When my pal Annie asked if I would be interested in doing a post on black dresses, I immediately thought of the infamous Target dress from back in 2020. I thought maybe I could find another great dress at Target and reinvent the post. And guess what this dress is $20! Let’s talk about How to Style One LBD Five Unexpected Ways.
Target does a great job with their jersey knits. As a rule, they are very good quality. A simple black knit dress can be dressed up or down, by simply changing out the accessories. Here I am wearing the dress with a simple jean jacket from Gap, Olukai Flip Flops and a Madewell Bandana.
GET THE LOOK
I don’t normally wear sleeveless dresses but when the shoulders are cut in closer to the neck it draws the attention up and away from the arms. Here I am wearing the dress with a Walaroo SPF 50 sun hat, superga tennies, and a white jean jacket.
GET THE LOOK
I purchased this dress in an XS (that was the only size my Target had). I would have preferred a Small. A little more length and it would have missed the widest part of my leg and would have been a little more flattering. Here I am wearing it with an eyelet shirt and last year’s comfy Steve Madden sandals.
GET THE LOOK
I styled the Target dress with a linen dress over the top, a straw hat, vintage horn bracelets, tortoise hoops and older Madewell leopard mules.
GET THE LOOK
I threw a vintage shawl from Anthro over my shoulders, added my Vingage Don Lucas necklace, Native American earrings, and Steve Madden sandals from last year.
GET THE LOOK
I hope you enjoyed this post How to Style One LBD Five Unexpected Ways. If it helped you think of under the radar ways to style a simple black dress, you might also enjoy Under the Radar Ways to Style Jeans Over 50 or Eight Stylish Ways to Style a Scarf. Now let’s pop over and visit Annie and see how she styled her black dress.
MOST LOVELY THINGS
Love the dress. Please don’t cut hair shorter!! You look fabulous
Wow! I love each way you styled this dress. So much so, I just ordered one online! LOL
Hi Mary
It is a great dress even if it weren’t $20!!
Cindy,
You really did an outstanding job on this assignment! And I will be copying several of these looks simply by shopping my closet. You look so fresh and cute in every one of these looks. So often you give me a new way of looking at my wardrobe. I did order the denim jacket – but in champagne pink! And I alerted my daughter to this sale too, so we both thank you!
Hi Annemarie
I am so happy to hear that. I try really hard to keep a healthy balance with my posts. You made my day!!
Cindy … I adore this dress! In fact I clicked to order at first opportunity. I ordered to pick up in store which I will do later today. Cannot wait. Target really does nail it time and time again. Your styling suggestions have given me so many ideas. And I do love the high cut shoulder … so flattering. Thanks for sharing I have a feeling this will be my summer uniform. xo
Hi Juliet
Target is amazing. I sometimes forget to check it out. I am always happy when I do. Their knits are particularly nice.
Hi Cindy,
Love the black dress and have it in my cart.
Wondering if you have an opinion on the Collagen for Her powder and capsules?
Thank you!
Hi Elizabeth
They have asked me to do a post at the end of the month. Honestly, I think it is amazing. I have been moving really heavy boxes, caught a heavy box on the door and fell down the steps (no pain other than scratches). The only thing I can attribute it to is the collagen. My skin seems really good. I have quite thick hair for someone my age. I haven’t noticed it getting any thicker, but I do not find that I see as much in the drain these days. I am a fan. I take it religiously in my coffee every morning and it seems to be working for me. I am going to have my husband start taking it. He has a really bad ankle and a knee that bothers him on occassion.
I’m a fairly new subscriber. In any event, I love how you used a budget-friendly Target dress and then elevated the looks with interesting and unique accessories. While I love Eileen Fisher, Johnny Was, Sundance, and the like, just as much as everyone else, those items in my wardrobe are “splurges”. I think you’re your own worst critic, because you always look slim with a youthful figure in your photos — so I don’t think your arms or calves require hiding or any camouflage. Nevertheless, I do understand that it is what one feels comfortable in, and you always present yourself as nothing less than chic — a real role model for aging gracefully but with style. Thank you!
Hi Jaycee
First of all welcome. I think you will love the camaraderie with the wonderful women that read this blog. We all love a bargain, don’t we? I never care where something comes from if the quality and style are good. Thank you for commenting and please continue to do so.
I already have a very similar black dress…and now I know how to style it. Brilliant.
You certainly do not need any help from me when it comes to style! But you are so nice to say so. I have learned so much from you!
I love this article because it has given me some ideas about styling my black travel dress. I am tempted to ask my friend to pick up this dress when she goes to the States next week.
Thanks for the inspiration
Jackie from The Lake District, England
Hi Jackie from the Lake District
Black dresses are so versatile for travel, aren’t they? You can wear them going, coming, and in between. And…the best thing about a knit one…no wrinkles!! Thank you so much for commenting Jackie.
