C.J. Braden • 3 Minute Read
1 Little Black Dress and 4 Fab DIY Fascinators
So many people (myself included) have closets full of clothes, but usually are drawn to wear only a handful of things all the time. I have certain pieces that I simply love and wear over and over and over again.
Every person that loves dresses should have at least one LBD, or a little black dress in their closet. I have an LBD and it’s the one dress that I can throw on and feel instantly pulled together. It’s not too tight or short, so it always fits, even during my hormonal times of the month. I can dress it up or down with heels or flats, lots of jewelry or only one special piece.
My Oleg Cassini little black dress
In thinking about special occasions, like the Kentucky Derby or a wedding, a little black dress is the perfect option if you don’t want to buy a specific dress to wear only once. For these events, people often wear beautiful hats or fascinators. Instead of buying an outfit to match the hat or fascinator, a little black dress will go with just about any color or style you choose and you can wear it again and again after the event.
I like simple black dress styles by PRETTYGARDEN on Amazon. A summery, satiny style, like this one would work well on many body types.
My super fab fascinator little black dress look
Read on to learn about my one favorite little black dress and DIY fascinator pairings. The dress is a simple Oleg Cassini I picked up at a T.J. Maxx many years ago. Each DIY fascinator was created by me and there is a video tutorial I created for almost each one. All can be recreated by you and can be customized in colors that you like best.
Fascinator #1: Simple Pink and Black
A simple pink and black DIY fascinator
This fascinator is created with sinamay and can be customized with feathers and colors of your choices. I’ve made this one for myself and a smaller version for my friend’s granddaughter.
View my video tutorial below or via my YouTube channel @carolynjbraden:
This fascinator is a bit more simple and could be easily paired with a black romper if you have a more casual wedding or Derby event to attend. I love this easy and super cute black romper by PRETTYGARDEN.
Fascinator #2: Creamy Floral No Sew Fascinator
My Creamy Floral DIY No Sew Fascinator
This fascinator tutorial has been pinned on Pinterest many, many times. It is put together with hot glue and no sewing! I created it as a bridal fascinator, but I’ve seen my followers re-create it in many other styles and colors.
View my video tutorial below or via my YouTube channel @carolynjbraden:
Fascinator #3: Tulle and Feather No Sew Fascinator
I don’t have a tutorial for this fascinator, because it was sort-of the test model for my Creamy Floral No Sew Fascinator (#3). It’s the fascinator that got me started on making fascinators. Instead of hot glue, I simply tied glitter and plain tulle ribbon to a fabric covered headband and stuck some feathers in the bow portion.
Fascinator #4: Rhinestone and Peacock Feather Fascinator
I created this fascinator as an audition piece in the final round to get onto the NBC crafting show “Making It”. After spending my own money to make this pricier fascinator, I did not make the show, nor did the casting people even reach out to me to tell me I didn’t make it. Ahhh…Hollywood. I reached out the them and eventually got a “thanks but no thanks”.
I created this rhinestone peacock on the fascinator
Then the Covid-19 pandemic struck and well, it’s probably a good thing I didn’t get on the show because it seems as if it got cancelled. Anyways, this piece is one of my favorites and just because I didn’t make it onto “Making It”, I know it’s fab. Here’s a tutorial of me creating this giant masterpiece.
View my video tutorial below or via my YouTube channel @carolynjbraden:
Overall, I know a fascinator and a little black dress go together quite nicely. Layering necklaces and sunglasses can add to your look to make it a fun, party style.
If you want to go more elegant, keep your jewelry simple and either add simple black sunglasses or none at all. You can play up your makeup to match the fascinator too when wearing an LBD. The possibilities of fashion, beauty and style are endless. See what you can create today!
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C.J. (Carolyn) Braden is a regular contributor and editor for Carolyn’s Blooming Creations. She has been featured in numerous media publications such as InStyle Magazine, on HGTV, on Bustle.com, and more. She is the author of the books Georgia McMasters in Amethyst Lake Cemetery, How To Be Yourself: 3 Ways To Help You Being You, and the illustrator for the children’s book Bridging Connections. She is a former classroom teacher that now dedicates her life to educating others on how to live their most healthy, creative and happy life. Learn more about her visiting our About Us page.