street style: spicing up the little black dress

(shirt: H&M | dress: OLD (similar) | belt: J.Crew (similar) | bag: c/o Foley + Corinna | tights: c/o Hue | shoes: Coach | necklace: c/o Stella + Dot | glasses: c/o Guess by Marciano)

When it comes to basic black I often find myself coming up empty. I only recently scored a few pairs of black pants, but I seem to be lacking in the black staples category. I bought this dress probably 8 years ago when I worked in a much more corporate atmosphere. I seem to hold on to it because it's a simple style and I keep telling myself that there will be something I'll need this dress for.

So when I had a reader asking about how to spice up her boring black work dresses for occasions outside the workplace I knew I had the perfect piece in my closet to help her out!

The fishtail is popping up in many forms with the spring trends that are hitting stores, whether it be in a dress, top or skirt. I particularly like this top as I've already worn it a few times, each time in a completely different fashion.

Pairing a simple black dress with a fun and funky shirt lends this look to business in the front, party in the back. Adding in a few bold accessories - an edgy chain necklace and a punchy handbag - keep the look fresh.

How do you re-work pieces to fit multiple occasions?