I’ve just ordered the dress. I’m a bit silly: I keep buying dresses, thinking I’ll wear them and I don’t. I even already have a black sleeveless one, but maybe one day I’ll be willing to feel my thigh’s rub together! At least they are skinnier in my old(er) age. I do have a lot of cute jackets to try with this Target version when it comes. Also I love the concho necklace, but it’s a lot out of my budget.
Hi Sheila-Merle
I think we are all afflicted with that disease right now. Things have become so much more casual with covid, haven’t they? FYI The concho necklace was an inheritance from my mother-in-law.
Hi Cindy,
I just ordered this dress. I think, with one of your options it could be a staple for summer.
You truly assist me with my options for outfits for spring/summer.
xo,
Karen B.
Hi Karen
I do not think you can go wrong with this dress. I think I needed a Small for length, but other than that, it is nearly perfect!!
I bought the dress from Target about a month ago, I was so pleased with the quality. It looks good on you Cindy!
Hi Nancy
I figured a few of you ladies had already scoped the dress out! You guys don’t miss much!
Love the LBD! Every look rocks! Going to Palm Springs in a few weeks so I have one on order for a casual dinner in desert. Thanks
Super! I think you will love it!!
Go Holly!! Enjoy Palm Springs!
Ordered! The first and second shots could be me – I will be taking this on my trip, probably styled the same way!
Great! I think you will enjoy it!
😘😘😘
We have got to meet in person…there are too many similarities!!
Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous! Love the looks you created Cindy! Annie too! You have convinced me to join the white sneaker brigade, I am clearly missing something by not having them in my shoe collection. It’s been so long since I have worn a black dress, you have made me rethink how I style it. You look wonderful in all and you truly rock the denim jacket. XXX
totally adorable – each and every outfit
What a great post! I am finally inspired about how to dress for a June wedding in a barn. Thanks Cindy!
Hi Barbara
I am so happy to hear that. Enjoy!!
Cindy! You make this dress look like a million bucks! I love it!
Hi Annie
Thank you for asking me to do this! It was fun.
Cindy this is so cool. Love how you styled it and you are so trim. It looks fab on you, not sure if it would on me. My favorite looks are with the white jacket and the sneakers and also that beautiful black wrap and the sandals! This dress could take you anywhere. No one would know it’s a Target dress. I am working on a Target post, so it’s funny you and Mary Ann both have something from there. They are killing it right now. A lot to love and it is perfect for right now when we just need easy clothes! Love the wrap too!! You make everything look good. You should model. xo
I think you look fabulous! Love the Johnny Was and the artemis mules. I haven’t been in a real store since the first week of March. The local Next Door app reported our Target was good for the “senior hour” but a real “shi%fest” by afternoon! I’m not sure I will ever fly again. And the dining out thing doesn’t look like that will be happening anytime soon! Nice that you have your blog and can play dress up for fun. Thanks for the entertainment and ideas…and another peak of your gorgeous garden.
Hi Patricia
I found that to be true about Target, now I only show up during the senior hour. I feel the same as you, flying just doesn’t sound like an option until there is a vaccine. I have enjoyed the time I have been able to spend in my garden, but dang it would be nice to go out to dinner every once in awhile!
Love Target…and that dress is fabulous!
Hi Lori-lea
It is a great dress and yes I love Target!
You look fantastic! Thanks for the tip on the dress. Just ordered it in black. For those of you looking at the website, there are several similar dresses. This one is by Prologue. (not Universal Thread or A new Day) Have fun shopping and a great weekend!
Hi Cheryl
There are several similar but I linked it below the pics. I earn a small commission if you purchase through my links, so I really appreciate it if you can. Yesterday 180 people purchased the dress through my link. Thank you all so much!
Thank you Cindy, I didn’t know that you could purchase through the link…sorry….I will for next time!
No problem at all Cheryl. I am glad you like the dress.
You look great and I love the styling! Recently, I scored quite the bargains from Old Navy. An olive colored shirt dress for $12.00!! It’s made really well and has nice buttons, pretty amazing! And, 2 fitted t-shirt dresses (with sleeves!!!) for under $20.00 each + free shipping!!
Hi Renee
We love a bargain, don’t we? Sounds like you scored. I checked Old Navy for a t-shirt dress but couldn’t find one. I love the idea of sleeves!
What a find. I’ve ordered one. It’s something I can see wearing casually or dressing it up, as you have, with a wrap. Thank you for the great tip. Have a fun time at the lake.
Karen B.
Hi Karen
I hope you like it. I am crazy about it. I ordered the other color too.
Thank you. This looks like a cute summer refresh.
Thanks also for the recommendation on the Olukai flip flops. They are all I have been wearing and my feet feel supported and happy!
Hi Didi
People always ask how can I wear flip flops, they don’t have any support. They need to try them don’t they Didi? I wear them all the time. I am so glad you like them.
I love the wrap. I rarely buy clingy dresses because of my hips and butt 😁 I generally stick to linen shirt dresses in summer or A-LINE silhouettes. But the dress looks super good on you.
