How to Accessorize a Charcoal Gray Dress

Gray is the new black for dresses.
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Charcoal gray dresses are fun and easy to wear because they're so versatile. In fact, gray has so much style potential that Redbook calls it the "new little black dress." A charcoal gray dress provides the perfect foundation piece for a variety of necklaces, scarves, and belts. You can be bold with colorful accessories or more demure by layering with silver or pewter pieces.

1 Tonal Accessories

Nothing says elegant like tonal accessories that command attention. Add a dark gray or silver belt to a light gray dress and drape varying lengths of silver-toned necklaces for dimension. Slip into a pair of charcoal pumps, and you'll appear to be surrounded by a heather mist. If it's chilly out, top your frock with a fitted black blazer and carry a matching satchel or clutch.

2 Colorful Additions

As a neutral, gray looks good with any bright color, so you can go as bold as you want. If you're in a sunny mood, add a scarf at the neckline in a vibrant yellow or tangerine. If you're feeling a little wild and sexy, wrap yourself in a bright red belt and slide into some red high heels. When the occasion calls for a bolder look, add a chunky necklace in a primary color or stack some bangles for impact. You also can add a handbag in a vivid shade like turquoise or hot pink; if you're wearing bold jewelry, try for a neutral bag in black or gray.

Debby Mayne started writing professionally in 1992. Her work has appeared in regional parenting magazines and she has been managing editor of the magazine, "Coping with Cancer." She was also fashion product information writer for HSN. During college, Mayne worked as an instructor at a fitness center. She holds a Bachelor of Science in health, PE and recreation from the University of Southern Mississippi.

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