How to wear a plain black dress

[Coldandunderablanket]

I have a lovely winter knitted black dress, it's knee high, slight batwing, cinched at waist.

It's really lovely and flattering but I can't think what I would wear with it? I have knee length black boots which look nice with it - but it's all a bit too black then.

How can I make it look less like I'm off to a funeral? I can't wear a cardigan due to the batwing

Could you add a coloured belt? Or make use of accessories; larger necklace and earrings to break the outfit up a bit.

Ankle boots and bright tights? A funky scarf? Or just embrace the black!

Burgundy knee high boots

https://www.marksandspencer.com/kitten-heel-pointed-toe-knee-high-boots/p/clp60697997?intid=mobileappppdpshare

Coloured tights. Burgundy if you prefer something plain or something brighter if you fancy it.

A bright chunky necklace and matching earrings?

Thank you. I hadn't thought of burgundy tights. I'm going to buy some!

I would try it with some shiny (though I don’t mean patent) brown leather knee high boots.

And a furry gilet. Cord would do but something more extravagant would be better.

I love black with brown, so maybe brown knee-high boots?

I’m afraid coloured tights would be a bit 80s art teacher for me.

Don’t put bright colours with it - IMHO bright colours and black are just wrong together.

instead, how about channeling your inner Coco Chanel and adding some chunky faux pearls to add some brightness near your face? A narrow belt to add waist definition and either pointy boots (not too high) or kitten heel slingbacks.

I have a grey one I wear with orange tights and black knee boots also have burgundy and green

Shirt under it? You can buy layering shirts which have are designed for the cuffs and collars to show, but not to be too bulky on the body.