Today I am joining a group of blogging friends for some Fall fashion inspiration. A simple black dress can be a one and done option. However if you think outside of the box with accessories and layers, you will have multiple options to take you on any adventure. Let’s talk about 7 Creative Ways to Rock a Simple Black Dress.
We do not have a Chicos nearby, so I am unable to check out their offerings. I know many of you enjoy Chicos, so I thought this month I would order a couple of their dresses. One was a miss and one was a big HIT!! The Chicos Poplin Tiered Dress, comes in a range of sizes, and can be worn now and later in the season. It has great detailing on the sleeves and falls beautifully. I have seen a similar dress elsewhere for much more money. You could wear the dress now with sandals, or later with shoes or boots. I ordered a 00 and it fits like a glove. It is supposed to be a midi but on me it is a maxi. I cannot order a petite dress because I am too long waisted. FYI the dress is fully lined and the fabric is a cotton, polyester and spandex mix. I believe the dress itself is cotton and spandex and the lining is polyester. It is beautifully made.
At its simplest, you could style this black dress with an Eric Javits straw hat, simple bone accessories and sandals now when the weather is still warm
SHOP THE LOOK
I don’t often wear cardigans, but when I spotted this cashmere number on Anthro I was in. I love it with this dress and it would be great with a pair of jeans or black pants. I am wearing it with a wide belt that I purchased here locally, but I have linked a great one below the image. I also layered it with a vintage necklace and my h cheval necklace that I featured in my Sunday favorites.
SHOP THE LOOK
With a sleeveless vest (huipul) from Etsy, navajo accessories (I have linked similar on eBay), a felt hat, and my gentle souls suede knee-high boots, I turned this versatile dress into a gaucho inspired look. I have
SHOP THE LOOK
Why not wear the gorgeous zara linen blend scarf, belted under a blazer (you could also throw it over one-shoulder for lighter coverage if the weather is mild), or opt for a (cold weather) wool scarf. You will never catch me in a pair of high heels but these Vivaia boots with a low block heel are super comfortable. The mesh fabric allows for the dreaded bunion.
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For a fun, more casual look why not wear it like a skirt and blouse with a v neck cashmere sweater or a cardigan. You could pair it with flat birdies (as I have), a pair of sneakers, or loafers. You can add a baseball cap to shield the sun.
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Here I styled the dress with a fabulous pair of Artemis mules, a Gigi Pip hat, a cashmere shawl from J Crew and a carpet bag from Etsy. The cashmere pashmina adds just the right amount of warmth for the cooler evenings this time of year.
SHOP THE LOOK
This “slow fashion” “vintage” zara blazer, with a necklace from Paula Carvalho (you can contact Paula on Instagram), and the Vivaia boots would be great for dinner out or a casual holiday party. You could achieve a more casual look with a denim jacket.
SHOP THE LOOK
Thank you for reading 7 Creative Ways to Rock a Simple Black Dress. Do you have a simple black dress, or one in another neutral color that you can style multiple ways? For more ideas you might enjoy seeing how I styled another black dress multiple ways here, How to Style One Dress Eight Ways. Which is your favorite look above? I will be back on Sunday with my five favorites and with more fall fashion next week.
Rachel Zoe has a great article on the subject here: The Zoe Report One Dress Six Ways
Now let’s pop over and visit my friends to see what options they have for fall. Click on the links below the graphic to visit.
It’s so hard to pick favorite looks – they are all terrific! Love the cardigan and vest and the Zara blazer. the H Cheval necklace is great. Once again you’ve shown just how far a black dress can go!
Hi Barb
Thank you I try my best!
Cindy love this black dress! It’s got some beautiful details and it looks great in all these fun ways! Love seeing what you all have to share. xo
Hi Kim
It is a great dress. I think you would like it as well.
This post arrived just in time! I ordered an end of season black dress last week and have been trying to figure out how to wear it to a reunion in October. Thank you for the inspiration. My style is more classic, less bohemian, but these photos give me a jumping off point.
Hi Debra
Have fun at your reunion!!
I have a black jumpsuit that I could use just as well, I think! Can’t wait!
Thanks for your great inspiration!
