How to soften a black dress

[hedwigismyowl]

Hi, hoping you can help. I've got a plain black dress with zip pockets and white sleeves which I plan to wear at work. As I normally wear a black cardigan, it'll look like I'm all in black and going to a funeral.

How can I soften the look and maybe have some colour? And what colour? I hate wearing scarfs as I hate things round my neck.

I can wear a coloured cardigan but what colour? I don't really like bright colours like red or pink.

Thanks

Forest Green? Burgundy? Royal blue?

Burgundy, dark green (forest/emerald) cream/beige

White or if you don't like contrast Navy looks cool with black imo

I would soften black and white with grey, navy or dark brown. I agree dark green or burgundy would work too.

Charcoal grey tights rather than black
Maroon/dark green/khaki/mustard cardy

Navy, khaki or dark forest green, camel, teal,

Bead necklace ? If you don't do scarves

Largeish feathery or beady orange earrings?