The little black dress is the most prevalent item in every woman’s wardrobe. Whether you’re a fashonista or exercise mild interest in the world of what’s vogue, you will most probably own a simple black dress.
Fashion is an art, and just as an artist translates ordinary objects into captivating creations, you should be able to do the same with your clothes. Dressing up practically entails mixing and matching, fusing different styles into one outfit, and often mixing materials in order to get a fresh look each time.
Below is a practical guide to turn the traditional basic black dress into a palette-full, suitable for multiple occasions.
Layer-up
This is the easiest and the most fun creation. With winter just around the corner, all you need is a few layers and you’ll surely stay warm. Leggings continue to be a wardrobe’s favorite on the catwalks. Spice up your outfit with purple leggings; they’ll surely add excitement to your outfit.
The stark contrast between the purple leggings and a brightly colored scarf such as a turquoise scarf might seem daring, but the use of a white shirt underneath tones it down. Bershka’s current collection includes a variety of scarves. For cheaper, more authentic options take a stroll down Khan El-Khalili and you will not be disappointed.
Tie-up your high school funky-colored converse and don’t feel ashamed; there’s nothing better than feeling hip and young. Whether or not you decide to roll up a pair of leg warmers, this look is downright funky.
Party time
Going to a party is always a good excuse to dress up. The colorful braided belt is the cornerstone of this look; the hip color combination serves as groundwork for the complementing accessories. Standard slim metal bangles around one wrist are completed by a bolder set of bracelets featuring glossy stones and metallic beads in trendy tones. While the cross-body bag is perfect for a party so you don’t have to worry about where to keep it for the night, the peep-toe multi-strap silver Zara pumps add a hint of elegance to this outfit, giving an overall look that is both urban and chic.
Boho-chic
The bohemian take on fashion is the recipe for a globe-trotter. Inspired by the 1960s’ youth movement in the United States, today’s hippie look also includes a hint of India and the Middle East. Bring out your floral and patch-worked items and opt for this free-spirited ensemble. Fusing a blue beaded necklace with thick gold and brown bangles gives this outfit its flavor. The high-waist belt accentuates the waist leaving you with an overall sense of confidence.
Dress-up for the weather
Getting chilly? Pull out your officer’s coat and dive into your favorite pair of boots. The beige knitted scarf breaks the silence of the black while the long, metal colored necklace exudes an earthy feel on a cold day.
Vintage look
This is your chance to wear the items you have bought a long time ago but stashed away thinking you’ll never pull them off. The toffee-colored flower is jauntily attached to the pale blue woolen vest. Ugg boots are comfortable but perhaps not too feminine when worn on their own. Pair them with lighter colored leg warmers or high socks for a fun flair.
Casual Coffee
Wear it as a t-shirt. Pair your dress with a pair of leggings and a leather brown belt. Check out the hand-made leather collection at Sami Amin’s outlet in Zamalek. Gladiator sandals continue to be a must-have, but for this particular look, you could go for a more delicate pair of shoes. Ballerinas will do the job, too. Pull down a colorful scarf from your shelf and head out.
Golden evening
This look revolves around one thing: gold. A glittering golden belt is wrapped around the waist, lifting-up the basic dress into an elegant evening garment. Bare-skinned feet adorned in strappy sandals have proved to be a sexy recipe. Holding onto a neutral colored purse accents the belt as more emphasis is put on your waist. A choker featuring multiple gold rings complements the lightly-beaded dress. For a wide range of evening accessories, take a quick trip to one of the many Glitter outlets around the city. Formal evenings are the ubiquitous styling of the little black dress, so you can’t go wrong with this number.
Business meeting
Lighten up your long day at work with a versatile look that is both stylish and comfortable. A white collar unbuttoned shirt underneath the dress paired with a faintly-striped fitted blazer emanates a serious look. Mango, located in CityStars with several other outlets around Cairo, is a good place to shop for office attire. Classic black toe tipped heels with a thin strap maintains a classic look for this outfit. Alternatively, opt for peep-toe heels or a leather pair with buckles, all available at Charles and Keith at affordable prices. The striking red bag is the gem of this outfit.
First Date
Keep it simple with a snake-skin multi colored clutch and patent low heel shoes that contrast two colors. Draw attention to your femininity with a long pearl adorned necklace and slim metal bangles in a tasteful look and you are set to dazzle.
Girls’ night out
This is the most versatile look. You can pull it off at work, for a casual coffee or for a night on the town. While the long loose vest gives the dress a fresh look of both style and comfort, the thin belt adds timeless glamor. Add an elegant twist to your outfit using a pair of white lace gloves with ruffle cuffs. Ankle boots continue to rock the fashion scene worldwide, and with the kind of winter we get around here, this will be your favorite pair.
Add diversity to your fall collection by matching items in a playful manner. With ten different looks for only one dress, you won’t have to worry about wearing the same thing twice.
