When I shared a picture of my new black dress on Facebook a few days ago, someone posted that they had it too. She wrote that she called it her funeral dress because that’s where she wore it. I took that as a challenge to show you just a few ways you can style this very comfortable dress. I’ll link to similar, if not the same, items since most of the pieces I used in the different looks are not new.
Tote – Shoes – Seersucker Blazer – Infinity Watch
I enjoy draping a light cotton sweater over my shoulders when wearing a tee or a blouse, so I also decided to try it with the dress.
Dress – Shoes – Bag – Cardigan – Bracelet – Native Watch
Shoes – Bag – Earrings – Infinity Watch
Jacket – Bag – Shoes
Jacket/Shirt – Bag – Shoes – Infinity Watch
The ruanas are handmade and one of a kind. The designer’s email is cybeleboutique@gmail.com. Contact her to order the color you want. She also creates a shorter version. Bag – Shoes
Sunglasses – Tote – Sandals – Bracelet – Earrings
The moment I saw this dress, I envisioned countless ways to wear it. I bought it here. If the neckline is too low for you, try the fashion tape in the emergency kit here.
Love all the ways you have demonstrated the use of the black dress. I love every outfit!! June
Each look styled perfectly! Love, love the red
Oh, wow! The Chaus dresses are wonderful! They have a comfortable skirt, an empire waist and . . . wait for it. . .
SLEEVES!
I’ve ordered two!
Thanks for the info and blessings as you stay in.
Stay cozy!
Love the various ways you’ve styled the dress. The ruana makes it look very special with the lovely red shoes. Keep safe.
Another way to add colour would be with a camisole vest underneath, you get the v as a contrast.
This can also help with low v neck tops, Tshirttshirt or jumpers.
Just lovely! Little black dress is a must have in every wardrobe. I must say you dressed it up perfectly. I especially love the navy check and blue stripe seersucker jackets. ❤
I wear a LBD every Sunday in the Fall/Winter with a variety of cardigans, long sweaters, jackets (Demin is nice!) and scarves or necklaces. The dress, black tights and usually the same pair or two of shoes makes a nice basic uniform to dress up or down without having to think too much. 🙂 I like this version except for that deep-V (which looks lovely on you but might be too much for me); so I will look for a similar style with a rounded or less-deep neckline. Thanks for sharing this look. And be safe while at home.
Fabulous post! I wear pants, and this gives me great input in ways to make a black column look more like Spring. Thank you,
Love your hair this length! Love the dress too! Perfect length, hard to find dresses for us mature ladies! Everything these days is above the knee, so when I find a cute one like this I usually grab it! Thanks for showing it and your way of styling it!
I enjoy your blog tremendously. Your creativity shines through in the way you dress and accessorize. Thanks for the inspiration!
I love this basic dress although I would require a few tweaks such as fabric type and the depth of the v-neck. Wouldn’t it be grand if a company like Covered Perfectly could take a dress similar to this and create it with different options? Say 3-4 neckline options; sleeveless, these sleeves ❤️❤️❤️❤️, 3/4 sleeves and long sleeves; various fabrics including cotton/linen and a firm-hand jersey; a few different hem lengths; a plain front in addition to the faux wrap as well as a few basic color choices. In my head it seems like a fabulous idea!!!!
I’ve not ordered from this company yet but a co-worker has and she loved her dress and blouse. It allows you to customize the features you mentioned! https://www.eshakti.com/shop/Dresses/Princess-seamed-cotton-knit-maxi-dress-CL0073158#
I have found a product called Second Base that solves the too-low issue on many dresses. It is a short camisole that just fits over the bra area but that goes across the bust. They come in many colors. I use the plain style in black or navy the most. It’s meant I can now buy more variety in necklines! I bought some online but originally found Second Base (love the cute name, haha) at a boutique in Naples, Fl.
Great looks!
Wow the looks are endless. Thank you for the ideas.