Hi Kathy
A black jumpsuit would be superb. I can’t wear jumpsuits as a rule. I am too long-waisted. It feels like I am wearing a diaper. I sure love them on others though!
Cindy! It’s hard to believe that’s one dress! It looks like several! Bravo! So much inspiration! Great for travel!
Thanks Annie! I loved your post!
My favorite look is the dress with the scarf and blazer. This is something that never occurs to me and love that you inspired me to do a try on with what I have ( however I am tempted to get the scarf you’re showing in the pic…). Your fashion posts are always my favorite.
Hi Dani
I like the scarf and blazer look as well and that Zara scarf is a find!
Love how you’ve put these looks together with this one dress! I always love a cardigan or blazer with a belt around the waist, it’s so chic and elevated!! Bravo!
Hi Noelani
Thank you so much for joining us!!
Cindy, I love your ideas for the black dress. I always look forward to seeing your posts online. Keep up the good work. I don’t have a black dress like yours but I do have a long black skirt so I will try to apply your ideas. Again thank you and be well.
Hi Rachelle
I am sure you can make a black skirt work!!
I love that Anthro sweater. Just what I need to pull together some outfits I already own. I am wondering if it fits true to size. That would help me decide. Great post Cindy. You’ve been working overtime!!
Hi Leslie
I got a small and I could have sized up to a medium as well. It is a slim fit. Hope that helps!
Yes. I might go with medium so room to layer.
Cindy, I have been a subscriber of yours for a short while. I do so enjoy your posts and your style, minus the hats and native jewelry(😉), is very much my style, so you always help me up my fashion game. I am thankful for your styling inspiration but, today I am especially grateful to you for introducing me to your friend Gray. I was unaware of her blog but subscribed today and am thankful for having been introduced to her. Hope you have a wonderful fall….whenever it gets here!!!
Hi Josephine
I am so glad you enjoy Gray. We are friends from afar, but have so much in common. She has great style and is a wonderful writer. You will enjoy her blog.
Oh, wow! Now, THAT was FUN and SO INSPIRING!!! I do believe we followers could throw any basic dress at you and you could invent numerous clever ways to style it! As always, thanks for the sartorial inspiration! 🤗💖🤗💖
Hi Katherine
Thank you so much. Now that would be a fun exercise!
Love them all but the gaucho and slow living is my favorite.
Hi Nancy
I thought it was fun too! Thank you so much!
“Do I have a little black dress?!!”
Nope!
But your photos are SENSATIONAL TODAY!Love the MAXI DRESSES ON YOU!
Thanks Eliz! Black you? Never!!
You always inspire me to re-think the clothes I already have, and to
be clear on a few items I should get that will breath life into the oldies! thanks so much for these great ideas! xx
Hi Kerry-Lou
You always inspire me!
I could spend hours looking at your selections and so have many others. The dress is sold out in my size. The Mexican blouse is sold out. I was looking at Eric Javitz hats just a while ago and the one you are wearing was sold out 🙂 I’m going to hop off the slow train. I do have one black dress so I think I will play with that. Thank you for such a fun newsletter. I look forward to them.
Hi Lynn Anne
Darn it there were plenty of sizes when I checked. I think I could have sized up and it wouldn’t have mattered if that helps at all! You might contact the Etsy seller. Often they will make one up for you! They do have many others that are interesting as well!
This is so inspirational! I have two black dresses that I want to play with thanks to you!
Hi Mary Ann
Thank you so much! I am sure you don’t need my help! You always look darling!
Great suggestions….KUDOS to you putting together several outfits with one black dress.!
Hi Debbie
That is the beauty of a solid color dress. Anyone can do it!
Hi Debbie
It is always fun to see how many looks you can come up with. You ladies inspire me to be creative.
Love this!!! Now I’m going to go shop my closet haha!
Hi Anne-Marie
Have fun shopping your closet!
Love all the looks and the black tiered Chico’s dress is a winner! I know you don’t like ruffles and lots of gathers but you do look very cute in them!
Love all the looks!
Hi Gray
I can do tiers but not ruffles, ha ha. I love the detail on the sleeves. I think you would love that dress.
I think so too!!