Accessorising the Little Black Dress

Inspired by the Uniform Project, we want to inspire you to be more creative with your wardrobe. Try the black dress challenge!

The Uniform Project is a charity project to raise money for disadvantage children in India. It was launched in 2009 by a young woman named Sheena Matheiken who pledged to wear one little black dress for 365 days, each day in a different outfit. To accessorise, she used a variety of vintage, handmade, reused or donated items — from waist coats and waist belts to colourful tights / stockings / leggings. Her ingenuity throughout the course of the year is impressive as she created a variety of outfits for the quirky, the sophisticated, the girl-next-door, the bohemian — and countless many more.

Sheena may make the task of creating 365 original outfits from the same little black dress look easy, but I’m not at all convinced it is! To help her, Sheena’s little black dress is more versatile than most designs. Features include a button on collar for instance, and buttons up the front meaning that it can be worn in a variety of ways.

However, even without the versatile design, Sheena’s project shows just how creative you can be with your clothes without buying into the high street frenzy for what’s hot and new. This approach to fashion is not only good for your bank, but it encourages you to be creative and consume less — especially if you source your accessories from flea markets, car boot sales and charity shops.

In need of some inspiration?

Left — Sophisticated. With a velvet blazer, chunky metallic belt and black heels. Right — Chic. With Royal Blue tartan tights, a yellow tartan scarf and ankle boots

Left — Fun. Denim waist coat, brightly coloured tights with a loose fitting black waist belt and heels. Right — Casual. Thin biscuit knit long cardigan with flat knee high boots.

Artwork by Jon Allott