One Dress, Three Cocktail Parties

Is your holiday event calendar shaping up but that festive wardrobe not so much? Remember, there's no rule that says you have to buy a new frock for every event and since we're already shelling out for events, gifts and cocktails, who wants to spend more on pricey pieces you'll only wear once?

A little creativity goes a long way in coming up with stylish holiday attire, but I'll let you in on one of my personal style secrets: pair a different statement accessory with a toned down "staple" dress each time you head out the door and you'll never be accused of wearing the same dress twice!

 Why, you ask? It's kind of like the magician's slight of hand. Your fellow party goers are so enamoured with your flashy accessory du jour, they'll hardly recognize the repeat -- if that concerns you in the least.

To demonstrate, here are 3 statement accessories I'm looking to try with a simple but stylish  flowy cowl-neck dress, $68, gifted to me by the lovely folks at NKPR and RW & Co. pictured above. Imagine how these three accessories, each worn with this dress at a different cocktail party, totally changes the focal point of the ensemble for a whole new look.

Statement #1 - The Loud Clutch
I love the aztec pattern and sequin sparkle on this clutch from Zara, $59.50.  I'll just add strappy platforms and go. 

Statement #2 - The Jewelled Belt
For a more romantic look and a figure flaunting silhouette, I want to cinch the dress with a belt that sparkles. This J. Crew crystal satin sash, $80, is the perfect embellishment. 

Statement # 3 - The Metallic Shoe

I love using metallic accessories (especially shoes) as to liven up an outfit and these bronze python print  Steve Madden pumps, $99.95, are on trend and super hot. They'll add instant sizzle to any cocktail dress. 

These are the three accessories that are on my radar, but any eye-catching piece will do. Be it oversized jewelry, a wild hair piece, patterned opaque tights, even bold make-up, each one instantly changes your look and makes the dress the supporting actor to your best accessory at a fancy soiree. You don't even have to buy new items if you've already got a great repertoire of statement accessories. That being said, I never feel guilty if I splurge a little more on a cool accessory. While you might only wear a sequinned cocktail dress once or twice at the holidays, that sequinned accessory will dress up many an understated outfit year round. 

Cheers to that!

-- Tamika Auwai is a fashion junkie, splurge-a-holic, and founder of Shop Socials.

Image credits: RW & Co., Zara, J. Crew, and Steve Madden