Black Magic

"That's quite a dress you almost have on."

-Gene Kelly, An American in Paris.

Of course he's talking about the little black dress, which, after several seasons of what amounted to a basic blackout, is officially back. (Yes, for a while, gray was the new black, then brown. Designers even had a go at green as the new black. This year, all white felt right.) And while we always love black-rich, forgiving, beautiful black-the little black dress is really about providing a canvas for your signature style; it is the tabula rasa of fashion, the ultimate wardrobe basic that lets you unleash your inner sentiments by putting your accessories center stage.

But where do you start? First pick your place-brunch, tea, drinks or dinner-then match your message with your mood. Think fun, classic, sexy or sober. Now, enhance with all the extras-jewels, bag, shoes and scarves. Hey, throw in chic specs if you feel like it. In other words, announce yourself. Exactly what inspired touches will give you the last word? We asked four of the area's best boutiques to show us how to kit out a basic black dress to make a fashion statement.

Retro Metro

A classic St. John Knit from Saks Fifth Avenue looks very vintage at Femme Fatale, where an ivory tweed cropped jacket sprinkled with rhinestones by Beau, $92, and an Audrey Hepburn-inspired winter white bouclé bag with smashing black bow by Fornash, $142, provide a rich canvas for a unique necklace by Jojo designs with rose-quartz silver and pearls, $250, and a Chanel belt embellished further by the artist with pearls. Naughty Monkey high-heeled pumps, $74, resonate with retro chic. 1170 Third St. S., Naples; (239) 434-8383.

Sophisticated Lady

The simple St. John's black shift gets a new life at Marissa Collections with a poppy-red (papavero) three-quarter-length light-weight faille coat by Miu Miu, $1,060, cinched at the waist with a Michael Kors ruby and black belt, $350. Keep the tone light and molto modern with Manolo Blahnik croc pumps in ivory, $595, and a pale Yves Saint Laurent large Bugatti handbag, $1,195. Finally, add a Eugenia Kim black headband, $88, for whimsy and dash.

1167 Third St. S., Naples; (239) 263-4333.

Club-worthy

The same dress went urban modern at Jennifer's, adding Red Engine jeans, $150, and a black and silver dotted chiffon jacket by Midi, $148. A Lotus leather and bone disc belt by Suzi Roher, $290, and Athena Alexander's black rhinestone thongs, $120, put sophisticated fun in the little black frock. Pull the look together with Ralph Lauren sunglasses, $98, a vintage-style pearl bracelet watch by Haley Hill, $140, and a black Elliott Lucca bag, $150. 13451 McGregor Blvd.,

Suite 1, Fort Myers; (239) 481-8582.

Pure Pretty

Sassy Boutique takes a turn with a look that's pure pretty with a little élan. A White & Warren tie-front cashmere sweater in black, $180, teamed with a trio of KJL gold bamboo bangles, $60 each, and a coral and gold bangle, $114, ring, $60, and earrings, $65, and Lily Holt jet beaded thongs with slim heel, $246, gets added swagger from a Trina Turk shades-of-salmon scarf, $60, Designers Guild (DG) bag, $195, with removable insert and a DG portfolio, $70, a couple of DG damask notebooks, $15, and a jaunty DG orange zip wallet, $80. 1300 Third St. S., Naples; (239) 435-0004.