How To Style A Casual Black Dress For Spring
If you’re like me, you probably have a black dress hanging in your closet that you love but struggle to wear in a way that feels fresh and seasonal. With a few tweaks, I’m going to show you how to style a casual black dress for spring even though black is not a color normally associated with spring.
7 Ways To Style A Casual Black Dress For Spring
You’ll want to see all the ways I’m styling this black tank dress. I’m going to show you several casual versions, plus a couple that are dressy and could even be worn to a wedding. But, the first thing you are going to need is a versatile black dress.
1. Finding The Perfect Casual Black Dress For Spring
What style black dress will work for spring and summer?
First, you need a black dress. Look for a dress with minimal detailing and a simple, understated design. This will give you more flexibility when it comes to accessorizing and styling your dress. Avoid dresses with too much bling or embellishment, as they can be limiting and difficult to pair with other pieces. Choose a dress length that works for your body type and the occasions you plan to wear it. A knee-length dress is a good option for both casual and dressy events, while a midi or maxi dress may be better suited for more formal occasions.
This Sleeveless Tank Black Dress is versatile and perfect for styling all year round, plus it is affordable at under $10. I prefer a sleeveless dress since it is easier to layer under sweaters, cardigans, jackets, etc. You could wear this casual black dress for spring all by itself for a casual day running errands or a lunch date with friends.
2. How To Style A Casual Black Dress With A Denim Jacket
What Type of Jacket Looks Good With A Black Dress?
Styling a casual black dress for spring with a Denim Jacket is a great way to add a touch of edge and casualness to your outfit. A denim jacket is perfect for adding an extra layer of warmth during the spring season, and it also adds a casual, laid-back vibe to your outfit. Make sure the jacket fits well and is not too bulky, as this can overwhelm the dress.
This classic Denim Jacket is one that I bought last year, and I wear it all the time. It has a fair amount of stretch to it, so it is comfortable instead of confining.
The Oval Hoop Earrings give the look a polished look. They are a nice medium size, and they are nice quality. The style of the Vegan Leather Tote Bag is a hot trend in handbags this spring. I love wearing black and brown together, and it looks great with this casual black dress.
A statement necklace or earrings can add some visual interest to your outfit and can also elevate your look for a dressier occasion. The Multi-Strand Suede Freshwater Pearl Necklace is a perfect necklace that is casual yet dressy at the same time. Be sure to use my code- Tania15 for 15% Off.
3. A Fun And Colorful Scarf Is The Perfect Way To Style A Casual Black Dress For Spring
What are some ways to accessorize a black outfit for spring or summer?
To add some personality and color to your outfit, consider accessorizing with a fun and colorful scarf. A brightly colored scarf can add a pop of color to your outfit and can also keep you warm on chilly spring days.
This Zebra Square Scarf is so cute, and I styled it in a couple of ways with the Sleeveless Tank Black Dress. Here I tied loosely it for a simple look that adds visual interest and gives the outfit a put-together look. The Small Beige Crossbody Bag can be worn dressy or casually, and it is the perfect size for your essentials.
This large Zebra Square Scarf is fun and colorful, and I love the momma and baby zebra print.
This time, I folded the scarf in half to create a different look.
Once the square is folded in half; tie the two short ends together.
Look closely, and you will see the tiny knots in the two short ends. I put my arms through the short ends, and the long end goes around my neck and waist. This creates a lightweight jacket, and it is easy to do anytime you’re wearing a scarf and get chilly.
The scarf/jacket is cute and different, and it will be a style tip that you can use with any square scarf.
You can also take the short ends of the scarf once it has been tied together and put them over your head for a long infinity scarf look. Infinity scarves aren’t trending at the moment, but this isn’t a true infinity scarf. I like wearing a scarf like this because it brings your eyes downward, helping to elongate my neck and torso.
4. A Graphic Tee And A Casual Black Dress
Can Women Over 50 Wear Graphic Tees
A graphic tee is a cute way to style a casual black dress for spring. This Muah Lips graphic tee is old, but I still love wearing it. It reminds me of the iconic Rolling Stones tongue graphic tee, but it is a little more polished. When choosing a graphic tee, look for a design that is timeless and classic, such as a vintage band tee or a graphic with a simple message. This will ensure that the tee is versatile and can be worn with a variety of different outfits.
The key to wearing a graphic tee at any age is to wear it with confidence. If you love the tee and feel good in it, then wear it proudly! Remember, fashion is all about expressing yourself and having fun with your wardrobe, regardless of your age.
I slipped the graphic tee over my dress and cinched it with a Bra Clip for a fitted look. The Nike Air Max Dawn Sneakers are a pair of shoes that I’ve worn constantly since they arrived at my house. They are very comfortable and stood up to the “airport” test. It never fails that your plane will arrive on one end of the airport, and your connecting flight is on the other end, so you have a lot of walking to do. These were fantastic for my last two trips.
Lululemon Belt Bags are very popular and for a good reason. They are well constructed and will hold your essentials which leaves your hands free. I carried this when I took the grandbabies to the water park, and it was so handy. They are available in lots of different colors and sizes, so you’ll be sure to find something you like.
