Little Black Dresses and Party Accessories

It's alluring, enduring, and endlessly adaptable — no wonder the Little Black Dress is a seasonal staple. Here, three ways to maximize its party potential, whatever your style or budget

Add OMG color

What a bright idea: Satiny pumps and purses in high-wattage hues — emerald, fuchsia, amethyst — give a sleeveless shift instant going-out glamour. Revving up the razzle-dazzle: a crystal-encrusted Cleopatra choker and bejeweled bracelets.

Dress, $68, Simply Vera Vera Wang; kohls.com. Earrings, $45, Fantasy Jewelry Box; fantasyjewelrybox.com. Necklace, $21, Forever 21; forever21.com. Green bracelet, $17, blue bracelet, $10, and clear bracelet, $10, Loft; loft.com. Pink bracelet, $49, Chico's; chicos.com. Purple clutch, $46, La Regale; laregale.com. Shoes, $149, Gwyneth Shoes; gwynethshoes.com.

Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.

1 of 14 Grace Huang

Wrap it up

Long sleeves winterize this cocktail party wrap — style classic. A gold belt makes it fete-worthy. Dress, $140, Donna Morgan. Belt, $10, Ami Clubwear. On shelves: Red bag, $67, Nina. Pink bag, $44, and multicolored bag, $58, La Regale.

Dress, $140, Donna Morgan; donna-morgan.com. Gold belt, $10, Ami Clubwear; amiclubwear.com. Red clutch, $67, Nina; ninashoes.com. Pink clutch, $44, and multicolored clutch, $58, La Regale; laregale.com

2 of 14 Grace Huang

Go graphic, big, and bold

During the holidays, subtlety isn't necessarily your best strategy. Transform a classic dress from simple to scene-stealing by embracing extravagant extras: a dramatic bib necklace with dangling tribal-inspired tiles, and animal-patterned pumps that are surefire showstoppers.

Dress, $148, Muse. Necklace, $99, Chico's. Pumps, $98, Vince Camuto. Dress (on hanger), $168, Adrianna Papell.

A hits-at-the-knee hemline and three-quarter sleeves offer chic coverage

Dress, $148, Muse; violetsofsaratoga.com. Necklace, $99, Chico's; chicos.com. Shoes, $98, Vince Camuto; vincecamuto.com. Dress, $168, Adrianna Papell; nordstrom.com.

3 of 14 Grace Huang

Power prints

Pick patterns with pizzazz: A chevron clutch ($110) and a red-striped ring ($50) pack a polished punch.

Dress, $198, Plenty by Tracy Reese; 413-306-3234. Earrings, $150 (Use GH reader code 'GH20' for 20% discount), Melinda Maria; melindamaria.com. Clutch, $110, Moyna Bags; moynabags.com. Ring, $50, fantasyjewelrybox.com.

4 of 14 Grace Huang

Wrist watch

With their substantial size and sleek shapes, these standout silver ($8) and gold ($10) bracelets will make your look merry and bright.

Silver bracelet, $8, Gold bracelet, $10, Forever 21; forever21.com. Gold cuff, $25, Allison Daniel Designs; allisondanieldesigns.com.

5 of 14 Grace Huang

Gold fingers

Ring in the New Year with a green gumball bauble ($5), scarlet stones ($78), or stacked squares ($33).

Green ring, $5, Forever 21; forever21.com. Red-stoned ring, $98 (Use GH reader code 'GH20' for 20% discount), Melinda Maria; melindamaria.com. Geometric ring, $33, fantasyjewelrybox.com.

6 of 14 Grace Huang

Twinkle toes

Gleaming and glittery, these holiday-happy heels ($89) add sparkle to every step.

Silver shoes, $89, Vigotti; zappos.com.

7 of 14 Grace Huang

Flirt with some romance

Show off the softer, sweeter side of the LBD: Evening-ready and easy to wear (it skims curves instead of clinging), this lace sheath is all about ladylike sophistication. Partner with delicate, demure jewelry, like these dainty drop earrings and pearly petal necklace, or a forever-chic cameo, opposite page.

Dress, $118, White House Black Market; whbm.com. Earrings, $65, and necklace, $125, Carolee Lux; carolee.com.

8 of 14 Grace Huang