I love your blogs. Most of the time it feels like hearing from a friend, especially now with being self quarantined at home but better still, learning something new or see how, like this post, you learn to use a dress for more than one occasion by accessorising with jewelry, scarves, and jackets. Thanks for the tips.
Clara from Iowa
I just ordered this dress and it is supposed to be delivered today!! I can’t think of better timing. Now I need that red jacket :). Love all the different ways to wear the dress. Thank you for the inspiration.
Great ideas!! Loved this post.❤️
Each dress is very elegant. Congratulations. The result is perfect. Tasteful, stylish. Everything you need to appear.
Thanks for showing how versatile a LBD is for anyone & for any occasion. Mine is a gem, 15 yrs old, knit jersey that is lined and pops out of a suitcase without a wrinkle. Have even pulled a nice T-shirt over it, added a colourful neckerchief & it passes for a skirt.
My reading is usually quite heavy and I needed a break, so retrieved this book from my collection: A Guide to Elegance by Genevieve Antoine Dariaux. It’s a classic, published in 1964 & reprinted in 2003 by Harper Collins. It’s fashion and etiquette advice for women of all ages and financial means written by a directrice of the French fashion salon, Nina Ricci. Although somewhat dated, it is timeless and an easy read.
I have that book, and I’ve read it at least twice. I loved it! The ‘Lost Art of The Dress’ by Linda Przybyszewski is also a treasure.
My mother gave me the “Elegance” book when I first started shopping for myself. Though it’s from another era, the advice is great! I heard the costume designer for “Mad Men” used it as her “bible” to create accurate looks for the characters. May I suggest a company called Half-Tees? They offer a way to add neckline modesty/sleeves to sundresses and other items where you’d like a little more coverage. They help stretch your summer wardrobe into cooler weather. The tees are cropped…just below the bra, so they don’t add any bulk/layers/warmth around the midsection. I have several in different colors, sleeve lengths, and necklines.
Thanks for showing the versatility of your black dress. I sometimes get stuck in a rut of black on black on black. You’ve showed me other options.
Each look and style of this dress looks stunning. Appropriate for many different occasions. Thank you for sharing!
I thoroughly enjoyed this post! You look so elegant in the ruana.
Thanks for so many ideas here Susan. The dress really suits you. I have several short jackets and have got many ideas of what dresses to wear them with.
I Love all of the looks you put together.
Blessing to you and Mr. Mickey as you shelter in place.
Suzanne
I have a similar dress but with a different neckline. I appreciate seeing the different options with your dress as it’s given me some ideas on how to change up the look of my dress. Thank you!! I always appreciate the links you include as well. You inspire us Susan!!
So many cute ways to wear a black dress. I have a similar one that I can use to better advantage. Thanks and have a good day!
Jean
I must have missed this dress in the other post but you’ve styled it so many different ways! I may have to get it! 🙂 How tall are you? I like my dresses a little longer (hello white legs and hate self-tanners) so I wanted to get an idea of how long it will be on me.
Glad to see you are doing well. Thankfully my husband and I have jobs that are allowing us to work from home but my daughters hours got cut and our grandsons (9 and 6) school is out until at least May 1st so we/she are having to do online school with them.
I pray everyone stays well and safe. During this time of uncertainty, we all need a reminder of where our Hope comes from – our Lord Jesus Christ!
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
Have a blessed day!
Thank you, Gina. I am 5’6,” tall.
Lots of great ideas to change the look. Makes me want to buy it.
Love how you presented all these options. I am 5’3” and feel the length may be long and I should shorten. What is your guideline for the length?
I try not to wear anything that stops at the widest part of the leg.
Thank you for continuing your blog, Susan. It is a very welcome diversion from our current negativity! ❤️
I am always on the look out for a comfortable and versatile dress. So thank you for finding this one! I have ordered it, but in the dark blue. I have several LBD and thought I’d change it up a bit. I’m looking forward to styling it in many of the ways you suggest.
