8 ways to style a black dress for summer

Last Updated on 08/02/2025

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Discover seven cool ways to style a black dress for summer from casual to formal outfits with different types of bags and sandal shoes. Black is not the usual color we choose for summer. We prefer white or other bright and pastel shades to wear instead. And, we leave the little black dress for autumn and winter. And, black is almost “forbidden” for practical reasons because it absorbs more heat.

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How to style a black dress for summer

The recent years the timeless of a black dress conquers not only summer evenings and weddings but also summer days. And, as long as it has a loose fit and lightweight, breathable fabric, we can wear it all day with sneakers or chunky sandals.

And, we can combine it with espadrilles or minimal flat sandals on our nights out. Plus, as an ultimate versatile piece for every closet, we can wear it all seasons with the right styling and accessories.

1. Accessories with colorful prints

The easiest way to brighten up our black dress outfit is to use accessories with colorful prints.

Floral prints or abstract prints will create a sweet joyful contrast to the black background.

• Miss Selfridge dress | MissSelfridge
• Religion Clothing sandals | ASOS
• Fabric tote bag | Redbubble
• Stila eyeliner | Amazon
• Forever21 ring | Forever21
• Bling Jewelry jewelry | Bluefly 
• Smashbox lipstick | Amazon
• Calvin Klein glasses | LordandTaylor

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Mood board featured items:

• MANGO dress | Mango
• Park Lane leather sandals | ASOS
• Fabric tote bag  | Redbubble
• Charm jewelry  | H&M
• Silver jewelry | Lulus
• Bling Jewelry earrings | BlingJewelry
• Illesteva sunglasses | Barneys
• Mascara | Gucci

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2. Black and white accessories

• Sandro dress | Harrods
• Madden Girl shoes | 6pm
• Tote bag | Threadless
• Michael Kors ring | 6pm
• BillyTheTree earrings | BillyTheTree

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Solid Round Neck Pocket Button Belted Knee Dress
from: Bloomchic

3. Straw accessories

A cute straw bag or earrings are perfect accessories for a spring and summer outfit.

And, their light beige color creates a charming contrast on a black dress and transforms it into a comfy sundress.

• Straw handbag | Ann Taylor
• Dress | Otter
• White sandals | Romwe
• Phone case | DesignbyHumans
• Black onyx stud earrings | Angara Inc
• Cosmetics | Hourglass

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How to dress up a black dress

Moreover, there are so many ways to dress up a black dress or white dress in summer. Of course, a perfect tailored black dress made of a good quality fabric doesn’t require much effort. A pair of high-heels, stunning jewelry, and a statement clutch are the best styling answer.

4. Black accessories

For a minimalist yet striking combination, accessorize a summer black dress with black accessories. For example, wear black sandals, a statement black bag, and black jewelry.

So, in the summer outfit layout below a loose short sleeve black dress is combined with black gladiator sandals and accessories.

Featured items:

• Short sleeve dress | Yoins
• Phone case | Redbubble
• Tassel necklace | Etsy
• Maybelline eyeliner | Amazon
• Mini purse | Yoins
• Clinique mascara | Macys
• Nyx lipstick | Amazon
• Gladiator sandals | Yoins

5. Gladiator sandals

Another fantastic option is to wear your favorite summer black dress with gladiator sandals. And, style it with ancient Greek inspired jewelry.

And, this stylish choice pairs so well with an airy asymmetrical dress with a minimalist design and aesthetic.

• Chiffon dress | Luxury Divas
• Studded sandals | Romwe
• Mascara YSL Beauty | Amazon
• Embellished handbag | Romwe
• Snö Of Sweden jewelry | Nelly
• Phone case | Redbubble
• Marble jewelry | GoJane

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6. Animal print accessories

Once upon a time, we used to match the same color in bags and shoes. However, this is a no-no combo today. And, shoes and the bag should have different colors or even different prints.

Therefore, the black dress is the ideal outfit to experiment with by making unexpected combinations with statement pieces.

• Y.A.S. Short dresses | Yoox
• Cover Fx Liquid Foundation | Harrods
• #75 Powder Brow Brush | Sephora
• Logo Clutch |  Italist
• Phone Case | Society6
• Posh Gen Nude Lipstick | Zulily
• Big Lashes Extension |  Bloomingdale’s
• Reflective Sunglasses | TheRealReal
• Marble Hoop Earrings  |  Forever21
• Sholto Women’s Shoes | Zappos

7. Golden accessories

Another fabulous way to style a black dress is with gold accessories. Impressive gold jewelry and sandals in the same metallic shade.

And, to avoid being overdressed with gold elements, you can choose a stylish straw bag with a warm shade.

• Gap dress | Gap
• Fringe gladiator sandals | Shopaa
• Summer straw purse | Impavidgirl
• Stephanie Kantis earrings | Neiman Marcus
• Jules Smith ring | Barneys Warehouse
• Phone case | Redbubble
• Chanel lip gloss | Orchard Mile
• Pencil eyeliner | Vestry
• Topshop nail polish | Topshop

8. Silver accessories

Moreover, there are people that prefer silver to gold. And, the black dress is the perfect piece for silver accessories.

A cute silver clutch and pearl beads sandals are the easiest way to transform a simple summer black dress into an elegant outfit.

• Reformation dress | Net-a-porter
• Billabong sandals | Billabong
• Phone case | Designs by Humans
• Donald J Pliner bag | Donaldjpliner
• West Coast Jewelry earrings| Groupon
• Christian Dior eyeliner | Amazon
• Marc Jacobs eyeshadow | Sephora
• Smashbox lipstick | Gilt

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^{This page contains AFFILIATE LINKS. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Plus, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read more on the disclosure policy page.}

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