Customize your LBD

• 1
  Find bold, exciting pieces of jewelry

  Forget the diamond earrings and the pearls. For laid-back chic, trawl the accessory and thrift shops for bracelets, necklaces and earrings that are big, bold and brazen. Change the focus of that little black dress from quiet elegance to a canvas for limitless creative design possibilities.
  Try three or four wide bangles up your arm, wind beaded necklaces round your wrist or sport big fun earrings. Wear a big, chunky necklace or two. Make bold statements with color and design, and don't be afraid to be extravagant with your creativity.
• 2
  Add vibrant colors and contrasts.

  Pick your favorite color and run with it. Try hot pinks, rich blues, deep reds, colors that contrast vividly with black; find a large scarf threaded through with gold or silver, and try different ways to tie it or wear as a trendy shawl. Use big brooches to secure it, or tie it with a casual knot. Tie five knots along the length of the rolled scarf, incorporating a long beaded necklace, and wind it around your neck or use it as a bandeau around your head.
• 3
  Accentuate your hips

  Use a belt to give a defined outline. Pick out a belt in the same shade as the scarf, or stick with the black of the dress. Sling the belt low around your hips or pull it in tight to accentuate your waist. Be adventurous: use a long strip of thick fabric and knot it, or try a small triangular shawl secured below your waist, like a belly dancer, to accentuate the shape and movement of your hips.
• 4
  Jazz up your legs

  Wear thick, brightly colored pantyhose in cold weather and experiment with different shades, multicolored stripes, textures and denier. You can stick with the black of the dress if you want to keep the color accents concentrated in the jewelry and accessories, and carry that black right down to your footwear.
  Wear slim-fit pants or Lycra leggings rather than pantyhose. These look very effective with both a knee-length and a short dress and give instant casual appeal. Black is a good option for a sleek look with the thicker fabric, but color experimentation is fun so find the right mix that works for you.
  Try footless pantyhose when the weather is warm, or experiment with ankle socks in bright colors.
• 5
  Strut your stuff in fun footwear

  Dare to be different and wear chunky lace-up boots with that little black dress. The effect is sassy and immediately undercuts the dress by giving it a gamine, rebellious flavor. High heels with leggings or colored pantyhose can work, and flat pumps are very popular for a casual look.
• 6
  Top it off with a hat

  Put on a hat. It will give you an instant new casual look and downplay the chic of the dress. Try a range of different styles to find one that fits your face shape, and make it bold and brash for impact.

Read more: How to Make a Little Black Dress Casual | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_7463348_make-little-black-dress-casual.html#ixzz1fajmuFNL