How to Wear a Black Dress in every Season
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When you live somewhere that gets all four seasons, but two of those seasons transition quickly into their next season it makes it hard to have a seasonal wardrobe.
Here we definitely get all four seasons, but spring transitions to summer quickly, and fall into winter is quick as well.
Then to top it off, the winter often can drag on for what seems like forever.
We even had snow and cold temperatures well into the spring this year.
This means that the window for seasonal clothes can be really small, so I need to make sure that everything is versatile enough to transition easily to wear all year.
I used to attempt a season capsule wardrobe, but I gave up on that due to the above reasons.
A year-long capsule was more practical for my lifestyle and where I live.
And while my current wardrobe has expanded past that 38 piece capsule wardrobe that it once was, it is still one that I have honed down and tailored to my tastes.
This means that when I get a new item I always make sure that it will work in our four-season climate.
Today I have a black midi dress from Everlane’s summer release that was gifted to me.
This black tiered dress is 100% cotton, and comes in three colours of black, white, and hazel.
It has a small keyhole in the back where it buttons at the neck.
And it has pockets.
We all know the joy of a great dress with pockets.
I decided that this week I was going to style a black dress through all four seasons.
I put together two outfits per season to show variation…and to give ideas for those climates that may have warmer temperatures than we have here.
I hope you enjoy.
Stay Safe.
How to Wear a Black Dress in the Fall
Outfit 1: A Black Dress with a Leather Jacket and Moto Boots
Dress | Moto Jacket | Frye Boots | Clutch
This is my favourite outfit and would work for the beginning of fall when the weather still has a hint of warmth.
These Fryes boots were one of the best discount finds that I ever came across. It was an exciting day when I found them.
Wearing a dress with leggings is always a great way to transition to the cooler months, but to add a little edge try some faux leather leggings instead.
Converse sneakers are a wardrobe staple for me, as is an oversized blazer like above.
And unlike fabric leggings, faux leather won’t cause static cling which can be very annoying in the colder months.
How to Wear a Black Dress in Winter
Outfit 3: A Black Dress With Jeans
Wearing a dress in winter is all about the layers.
I like to wear them with some jeans and chunky boots. If you don’t like the look of the looser leg jeans then you can easily wear some skinnies that will tuck nicely into a boot.
A long-sleeve thermal underneath (my favourite are from Uniqlo) and an oversized blazer over the top.
Don’t forget the beanie.
Outfit 4: A Black dress with a Turtleneck
Dress | Turtleneck | Boots | Purse
Up until a few years ago, I HATED turtlenecks. I would absolutely never wear them. Ever.
Over the last few years, I find myself going in the opposite direction. I can’t get enough of the classic look.
I love them in slim, fitted lightweight knits, as well as oversized cosy sweaters.
Give me all the turtlenecks.
A nice pair of knee-high boots are also perfect with a dress like this because you can wear some thermal leggings and warm socks and you won’t see them under the boots.
My boots are from Everlane but are sold out. The above boots are from the ethical company ABLE and they are amazing.
I also love a nice addition of colour like this purse, which was on super sale at Nordstrom Rack two years ago.
How to Wear a Black Dress in Spring
Outfit 5: A Black Dress With a Trench Coat
Dress | Blazer | Trenchcoat | Boots | Purse
This is the damp, rainy spring look.
A trench coat is a wardrobe staple but when the weather is cool and rainy you may need some extra layers so I added a pink blazer.
This adds both a touch of colour as well as the extra warmth.
Once again the knee-high boots because they literally transition through 3 out of the 4 seasons.
I can’t wait to wear mine again.
This the warmer spring look for when the days are sunnier and the flowers have bloomed.
This is my second favourite outfit.
I have a thing for dresses over jeans. You can see another look here.
These flats are also one of my favourites. I adore the colour and they always make every outfit look better.
This is like the standard go-to summer outfit using wardrobe basics.
Some easy to slip on sandals and a large woven bag are the perfect pairing.
I’ve had this bag for two years now I and it’s still kicking.
You can’t get more casual than a jean jacket and sneakers.
I bought this denim jacket over 20 years ago and it has worn into the perfect distressed condition.
These shoes I bought at Gravity Pope and they are on sale but there are limited sizes left.
I know a lot of people don’t like a bright blue shoe so they do offer them in more neutral colours.
I actually wanted to get them in this colour first, but saw the blue and loved them.
I have no regrets 😉
If you want to see some more ways to wear things you may like:
How to Wear a Bodysuit
How to Wear a Slip Dress
How to Wear a Shirt Dress
How to Wear a Jumpsuit
How to Wear a Pink Blazer
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Hello…I always love your style and how you put things together!I always look forward to your posts… Its funny I was just looking at this dress yesterday…in black and hazel….would you say this is kind of see through dress? Or is it more of a mid weight cotton? Thank you!
Thank you! It’s a mid weight cotton. I won’t need a slip under it. It feels like the same thickness of a good quality 100% cotton button down, and with the fullness and tiers it’s quite opaque.
Sara
Thank you! I think this will be a nice summer staple….
Yes! It’s definitely really comfortable and very easy to wear.
Actually based on your post just a great staple for year round …
how do you feel the veja shoes run as far as width? Thanks!
This style I find a little more snug but they are much more padded than the other pair I have (3 lock Velcro). They definitely have more room now that I’ve been wearing them a lot and breaking them in. The 3 locks are a wider and longer fit 🙂 I’d say get yourself regular size in both but this style will be more fitted.
Really love the dress! What size did you get? Thanks!
I got the small!