out Dean Davidson’s fabulous Plaza cocktail rings.)

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3. Wear Sexy Shoes

Practical day shoes are inappropriate for a formal holiday event. A black holiday party dress calls for sexy evening shoes, such as delicate, strappy sandals or sexy, pointy pumps.

My favorite holiday shoes are these black suede heels with dainty crystal bows.  They’re elegant, timeless, and a beautiful way to accessorize a black party dress. Plus, they are very reasonably priced!

Metallic evening shoes in gold, silver, and champagne are also natural this time of year and add that “wow” factor. A little black dress is like a beautiful night sky. Accessorize its shoes with bling that twinkles like stars.

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4. Carry a Clutch

A black holiday party dress isn’t complete without a knock-out evening bag. Envelope and hard case-like clutches are the most popular but don’t rule out other styles, such as a classy chain on a wallet, a soft pouch bag, or a mini top handle.

Accessories allow you to draw the eye where you want it, so think of your evening bag as a glamorous punctuation mark on a classic black party dress.

5. Sizzle in Stockings

Another gorgeous way to accessorize a black holiday dress is to wear a sheer, patterned hose. Look for stockings with 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!

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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 fuchsia pink lip looks fantastic with black, so don’t be afraid to wear it.

And don’t forget the lipgloss for holiday shine! City Beauty, one of my favorites for lip gloss, has two new shades, Holly and Silver Starlight.

7. Try an Updo or Fancy Hairstyle

For many women, their hair is their best accessory, so why not experiment and try something different to make your black holiday dress look even more glamorous?

A pretty updo, some waves or curls, or even an embellished hair accessory, like a decorative comb or velvet hairband, can transform your little black dress into something you’d see on the red carpet.

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!