maxi dress long sleeve black Dionne very fitted at natural waist Goddiva Hotfix Diamante Mesh A-Line

Matte leather or suede tends to look classier than patent leather for this look

Whether you love a classic scoop neck sheath dress with long sleeves, an off-the-shoulder maxi dress with ruffles, or a beaded, strapless cocktail dress, finding your perfect black dress is easy

"Staying within the basic subtleties of a classic suit but playing with texture, fabric and color can be deemed acceptable and welcomed in a relaxed setting," she says

Brown Sweater Top $4 Goodwill Eddie Bauer Black Jeans $5 Goodwill (amazing, since I never find great jeans at GW) Black Limited Shirt $1 yard sale Accessories necklaces, earrings and bracelet $4 yard sale Since black and browns are both neutral, they do work well together, but you have to be deliberate in pairing them