My husband and I have been self isolating for a month already and I certainly enjoy getting your emails. Stay safe!
You have steadfastly maintained that you don’t look good in dresses, but these pictures are evidence that you look just lovely in dresses.
I still refuse to wear knee-length dresses. 🙂
Wonderful post — love all the looks, especially the gorgeous red ruana, which is lovely on you. Very creative!
I love the many ways you’ve styled your black dress. I also want to tell you that whenever you wear anything red close to your face, it truly brightens your entire look. Red is such a magnificent accent color for you.
Love them all. Looks great with your beautiful silver hair. A V-neckline is always so attractive.
You are so creative! The red ruana and red shoes with this LBD – stunning!
I can not tell you how long it has been since I wore a dress! But, if I was going to get one, this
would be it.
You are so lovely in all the iterations of this basic piece. Thank you for sharing your inspiring wardrobe
with us. I must say that your eating and exercising regime are my goals!! Stay safe.
Warmly,
Hi Susan,
Love all the looks you created with the black dress. For comparison. what was your size? Glad you and Mr. Mickey have each other. Take good care. Pat
I am wearing a size medium in the dress. The jackets are a size eight or size medium.
Thank you, Susan. I look forward to your email each day, especially now when we all need a “good news” diversion. You have taught me a lot, and I appreciate your faithfulness!
Hi Susan, love the black dress ! Wish it came in a petite size 2. Do you know where I might find a similar dress in my size? Thanks
Talbot’s has a similar dress in Petite sizes here.
You are so classy!
I thought you would like to know that I tried to pin the images using my phone and was unsuccessful. The message I received: Invalid perimeters. Sorry we could not catch the image.
Susan, you truly are an inspiration! Love all the different looks you put together with a basic black dress. You’re a lovely lady, with so much class! Thank you for your style tips. Hope you,and Mr. Micky stay safe,and well. God bless. NH
What a great dress and options for styling it. I notice you don’t always wear black shoes with a black dress. I always thought I had to wear black shoes with a black skirt, dress or pants. It appears not so.
Note that my legs look best in the shoes that are close to the color of my skin.
Thank you you give great ideas loving your styling and inspiration thank you from the bottom of my heart in these trying times
Wow, I adore that Glenda handbag!
This is a very helpful post, all the looks are beautiful. You have wonderful taste and such good ideas. It’s very appreciated.?
I love the different ideas you shared. I’m only 5’6” and a dress at calf length makes me look shorter and heavier I think. I prefer my dresses to be just in the middle of my knee. I have difficulty finding them any suggestions? I also like ankle length but I often feel over or under dressed then.
DVF here makes many similarly styled wrap dresses.
Susan, you have truly created so many different looks that I would never have known it was the same dress. So creative!
Susan,
Love the many versatile ways that you have styled the LBD (little black dress).. My favorite pic is the red ruana with your lovely necklaces,
Animal-print purse and the red shoes. Just gorgeous.! I would thoroughly enjoy a future photo of that outfit worn on one of your date nights
With Mr. Mickey. Thanks for the wonderful distraction you are achieving during this crisis. Best wishes for continued good health to both of
You.
I love the red and the necklaces layered. You look gorgeous in that ruana!
I have a similar dress like this that I got from Llbean and I love it too! So many ways to change the look!!
That is a plain and simple dress that reminds me of the way I feel about a shaker chair. It’s perfect just the way it is but a pretty pillow never hurt a shaker chair. I like it and with just a jacket, scarf, or jewelry I think it would be just the outfit for a lot of dressy occasions in one’s life. An awards dinner, a church function, meeting the Mayor, a charity event, etc. These occasions do come up and it’s just hard to decide what to wear. This dress is it.
Wonderful styling of that little black dress! I love your hair shorter, you look great!
Susan, you’ve come up with some amazing combinations to make the little black dress so versatile. Great ideas for taking one dress for a vacation.
