Fashion
How to revise and repurpose little black dresses for higher cost per wear
If you ventured a guess, how many little black dresses are hanging in your closet right now, that you still wear regularly? Chances are, you have them and you love them – but when occasions appear on your calendar, you’d rather buy something new than wear your tried-and-true LBDs.
I get it. Some occasions demand a brand-new dress. On the other hand, you can stretch your clothing budget a long way simply by being selective about when you shop. And being selective gets easier when you have a few style tricks in your repertoire. I’m talking about the tricks that help an old dress feel new again.
Fortunately, you’re about to get the download. Here are five fun, new ways to revive and repurpose those LBDs you already own.
Read next: The Budget Fashionista’s guide to dresses
Transform your LBD (visually) into separates
My fellow lifestyle blogger Alyssa Nelson of Wayward Blog recommends two style hacks that’ll make your old LBD look like a new separate. If you love the bottom half of the little black dress, top it with a t-shirt, blouse, or sweater.
Shorter tops are the easiest here, but longer ones can also work if you’re creative. Try tying the longer top, or add a belt and tuck the shirt around and underneath. The belt won’t be visible, but you’ll have a tucked top and a new look for that older dress.
Alternatively, you can wear a midi or maxi skirt over shorter, tighter dresses. As Nelson explained, “this is great option if the dress has a great neckline, but the shorter length doesn’t fit your destination for the evening (or if it’s just too cold).”
Read next: How to winterize your summer clothes: 4 fun strategies
Shop and mimic with accessories
If you’re craving a shopping experience, go ahead and browse new cocktail dresses, but with a different goal. Instead of looking to buy, shop to identify styles you love. Then you can brainstorm accessory updates to mimic that new style using your old dress.
Here’s an example. Say you’re poking around online, and you decide you love this Princess Polly dress with the one shoulder silhouette. You can nod to that style by adding a wrap or shawl to a dress you already own. Add a shawl clip to hold everything in place and, just like that, you have a “new” dress for the cost of two budget accessories.
Pro-tip: Choose a shawl and clip you can wear with other pieces in your closet, so you maximize their cost per wear too.
Read next: How to style a midi dress
Ask a tailor
Tailoring a dress to update its shape or length is always an option when you’re inspired, but what if you have no idea how to improve on an old dress? The answer is so obvious, you may not have thought of it: Ask your tailor for ideas.
Tailors are great at following orders – shorten this an inch or let this out a bit – but they can also be crazy creative. Even better, the creativity comes from a place of knowledge. Tailors know how fabric hangs, and they know what flatters. Use that expertise to your advantage.
If you want to show up prepared, bring some photos of current dresses you love to use as idea starters.
Add a button-down
Amy Basile, founder of Scout Couture, suggests adding a button-down top over or under your sleeveless black dress. If you wear it over, you can tie the front or simply wear it over your shoulders. Choosing a striped or patterned top will give the dress a bold pop.
Switch up the perspective
Sometimes you only need to change your perspective to repurpose an older dress. Try this: Pull a little black dress out of your closet and think about why you bought it. Maybe you wore it to a cocktail party or date night. Now consider wearing that same dress to a completely different occasion – say, a beer tasting or to the office. How would you style it?
Chances are, your fashion brain will generate some fun ideas right away. The beer tasting might involve a cardigan, bomber jacket, or even sneakers, depending on the dress style. Repurposing that LBD for work may inspire you to add a turtleneck, blazer, and tights.
Read next: How to wear casual dresses in winter
Avoid over-trending
Now, for some Stacy and Clinton advice (if you know, you know). Resist any urge you may have to “over-trend” your dress with multiple trendy accessories. LBDs are, for the most part, a classic style. Play that up. Lean into coordinating pieces and accessories that are polished and sophisticated. If you want to add something current, choose one piece of jewelry that can quietly make the trend statement – Basile likes antique brooches for this right now.
Shop less, style more
The little black dresses in your closet are very likely underused. With a few smart styling shifts and a willingness to see those old pieces in new ways, you can boost cost per wear and keep your closet free of another “just in case” dress. Shop less, style more, and let the LBDs you already own do the heavy lifting.
Ulla Johnson Jacket, Amazon Sweater, Tee & Jeans, Nour Hammour Belt (similar here and here), Chanel Flats (on The RealReal, similar here), Altuzarra Bag, Dior Sunglasses
Amazon Sundays shifts into spring with a fresh mix of light, effortless pieces designed for the season ahead. Airy cotton dresses, soft knits, and relaxed tailoring set the tone, alongside easy denim, breezy sets, and polished everyday basics. Woven flats, and minimal sandals ground each look, while striped totes, delicate gold jewelry, and vintage-inspired sunglasses add a refined finish. The palette leans into soft pastels, warm neutrals, and subtle prints, bringing a sense of ease, femininity, and polished charm to everyday dressing. Browse the full list below, and explore more in our JB Amazon Shop and Amazon Storefront, refreshed weekly.