5. A Classic Button-Up Shirt Looks Great Over A Black Dress
Wearing a button-up shirt tied over a dress is a fun and playful way to add some layers and create a unique outfit. When choosing a shirt to tie over a dress, look for a shirt that is lightweight and has a loose fit. A button-up shirt made of cotton or linen is a good option, as it will be breathable and comfortable to wear.
If you’re in the market for a white shirt, check out my Classic White Button Down Shirts for Women Over 50 post. This No Iron Linen 3/4 Sleeve Shirt isn’t included in the post since I bought it afterward. But, I’m in love with the style, fit, and fabric of this lightweight shirt. I can already tell that this will be the button up shirt I reach for most this spring and summer.
I’ve had this Michael Kors handbag for a while, and it is still one of my favorites. I like the casual style of the bag with the rope handles. This linen color version is sold out, but the natural/neutral colored one would look great too. I linked to it below the photo.
This photo gives you a better look at the fabric of the shirt.
6. A Kimono Looks Great Over A Casual Black Dress For Spring
Can I wear a black dress to a spring or summer wedding?
Can you believe this is the same tank dress? Adding this gorgeous statement Kimono to the dress gives the look a dressy, polished look. This outfit would look great for a date night, a business meeting, going to church, or wearing as a wedding guest.
The length of the Kimono is just a hair longer than the dress. I chose to wear these TOMS Espadrille Wedge Heels rather than a pair of black pumps to show you a style of shoe to wear to an outdoor wedding. A wedge heel still looks dressy enough for a wedding, but you won’t have to worry about your heel getting stuck in the grass.
I wanted to show you an up-close photo of the Kimono so you would see the beautiful pattern and colors, plus you can see the tassels much better. The tassels don’t show up well against the black dress.
This Chain Strap Small Satchel Bag looks very similar to a designer bag, but at a fraction of the cost. I chose this beige color since it will go with almost anything.
7. Add A Pop Of Color To A Black Dress For A Spring Wedding
How can I add pops of color to a black outfit for spring or summer?
I love wearing pink with black, and this Double Breasted Blazer in Neon Berry elevated this look out the roof! When anyone asks me if you can wear a black dress to a spring or summer wedding, I always say yes. Accessories are what makes the difference between a somber look and a statement look. I chose to turn a casual black dress into a statement look by adding the Double Breasted Blazer in Neon Berry, Long Single Strand Necklace, Floral Print Clutch Wallet, and a pair of Hot Pink Pumps.
The double breasted blazer hits me right below my hips, and that is a flattering length. My hot pink pumps are many years old, and I still wear them every year. While this exact pair is no longer available, I found many that are. I chose different styles and heel heights to hopefully give everyone a chance to wear a flirty pair of pink shoes.
I just received this Long Single Strand Necklace and I’ve already worn it several times. Dainty jewerly is not my cup of tea, so, I like this large chunky stone necklace. The different colored stones open up the options on how to wear the necklace, and I can see myself wearing it a lot this spring. I was afraid the necklace would be too heavy, but since the “stones” are plastic, it is not heavy at all.
How cute is this Floral Print Clutch Wallet? Pink and blue are two colors I wear a lot in spring, so I think this clutch will be worn a lot. It has several slots for cards, identification cards, etc., and this is the perfect size to carry if you’re attending a spring wedding.
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I have lots of leg skin cancer surgery leaving red spots & scars. Are light shade leggings or tights in style under short dresses this spring & summer!
Thank you- Debbie Adams
Debbie, leggings are always in style, but I’m not sure about wearing them under a dress. I have horrible sun damage on my legs, so I can sympathize with you wanting to cover up your spots and scars. I have a friend who swears by leg makeup. Here is the brand she uses: https://amzn.to/43q1FUk
So….I ordered the black dress, the tan block-heel sandals, and the cute clutch/wallet on Monday and they arrived today!! They did not disappoint! I like the black dress so much that I just ordered 4 more in different colors! As I am mid-60s, I do not go sleeveless out of the house, but I have so many spring/summer jackets, blazers, kimonos, and wraps that it won’t be an issue. And with the addition of your great ideas of wearing a scarf as a jacket, a button-up shirt as a topper, and a tee over the dress (I’m a little iffy on this one as I’m short and a little round 😊) I have all sorts of toppers! I also ordered that pretty scarf from Chico’s. I have a whole wardrobe of their clothes and love them! Now I just have to go somewhere and put these new looks together!
Delanie, I’m thrilled that you loved all the items!!! I thought the dress was adorable, I took it to Mexico with me and it was even great as a coverup.
Great suggestions!
Such great reminders that is doesn’t take much to give a classic black dress a whole new fresh look with the fewest of accessories. Everyone you used was beautiful.
Tania, Love the looks on today’s post, great ideas, but the dress is too short, above the knee is not flattering on anybody over the age of 12. Don’t like being negative but tired of seeing this length on mature women.
I love this! I love having multiple options for one dress!