I like the last look the best. I love a simple black knit dress like that. Comfortable and classic.
Thanks for your posts. It cheers us up to see your smiling face and lovely style.
Susan, this is such a versatile dress and you are so creative in how you have styled it. Also, I wanted to mention your hair looks beautiful, especially pushed back on the sides. A very classy look.
Susan – after your recent unexpectedly short haircut- your hair has grown out to a perfectly complementary length and shape! Thank you for your ongoing inspiration and positivity, especially now.
Hi Susan! I love to wear dresses and I have a black one similar to yours in my closet. I wear mine with different jackets and sweaters. I love wearing mine with my acid wash jean jacket. Some of my dresses go a little low on the neckline so I sewed a few different colors of stretch lace with a knit fabric backing. I can pin them to my bra or make little straps to attach them with snaps around my bra straps. The lace only shows about 2 inches but it hides the cleavage for going to church. I love that you are wearing dresses! I always thought they looked so beautiful on you and look polished without adding anything but a necklace. It’s effortless style as it’s one piece to put on but looks like it took more time.
We are all good here and wishing you good health and Mr. Mickey too.
May Mr. Mickey and you be completely well. Tried cybeleboutique@gmail but incorrect email.Love the Amb. Deborah B. wearing a scarf on all her outfits during news conferences. Could you please show us different techniques to placing scarves on our clothes? They really add to the outfit. I sincerely appreciate all your hard work in preparing your articles. Faith not Fear. May this soon pass. Sincerely
Try to reach Cybele Boutique through Facebook here… https://www.facebook.com/biutiquecybele/ or Instagram here … https://www.instagram.com/cybele_boutique/
I am wondering about the sizing on this dress. I am in between a 10 and 12. Do you think it runs large? I am not sure if I need a med or large? I am a pretty standard size 12.
I am wearing a size medium. In number sizes, I often need a size 8 on the top.
Keep up sending smart looks for grown up women. Thanks.
Hi Susan – I love the dress! You have shown how versatile it is and given me several ideas for myself. Thanks and stay well!
I just love your style and you really are an inspiration! I look forward to your posts every day
Love your site and look forward to your new posts. Thank you for providing alternate sites to purchase similar items. NC
Hi Susan, I love the dress so I ordered one. Thank you for the styling advice.
Stay safe & well, Jennie Pappas
Hi Susan,I’ve been in lockdown now for 3 weeks,and I mean lockdown ,haven’t been out at all. I wanted you to know how good you do my spirit with your blogs. They are so full of confidence that this is not for forever and one day hopefully soon,we will all be out there giving it some glamour ,doing it Susan’s way. I think you look so good in all the different ways but then your so stylish I think you would look good in sackcloth and ashes.keep well ,keep safe.xx
Dear Susanna,
I find all your combinations with the black dress very nice. I couldn’t decide which one is the best as all of them are beautiful.
And I love your new hair style. You look younger and more lively. I enjoy your blog. Thanks a lot for your posting and sharing your tips.
Take good care and stay well.
Here in Europe we must take good care of ourselves as well. Let’s hope it will be over in near future. Best wishes, Jitka from Switzerland
Thank you for this post, Susan!! It’s truly an answer to my ongoing problem of appropriate dresses… I, too, am not a fan of dresses or skirts, yet some occasions seem to dictate the need for them. It’s great to see how one perfect dress could be used for so many types of events!! This will be a real inspiration for me!!
This is off topic for this particular blog post, but as I speed-read through your journey, I am wondering if you still eat no meat/white bread? I see posts where you say you do not and I also see where you like crusty French bread. So my question is if you occasionally vary from your strict diet or have you morphed over time to a very strict diet exclusively? I’m pretty sure I could switch my eating habits up, but I don’t know that I could completely stop eating French bread and red meat for the rest of my life. Looking forward to your answer! I love your classic looks and your encouragement to be our best at any age and I have passed on your page to other friends!
