Little Black Dresses

Lea Michele attended a Big Brothers Big Sisters gala in Beverly Hills, and while we're normally used to seeing the Glee star in plunging necklines, this time she went a different route in this Michael Kors one-shoulder studded dress ($2,695). On bottom she sported black patent t-strap pumps by Christian Louboutin and kept the rest of her red-carpet look pretty minimal. If you don't yet own a black one-shoulder dress, consider adding Lea's exact one to your wardrobe, or if the price tag is too steep, we also love this one from Lauren Ralph Lauren ($78, originally $130).

Celebs have been loving white footwear for some time, but now it's all about the juxtaposition between an all-black look and a stark white shoe. Rebecca Romijn donned a black sheer minidress with crisp white floral-embellished sandals in LA, Gwyneth Paltrow sported a black cutout Michael Kors dress with white Jimmy Choo pumps in NYC, and Ciara went for a black blazer dress over tuxedo pants and white ankle-strap Givenchy sandals in LA. Whether you prefer a little black dress, a black maxi skirt, or pants, the next time you get dressed in head-to-toe black, consider finishing off with white shoes for the chicest colorblock effect.

Ali Larter looked ultracool in a little black dress, straw fedora, and strappy gold sandals while running errands in LA. Her latest Summer look is all in the details, from the double strap of her dress to the intricate detailing of her metallic sandals to the gold studs on her gold Yves Saint Laurent tote — score the black version here ($1,895). We've spotted a few other Hollywood starlets, including Sienna Miller, putting their little black dresses to use this Summer, inspiring us to add our own flair to the classic mini. Re-create Ali's look for a shopping date with the girls or dance the night away in this sassy party version by Sparkle & Fade ($69).

New mom Sienna Miller strolled the London streets in a classic little black dress, but in true Sienna fashion, the starlet took her LBD to new heights with snazzy accessories. Her printed chain-strap Marc Jacobs bag, python ankle-wrap sandals, cat-eye Miu Miu glitter shades, and bevy of gold bling upped the glam factor of her black mini. Take a cue from Sienna and update your LBD with complementing accessories like snake sandals, a printed tote, and cat-eye sunglasses for the day or spice it up at night with these python Barbara Bui platforms ($296, originally $985) and a printed clutch.

While meeting up with friends for lunch in LA, Nicole Richie showed off her effortless Summer style in a black silk Winter Kate dress — here is the maxi version ($289). We love the subtle, lingerielike lace-trim detail up top and how the longer hemline balanced out the sexy factor. Nicole then completed her all-black look with exaggerated cat-eye sunglasses, her go-to Balenciaga bag, and tan strappy flat sandals. Next time you're having lunch with your girls, sport Nicole's exact dress or this similar but shorter Marc Jacobs lace-trimmed satin mini ($209, originally $695). To add a pop of color, ditch the tan sandals for something bright.

Last night at the 2012 Critics' Choice Television Awards, Busy Philipps wore a sexy plunging black gown, but it was her Irene Neuwirth boulder necklace that really stole the show. Even if we're not attending fabulous red-carpet affairs, we all have black dresses that are in dire need of accessorizing. Whether your black dress is plunging like Busy's — here is something supersimilar by Issa ($588) — or it's high-neck, strapless, or any other style, it will get a major injection of life the next time you go out when you select one of our handpicked statement necklaces below.

Little black dresses come in all sorts of silhouettes and styles, and with the endless possibilities, you can never have enough. A new one to add to your collection is the French Connection Nix Nights black dress ($268) Julianne Hough wore with Gio Diev's blue and white raffi pumps to her SiriusXM appearance in NYC. What makes this LBD so special? Let's start with the asymmetrical hemline — notice the longer hem in the back, which makes it party in front, demure in back. The white piping along the sleeves and tail make the dress pop even more, and finally, its square neckline gives it a classic look that will never go out of style. Dress it down with sandals and a denim jacket during the day, then dress it up with heels and tons of jewels at night.

What do celebs do when they want to give off the appearance that they have sexy curves? Why, slip on a black cutaway dress! Eva Longoria recently did it in her Victoria Beckham stretch-crepe cutaway dress, Lucy Hale got in on the look via an Opening Ceremony racerback dress, Taylor Schilling dabbled in her Calvin Klein gown, and Jennifer Carpenter also tried the style via a black cutaway dress. As you can see, cutaway necklines, where more of the shoulder and decolletage are exposed, create a wave-like shape across the shoulders, giving the appearance of curves. The rest of the dress is streamlined, making the top half stand out. Plus, black helps keep the look super polished, allowing for the cutaway, not the color, to be the star. Want to get in on Hollywood's secret? Shop the widget, including Eva and Lucy's exact dresses, below!