Absolutely LOVED this post. so many great ideas. I especially like how you took a $10 dress and made it look amazing with the right accessories; not all of them David Yurman haha. I have the lululemon bag and used it when visiting family. It was a back saver as my purse always seems to pull on my back when walking about on tours and shopping. You don’t need those heavy totes since one tends to fill them up. I agree it’s not easy to style but I let out the strap so it hung lower. No problem whipping out my credit card for purchases. hehe
Thanks for the tips! I love the MK’s tote!
Tania,
Loved this post. Lots of ideas. Love the MK tote& went on Amazon & got one! There was only two left!
The kimono is my favorite look . The pink accents is my second favorite. Thanks for the ideas.
I LOVE this post! Such great ideas! So glad I found your website. If you have any suggestions for black midi dresses those of us who can’t wear above the knee dresses would appreciate it 😍
Hi Tania!
I have a LBD in my closet and you gave me so many ideas on how to wear it! Thank you! When my daughter got married last summer, she had a “dress code” (solid colors of her choosing for the guests) so that her pictures would turn out great instead of having her eye go directly to the pop of color that didn’t mesh with the theme. (She was a yearbook editor during high school and college) 🙂 I have to admit, her pictures turned out beautiful. Some people thought it was over the top, but a wedding should be all about the bride…and groom. haha Just thought I’d put it out there.
Tania, I really like all of the looks you created with the LBD. I do not have one in my closet, but that is about to change. I have a 2 long sleeve white blouses, jean jackets and 11 kimonos, so I know I’ve got what’s needed to change it up. Thank you!
I especially liked the hot pink blazer, the white shirt tied in front and the jean jacket. Thanks for all the styling tips.
I really liked your post yesterday too.
This is the post I’ve been hoping to see. I’m going on a cruise and I’m trying to pack lightly. Using the simple black dress as a base and styling it with different accessories, is the perfect solution. Wearing the tee shirt over the dress will work nicely for excursions and dressing it up with a scarf will take me right into dinner. Thank you, Tania!
LOVE this post idea! Thanks!
This was such a helpful post and I really like your styles that you put together! I have a black sleeveless dress that I’ve never worn because I didn’t figure out what to wear with it. You gave me a lot of great ideas and I’ve ordered the denim jacket. Thank you for putting together such great posts for us – with all of the clothing options it can be overwhelming to make choices.
I just bought this dress from Walmart – these are great ideas!! I’m always amazed at how Walmart has stepped up their game with clothing. Thanks for the ideas.
You always look so polished!
I am 5ft 9 and I am not comfortable with the length of the black dress on me. Seems there are plenty of petite stores but very few for us tall gals!
Wonder if you have any recommendations?
Old Navy usually offers knit swing dresses each year – with and w/o sleeves – in Tall. At 5’7”, I often wear my WM swing dresses (I have a boatload of colors and patterns SS, 3/4 sleeve and sleeveless) with Capri tights or lightweight Capri leggings. Love the look. I only wear the sleeveless with a (light) layering piece. These WM dresses are so easy, comfy and flattering – I wear a back/side smoothing bra and a high waist shaper for a nice smooth look. Tania’s pretty stylings are just the tip of the iceberg with these.
Awesome ideas, I love them all – thank you so much
Can you do this with a navy blue dress. I’m going to a fall wedding and would appreciate some ideas how to wear it.
Tania,
As always you bring a ton of new styling ideas. Would have never thought of wearing a long sleeve button up white shirt tied at the waist. Love that look as well as the others.
Just as a side note, I ordered that Brown vegan bag over a month ago when you featured it in a post. I have yet to receive it. Must be coming by “slow boat”. LOL.
This is my favorite kind of post! I love your variety of styles and I am now thinking about what is in my closet!
Thank you so much!
Great post this morning. Loved the look of the Kimono and also the Neon Blazer. Found this post to be so timely as I wore a simple black sheath (have had for years) yesterday with a new white Talbot’s shrug with a border of black design of butterflies front and back. I have worn this simple black dress in so many ways –even through Christmas holiday parties with different festive blazers, jackets, and shrugs. Thank you for all your hard work to keep us up to date. Have a blessed week.
I always keep a black sleeveless dress in the closet for warmer weather……you never know when you need it and it’s ready to go. I would probably wear a lighter color denim jacket ( a pretty green denim maybe), instead of blue denim to really make everything pop.
The black dress styled with the pink blazer is my favorite. I also love the necklace with the different colored “stones”!
Tania, I enjoyed you styling this black dress in different ways. My favorites were with the kimono and the hot pink jacket/shoes. You look sharp! One fashion style I can’t embrace is the lulumon crossbody bags worn across the breasts. I just don’t get it. It seems like it would be difficult getting anything in/out of the bag being worn so high on the chest, plus I don’t think it’s the most flattering location on the body. But, I’m not being negative towards you at all, because a lot of people are styling these in the same way, I’m just struggling with it. Lol, I’m a chesty gal, and this would not work for me. You bring a lot of great fashion ideas to us, thank you!
Holly, I’m not a fan of the style either. I prefer wearing it longer or around the waist. BUT, I feel like it is my job to show you the style that is trending.