About twice a month, I may have a piece of fresh made crusty bread. I haven’t eaten pork, beef, or any other furry animals in more than nine years. I never miss the meat, but the occasional bread, wine, and cheese, I would miss very much.
Could you tell us the type of slip or undergarments you wear under this type of fabric? The LBD
Thanks! Melissa
I haven’t worn a slip in about forty years. It isn’t see-through or clingy. I wore my usual Shapeez Ultimate bra and Soma vanishing edge undies each in black.
I love that dress. It is the perfect suitcase dress for any occasion, especially when trying to avoid overpacking and sticking to a carry-on. It’s flattering on you, and I would think it could work for most everyone. I have a couple (different sizes) of plain black dresses, although shorter in length,, and you’ve given me some great ideas. I am 5’1″ but feel i would be able to wear this length successfully.
Thanks for sharing.
Hello ladies. For those of you who wanted a longer length, I have included a link below to a very inexpensive dress on Amazon that I ordered in small because it looked so good on a friend of mine and I’m very happy with it. I am 5’6”, 130 lbs, (size 6) and have fairly long legs compared to my torso. The dress hits at the bottom of my ankles and is extremely comfortable soft jersey made with rayon/spandex. It has a nice rounded Scoop neckline so many of you mentioned that you would like to see and it’s very easy to care for. It also has pockets but they don’t stick out so still a smooth line. Even if you had to pay to have it hemmed, it would still be a good deal! It comes in various colors…I ordered the gray/purple color which looks just like the image.
DEARCASE Women Short Sleeve Loose Plain Maxi Dresses Casual Long Dresses with Pockets https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078WMR3S6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_.BoIEb7M09Q31
I’m sometimes a 10 but usually a 12. Not sure which size to order (M 8-10 L 12-14). Usually I would order both sizes but not sure if retailers are accepting returns these days. Thank you!
I would order the L to be on the safe side.
Hi Susan– It’s official — you are my very favorite blog!!
Showing all the different ways to style that LBD just cinches your title!! Thank you for continuing to write your blog. I look forward to each and every one of your posts.
Love the bold necklace with the ruanas! Simple, classic and always elegant!
Good Evening Susan,
I received my lipstick and lotion today. I’m going to enjoy wearing both.
Sincerely,
Karen Kramer
Hi Susan, In venturing out how would you use a mask–some of my friends and I thought about just using our beautiful scarfs over our mask–hope you will have a great week. Thank you for all you do.
You certainly can use your scarves as a face covering. I haven’t mastered a tie that will stay in place yet, but I do wear a mask.
Good morning Susan….always enjoy your blogs and love your flair with fashion. It inspires me to look at my own wardrobe with a different eye. Was tickled that I also purchased the olive pant from Chico’s and an eyelet too this season! Thanks for keeping your blog going it is a real treat, especially now!
Good morning, Susan,
Thank you for brightening my day on this glorious, triumph, Palm Sunday. Not being able to attend church services is very difficult so your encouraging posts help.
Would you please show us more ways to style the beautiful, red, military jacket? The style intrigues me…
Thanks for all you do and share. Have a very blessed day,
Pat B
It is a soft comfort knit material. I’ve worn the red military-style jacket in several ways. I also wore it in this post… https://susanafter60.com/another-watch-giveaway/
I don’t like dresses so much but I have adored this one black dress with the different combinations on you. Casual or elegant, perfect.
I love all the ways you styled your black dress. You’re a beautiful lady. Thanks for all the information you share with us.
Hi, I absolutely love the scarf. Where did you get it?
You look absolutely stunning in every picture xxx
I went to the Talbots site for the gingham jacket/blouse you wore and only saw the blouse. Do you have the site for the cute blue checked jacket you are wearing?
The blue and white jacket I wore was from Talbot’s last year.
Very cute…thank you so much!!
