Q: I picked up this cute black dress a few months ago for a holiday party and have been wearing it non-stop ever since. Now that the weather is getting warmer though I feel a little like Morticia Adams every time I put it on. Is there a way to wear black in the summer?

-- Lauren, 29, Cambridge, Mass.

A: Yes, yes and YES. While it can seem a bit heavy or drab for a bright sunny day, your black dress most definitely does not have to be reserved for funerals or a visit to an Amish farm.

The trick is to accessorize with colors and textures that feel summery. My advice: Pair it with white or khaki for a fresh look (I'm not a big fan of wearing black with bright colors). For accessories, choose earthy pieces in wood or leather to create a quasi-safari look.

Click here to check out Brian's style suggestions.

1. Instead of the waist-length black cardigan you're wearing, try this cropped one by See by Chloe. It's chic enough for a summer cocktail party but super-lightweight so you won't be shvitzing all over your mojito.

2. Ethnic-inspired necklaces with chunky wooden beads are hot this season and a black dress provides the perfect backdrop to showcase them. I heart this one by Kenneth Jay Lane.

3. Wooden bangles can give any basic dress some funky, casual-cool edge. This set by French Connection mixes different shapes and sizes for a unique look.

4. A pair of flat gladiator sandals will take the dressiness out of a black shift. Wear this pair by Mossimo for a day of shopping with the girls or to a casual BBQ.

Brian Underwood is a fashion and style expert based in New York City.