Fashion
Claire’s Life: The Tyrese vs. Tank Verzuz with Mona Scott Young, Lala Milan, Linda Luna, and More!
Yep, that’s me—you’re probably wondering how I ended up here. The short answer? Mona Scott-Young.
I pulled up to the Tank vs. Tyrese Verzuz and connected with Comedian Lala Milan and publicist Linda Luna, just planning to enjoy the show. Next thing I know, Mona, who manages Tyrese and was involved in the production of the show, spotted us in the crowd and graciously invited us on stage. Apparently they needed some seat fillers? Who knows. It was an unexpected yet fun surprise.
The Verzus itself had lots of highlights and fun moments, from Tyrese kicking off his set with Chingy for “Calling me Back,” to learning that Tank is the creative genius behind hits like Aaliyah’s song “Come Over,” and “Regret,” which Letoya Luckett came to perform. Tank even brought out Jamie Foxx! Tank and Tyrese went hit for hit, delivering a mix of nostalgia and crowd favorites that kept the audience engaged throughout.
Honestly, it was hard for me to pick a favorite. Who do you think won?
As for me, the Moral of the story: stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.
Toteme Shirt, Tove Skirt (old, similar here and here), Bottega Veneta Bag, Alaia Wedges, Retrouvai Necklace (similar style here)
As the days get longer, evenings take on a lighter, more open energy, and getting dressed follows that shift. Spring is when color naturally steps forward for dinners, events, and nights out, whether that’s a colorful skirt with a crisp white shirt, a silk top in coral or fuchsia, or a full look in one strong shade. One statement piece often sets the tone. A bright heel, a jacquard skirt, or a vibrant bag brings just the right amount of energy, while clean silhouettes keep everything feeling elevated. Color becomes the focal point—fresh, expressive, and perfectly suited for the season.
Water Glasses, Scalloped Plates and Placemats, Watering Can Napkins, Rattan Bunnies, Rattan Bowl, Easter Eggs
Easter sets the tone for a table layered with texture and hints of color. After pulling together this Easter edit I wanted to show how I used those pieces to create something warm, inviting, and a little whimsical. Many of the pieces are from Amazon, which made it easy to mix in beautiful, well-priced finds that still feel thoughtful and elevated.
I started with a floral tablecloth, then layered scalloped placemats with soft green and white ceramics. Woven elements like rattan bunnies and baskets bring in texture, while pastel eggs add that playful Easter touch. I kept florals simple in small vases across the table and finished with textured glassware and linen napkins to pull everything together.
This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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- The Wall Street Journal [gift link] explained a hack to turn Trump accounts (available this summer) into multimillion-dollar tax-free nest eggs for kids.
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On CorporetteMoms Recently…
Are you a mom or mom-to-be? Don’t miss this week’s news update at CorporetteMoms.
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Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
After an absolutely brutal winter, there are signs of spring in the Northeast. I’m taking advantage of it by breaking out all of my favorite work dresses and perhaps adding a few more to my collection.
I might add a belt to this striped shirtdress from Max Studio, but it otherwise looks perfect for an easy breezy business casual day.
The dress is $39.97 at Nordstrom Rack and comes in sizes XS-XL.
Sales of note for 3/20:
- Nordstrom – Spring saving event, save up to 25% off! Lots of nice options from Vince, Veronica Beard, Reiss, Boss, and M.M.LaFleur. For weekend, lots of clothes from Sanctuary, Kut from the Kloth, Frame, Paige, Zella, and Barefoot Dreams. (Ooh, also some good Clare V bags in the sale.)
- Ann Taylor – The Suit Yourself Event! 25% off suiting + 25% off tops & sweaters
- Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off + extra 20% off
- Bloomingdale’s – Friends & Family, take 25% off. Beauty treats $20 off every $150.
- Boden – Sale! Up to 50% off + extra 15% off
- Brooklinen – Friends & Family sale, enjoy 20% off sitewide and up to 50% off select bundles (ends 3/22)
- Brooks Brothers – Clearance up to 60% off
- Elie Tahari – Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off.
- Express – 30-70% off everything (Editor pants for $69!)
- J.Crew – 30% off dresses, suiting & accessories
- J.Crew Factory – Up to 60% off everything, extra 50% off clearance
- Macy’s – VIP Sale + 15% off beauty & fragrance
- M.M.LaFleur – Private sale, new styles added — you can also try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off
- Mango – 30% off everything
- RŌZ – Friends & Family sale! Kat likes this hair mask/oil.
- Saks OFF5TH – Liquidation sale, up to 80% off! Everything final sale, ends 3/23
- Shopbop – Lots on sale, up to 60% off
- Splendid – 30% off sitewide
- Talbots – 25%-30% off dresses, accessories, shoes and more
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