I have styled a simple black dress in many ways for years! So much fun. In the eighties and beyond I wore my denim jacket with a frock by Betsy Johnson.. I don’t know if I can wear one now. I had the jackets in many colors back then…might feel too much like the past for me…but I love that look! So adorable.
Hi Susan,
Hope you are doing well and safe. Prayers for Mr. Mickey a speedy recovery.
Could you please tell me if this is the dress with a tie at the waist or is it the wrap dress? Also I would like to see the scarves that you might have left.
I really love your look, style and grace.
Thank you for your wonderful blog!!! You are so very inspiring to so many!!
Take care!! And thank you again!
Genny Hornsby
I bought the wrap dress, not the tie at the waist.
I’ve been following you for a long time and usually don’t have time to comment. Since we’ve all been spending more time in isolation I thought I’d let you know how much I appreciate your comments and style tips. I especially love your shoes and bags. I bought one the bags in your looks above. I recently turned 60 but never want to look frumpy. I also let my hair go grey and may use your beauty tip for lowlights and gloss. Thank you for letting us know there is no age limit on beauty!!
I wanted this dress but I procrastinated. It was sold out at Nordstrom. I accidentally saw it on the Belk site tonight and ordered it at an excellent price! I’m so happy. Can’t wait to get it.
i,m a soft summer and black is not for me. I like navy.please help me with ideas.
Thanks,
Yvonne
The dress also comes in navy blue. I found one here also… https://www.dillards.com/p/maggy-london-crepe-v-neck-fit–flare-midi-dress/510536239
You always look amazing! Love your clothes, style, & hair! Always an inspiration.
Thank you!
Great ideas, love love all.
Nice outfits , I’m 62 almost 63 and always wondering if I’m wearing clothes not suitable for my age , LOVE the looks you put together, Thank you
Susan, I have both the dresses you’ve shown but you’ve given me so many ideas in how to style them. I also have theSantiago dress in several colors because it’s so versatile and great for summer. Thank you for all your ideas, only wished you posted more often.
My little black dress is sleeveless and a black crêpe but it has three tiers to it. Knee length. So not sure if you can put a jacket with it plus I’m thinking of wearing it to a summer warm weather wedding and I’m not sure what to put with it. I’m 65 years old my legs used to be the best part of my whole body but now they are starting to show some veins and some dark spots. I don’t know what shoes to wear with it and how to accessorize the around the neck it’s a wider neck but not quite boat neck.
You could wear nude or metallic shoes and a complementary small bag. Try strands of pearls or a silk scarf to add color around your face.
Hi sue do enjoy your blog’s always looking for a simple black /navy dress think that style would suit me as I am a plus size pear thanks for all the inspiration regards cynthia x
I love this dress but unfortunately it is sold out.
Look for casual wrap style dresses at Dillards. My post is from last year. This style is based on a DVF dress that has been popular since the 1970s.
I really enjoyed the amount of different looks for one black dress. So versatile. Thank you Susan. I have a similar dress, so I was very interested to see what you would do.
I no longer feel a black dress is what most people (that aren’t immediate family)wear to a funeral. I have a navy dress for those occasions now. The plain LBD can be so easily dressed up or down, it would be such a shame to limit that unless you rarely wear black.
Hi Susan!
I recently happened upon your website and have spent lots of time perusing your wardrobe and fashion. Love it! I just ordered the lariat pearl necklace from Beauty in Stone. Can’t wait to receive and wear it on an upcoming vacation! I will be following your website for inspiration from now on!
Kindly,
Jodi from California
Thank You for your Little Black Dress post. I’ve been looking for one for several years. The straight or slim suits my figure best. I did settled for a navy and I don’t regret it but the black is what I really want.
I love your take on the ‘Little Black Dress’. Very inspiring, thank you.
Susan, hope you both are well. What’s the “shelter in place” all about, stay well, and Mr. Mickey too.
This post is from April 2020, as the pandemic lockdown began.