Hi Lorna
I don’t either but this one amazingly is flattering. I am a linen lover through and through as well. Thanks for weighing in and have a great weekend!
Gorgeous! I have a very similar dress, also purchased at Target, in olive. So comfortable and easy. Your LBD is the perfect backdrop for chunky jewelry! Thank you for the style tips.
Hi Kim
I am wondering if the one they call brown is actually olive. I ordered it as well. I will be really thrilled if it turns out to be olive. It sure did not look brown in the pic. Fingers crossed!!
Love the dress on you. Looked at dresses but not sure which one is correct. Who is manufacturer. Thanks, gail
Hi Gail
I do get a small commission if you purchase through my links. That is why I always link everything below the picture. Good Luck, I hope you enjoy the dress. I feel like Judy does if you find a good one and it is reasonable buy two!
You look adorable…I wish my arms looked as good as yours! Last year I found a LBD very similar to yours at Old Navy, I liked it so much I got a 2nd one for backup (does anyone else do that?) It is so comfortable and can definately be dressy if needed.
I’m desperate to find some cute summer things, mostly tops. This coming weekend we’re going to my son’s place in south Alabama right on the gulf and beach. He recently got a new boat and we’ll be taking that out over to Ono Island where he’s looking at a piece of property to build on. I’m so excited to get out of the house and feel/do somewhat normal things again.
Have a wonderful weekend Cindy!
Hi Judy
There is a reason my arms are positioned carefully! Trust me I have bingo arms. I thought I remembered one at Old Navy and that is where I looked first. Smart to get two. Precisely why I ordered the brown in this as well! Your weekend sounds wonderful, have fun!!
You look sensational in every possibility. Enjoy your time at the lake while staying safe.
Hugs from Diney on Camano Island
Hi Diney
Always love hearing from you. The lake is only allowing 100 boats from the public launch per day so it is pretty safe for social distancing. It will be good to get off the property!
Hello,
I am also 5’4 and 130lbs, is it clingy? The tummy area despite pilates is always my Achilles heel.
What our thoughts on the brown? I have an olive complexion, a ’winter’ as they use to classify.
Great photos
Hi Teresa
The great thing about the black is you can’t spot the spare tire! I could not tell what color the brown was online so I just ordered it. It looked like it leaned toward olive which I like. I am curvy big butt and small waist, but I still have the rolls! I weigh about 125 right now. Free shipping I would order both or pick up in your local Target that is what I did. I go early so I can return if necessary! Good luck, my color choices have changed since I let my hair go gray. Brown can be tricky for me now. I think you will love the dress. I never wear sleeveless!
THE PHOTOS ARE …….do I dare say THAT word????GREAT!!!!
The JOHNEY WAS wrap is STUNNING!!
OFF TO THE LAKE YOU GO………….
MY WEEKEND WILL BE SPENT DEADHEADING!!!!
THAT RAIN AND MY ROSES…………………BUT GOOD FOR THE NEXT ROUND!!!
XX
Hi Elizabeth
We never got the rain that you did. It just barely drizzled. I am going to have a lot of deadheading when I get home though. The storm next week could be interesting.
Wow…you look like a million bucks, Cindy! I want everything!
Mary Ann
Thanks Pal!
The is so much for this! Just ordered both colors since not sold at my target ! I’ll have to see how the brown looks with my white/grey hair! I am partial to Vans and Birks myself ❤️
Hi Tara
I love the look of Vans but cannot wear them comfortably with my bunion! Good luck with the dress. I hope you like it.
I love that and your different ways of wearing it! I have worn dresses in place of shorts a lot in the summer. That would be perfect!
Hi Karen
You will love the dress! I do not look good in shorts as you well know, so I was happy to find this dress. I thought maybe we would make it back this summer but things aren’t looking to positive for travel.
Curious to know what size you bought? We look to be of similar build. The styling is fantastic. What a versatile piece.
Hi Kelly
I bought a small and it fits perfect. The fabric is nice. It is just a great dress in my opinion no matter what the price. I am 5’4 by the way. I also ordered the brown since I loved it so much!
Thanks for putting all of this together for us, Cindy. You look great in everything! I especially like your slightly longer hair; it is very flattering to your face.
Hi Judith
I got a small and it fits perfect. I am not kidding this is a great dress. I looked for something like this and couldn’t find it anywhere. You will love it. I am 5’4 by the way. The other dress came clear to my ankles. This one is perfect. I ordered the brown as well after I saw how good this one fit!
Whoops that answer was for Kelley! Thank you Judith for the complement on my hair. I wore it this length for years and was wary of trying it long again (you know scary gray haired granny look). I am glad I tried it. It does seem to be the most flattering length for me.
Proof positive that fabulous style is available at all price points ! You look absolutely marvelous.
I’m sure I need to go to Target for something today:) Bravo my friend.
Thanks Jennifer! This dress would have been a good one for us. Looking forward to our post haven’t received my shirt yet! Hope it is a winner like this dress!