Monday, January 11, 2016

What I am Wearing - 3 Ways to Style a Cocktail Dress

I am always looking for ways to get more wear out of special occasion pieces.  I bought this dress several years ago to wear to a formal wedding.  Luckily, I got it on clearance at New York and Company, but I still like to get my money's worth out of my clothing.  I have only worn it a few times for special occasions, but lately I have been looking for ways to wear it in a casual way.

For a formal event, I would pair it with some silver, strappy heels and a sparkly clutch and accessorize it with a statement necklace.
Get more wear out of your cocktail dress with these 3 ways to style it.
Paired with Steve Madden heel and Candies clutch
To make it wearable for work or church, I would layer a ruffled cardigan over it, buttoned up to create the illusion of a skirt.  I would accessorize it with black tights, plum colored suede peep toe pumps, colorful wristlet, and strands of pearls.
Get more wear out of your cocktail dress with these 3 ways to style it.
Banana Republic cardigan and Vera Bradley wristlet
To make it super casual, I would layer a denim jacket and long scarf over the top of it and pair it with tall moto boots.  Add a chunky bracelet and ring, along with a leather tote bag to finish off the edgy look.
Get more wear out of your cocktail dress with these 3 ways to style it.
GAP denim jacket
Which of these looks is your favorite? How would you wear this dress?
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10 comments:

  1. ShippydollJanuary 12, 2016 at 10:00 AM

    My favorite is DEF the last one with the denim jacket - you can't even tell that it's a "formal" dress! I love your fashion posts.

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    Replies
    1. Mary @ Real Girl's RealmJanuary 12, 2016 at 10:28 AM

      Thank you so much girl! It is fun to think outside the box and play dress up!

      Delete
  2. Monica Hein ~ Beauty DiaryJanuary 12, 2016 at 10:00 PM

    such a pretty dress! lovr the second look

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    Replies
    1. Mary @ Real Girl's RealmJanuary 13, 2016 at 8:41 AM

      Thank you so much girl! I am so glad I found other ways to wear this dress!

      Delete
  3. Miel and MintJanuary 13, 2016 at 6:47 PM

    I love these ideas and looks, Mary! The fave is definitely the one you styled with denim, sweetie. Cardigan does make it lovely to go to church <3
    xox Nadia
    http://www.mielandmint.com/

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    Replies
    1. Mary @ Real Girl's RealmJanuary 13, 2016 at 8:12 PM

      Thank you so much. Nadia!!! I was surprised how well the looks came together when I thought outside the box! xox

      Delete
  4. JennieJanuary 17, 2016 at 11:39 PM

    Three wonderful looks, Mary! I love the special occasion look as well as the denim look. You are making me consider how I can transform some of my dressier dresses. Thanks for linking up with Fabulous Friday and I hope you have a wonderful week!

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    Replies
    1. Mary @ Real Girl's RealmJanuary 18, 2016 at 10:33 AM

      Thank you for your sweet comments! Doing style challenges on IG and reading other fashion blogs like yours pushes me to style my clothes in new ways! Thanks for hosting Fabulous Friday!

      Delete
  5. DarcyJanuary 18, 2016 at 1:17 PM

    What a fun idea to switch it up with a denim jacket!
    www.amemoryofus.com

    ReplyDelete

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