How to accessorize your little black dress for any occasion.

You can’t own a little black dress without searching for a training manual on how to accessorize it. After all, it’s the most versatile piece in your wardrobe – each time you wear it, you can make it look new again, all by swapping your accessories.

Here’s how to accessorize your LBD 8 different ways and maximize its potential:

1. Think in opposites

The more complicated the design of your dress, the simpler your accessories should be – and vice versa. You don’t want to look too blah or too busy.

2. Pump up the volume

On your hair, that is. If you’re not big on jewelry, let your tresses be the accessory. Go with big waves a la JLo for a night out with the girls, or a stunning beehive a la Adele for a work-related cocktail party.

3. Add a pair of tights

If you’re going to a more casual shindig, you can dress down your LBD with a pair of creative tights, such as polka dots or plaid.

4. Party on with power prints

Pair your little black dress with a patterned clutch that has as much personality as you do, such as a chevron pattern in a striking shade.

5. Make a statement

Statement necklaces are a foolproof way to kick your LBD up a notch (or seven). I mean, who ever got anywhere in life being subtle? A dramatic necklace will transform your outfit into a showstopper.

6. Swing from the chandelier

Okay not really, but if you’re going for a lux, sophisticated look, a jaw-dropping pair of chandelier earrings will do the trick and then some. In fact, it’s not likely you’ll need to accessorize any further.

7. Edge it up

Edge up an ultra-feminine dress with futuristic-looking accessories, such as an intense bib necklace or a geometric cuff.

8. Go bold

If you’re going to pair a color with your LBD, make it a high-voltage one, like fuchsia or emerald. And whether that color’s added in the form of sky high heels or a unique clutch is totally up to you.

What are your favorite tips on how to accessorize a little black dress?

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Image: University of Salford

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ColumnBlack is brilliant. Its neat and easy sophistication is timeless, it goes with anything, and yet, always somehow reflects a hint of rebellious attitude. Black is just plain cool. Here are five eco fashion pieces that take black to a new frontier full of personality.

Robe Droite by Kami Organic

This sexy dress by Kami Organic is a great timeless piece with a hint of sexy sheer. Started in 2008 by avid sailor and entrepreneur Didier Willard, Kami Organic always feels great on your skin for their uses of all GOTS certified materials. “KAMI Organic Collection, is a very stylish proposal for the women of the 21 st century, a sense of details for an authentic and sustainable luxury.”

Place des Tendances, on sale for 95 euros  

Accelerator Booties by Mandy Coon

These boots would totally kick some ass in a great, and of course, stylish fashion. Extremely well made in NYC by legendary Mandy Coon, I’d rock these bad girls any day.

Helpsy, $360.50

Galaxy Star Clutch by The Sway

The Sway shows up a lot in On Trend, but their designs and ethics are so on point, it’s impossible to resist. Featured in top fashion press like Vogue, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and Amber Valletta for YOOX.com, their sustainable practices are paving the way to prove edgy style doesn’t have to be sacrificed for an eco-lifestyle.

The Sway, $364

Fruit Pigment Mascara by 100 Percent Pure

Colored with black tea and berry pigment, this light weight mascara is great for sensitive eyes or contact wearers. Entirely natural and vegetarian, this mascara performs great too, promising smudge and water resistance.

100 Percent Pure, $21

Pendant in Obsidian by Efants Perdus Encircled

This badass obsidian piece is entirely hand carved into the stone. Enfants Perdus started in 2006 by a group of silversmiths in their Brooklyn-based studio, they source all materials through ecologically and ethically friendly practices, including recycled refining, conflict-free trading, and responsible mining.

Helpsy, $210

Want more On Trend? See The Latest

DIY Jewelry: 10 Sartorial Brooches You Can Easily Personalize: On Trend

Vegan Shoes and Handbags: On Trend

Grunge Texture with an Ethical Twist: On Trend

Metallic Holiday Fashion Trend 2013: On Trend

Eco Fashion Brands Prove Beauty in Simplicity With Burgundy and Basics On Trend

images from the brands, top collage by Juliette Donatelli

Keep in touch with Juliette on twitter @spadesandsilk

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Badgley Mischka Red Carpet (2008)

As an international icon, Barbie has been lucky enough to have designers like Anna Sui, Diane Von Furstenberg and Derek Lam custom-create both lavish ball gowns and wardrobe essentials. I can only hope that of these hip designers, there will be one or two visionaries helping the immortalized Barbie evolve into something more substantial – if she has to be part of our toy line-up, at all.

In April 2010, Barbie will get another marketing stroke of genius (if not another revenue boost) when designers from the Toronto Fashion Incubator take part in the TFI New Labels Fashion Design Competition. Canadian’s women’s wear designers with less than three years experience will be given the task of creating and presenting 15 fashion looks in which three of them will be Barbie-inspired, little black dresses taken to new extremes.

Adriana Gut, Barbie Brand Manager of Mattel Canada says in a press release: “Our partnership with the Toronto Fashion Incubator further solidifies Barbie’s place in fashion. Her role within the program will celebrate the launch of Barbie Basics, a new line of dolls that invite girls of all ages to customize, personalize, and play based on the timeless fashion classic – the Little Black Dress!”

Judged by some of the most influential people in the fashion industry today, the winner will be presented with a $10,000 cash prize provided by Mattel Canada as well as a prize package valued at over $25,000 provided by ELLE Canada.

As iconic as the LBD is, how about making Barbie symbolize more than excess clothing and unattainable beauty, Mattel?

Why not commission the same TFI designers to create sustainable garb for the almost 51-years-old Babs?

Some might say eco just isn’t in line with who Barbie is, with her made-in-China ideals. Maybe Barbie is too old for green, stuck in her baby boomer ways.

According to the Toronto Fashion Incubator’s site, TFI New Labels® is a national design competition for apparel designers looking to make it in Canada’s fashion industry.

“We are tickled pink to partner with the makers of the most iconic fashion doll in history,” says Susan Langdon, Executive Director of TFI.

Image: Toronto Fashion Incubator

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