Mrs. Priss

The Little Black Dress is the one piece in a woman’s wardrobe she can always rely on to make her feel feminine, lovely, and irresistible… but it can be quite boring if worn all by it’s lonesome!

I’ve come up with a few different ways to change up that black dress using my new favorite toy, Polyvore.

Ladies’ Night

Bold, fun accessories are the easiest way to dress up any outfit. These hot red heels by Steve Madden and funky charm bracelet by Betsey Johnson make this completely appropriate for Girls’ Night Out. Just try not to attract TOO much attention. :)

High Tea

If you’re going out to Sunday brunch or having tea with Grammy, you might want to rethink that zebra print clutch. A more appropriate and sophisticated way to accessorize is with a cute jacket, dainty jewelry and lacey, feminine details. Don’t forget your hankie!

What are your tips and tricks for dressing up the plain old Little Black Dress?

Click on images for full details and links to individual items.

Oh, hi Mary Kate. Quick question… How do you manage to walk upright and not spill your coffee while carrying three times your body weight in accessories?

Okay. I am a jewelry and accessory maniac, but 10+ all at once? Ouch, my eyes.

It’s always been my personal preference to look effortlessly stylish and less gypsy-esque. Over the years, I’ve been acquainted with many ‘rules of thumb’ when it comes to accessorizing. As silly as some of these sound, they really do work!

• I once heard a woman say that before you leave your house, stand in front of a mirror and do a little twirl. Whatever catches your eye in the mirror as your spinning (I warned you, didn’t I?) is making too much of a statement and you should take it off.

• No matter where you’re headed, as you’re walking out the door remove one unnecessary item.

• Accessories should never exceed the amount of seven. This includes glasses, bold nail polish, a wedding ring, and earrings count as two.

So there you have it. Simple, silly, and obvious tips to avoid looking like a gypsy. But hey, if head scarves and tambourines are your thing, by all means, work it.