From The Straits Times    |

4 ways to get a 'new' party dress without buying one

Start with a basic dress you already own, be it a cotton dress or lacy style as seen above from Headline Seoul ($62); we share how to re-wear it for the year-end parties. Image: Headline Seoul

Yes, it’s party season again. But if you’re short of cash after all the holiday shopping (who isn’t?), a dress splurge isn’t that necessary. Here are some tips to know, before you drive yourself nuts trying to find that one perfect party dress.

1. Mix and match to make an old dress ‘new’

4 ways to get a 'new' party dress without buying one, how to layer

1. Headline Seoul lace dress, $62; 2. Headline Seoul lace detail top, $61.99, both from Headline Seoul; 3. Lie by Lie Sang Bong Flare printed top with mesh, $409, Modajar

Throw on a statement sweater or crop top over a print dress and you’ve very nearly a “new” dress. Or pair matching separates in the same hue to create the illusion of another never-worn-before dress.

2. A party dress is not a must
You know it’s true; instead of splurging on that one expensive frock (that you may never wear again), why not go for separates instead? 

4 ways to get a 'new' party dress without buying one, statement skirts

Lashes of London metallic pleated midi skirt, $133.42, ASOS; Zalora pailettes midi pencil skirt, $59.90;Bless’ed are the meek top, $264.10 and Fleamadonna metallic skirt, $422.56, both from SheShops

Buy a new statement skirt or dig out one of your more glittery old finds from your wardrobe, which can be just as chic and will go with most of your basic tops too. In the same way, you can also re-wear an old A-line dress as a ‘top’, by layering a skirt over it.

3. DIY your very own party dress; it’s easier than you think
Check out some of the no-sew projects online, like this DIY twist dress idea as seen in this video by Boat Vintage People. All that you need is an old cotton dress and a pair of scissors.

Cut the sides of the dress as shown in the video above, then invert the bottom half of the dress inside out and back again to form the knotted centre.

4. A statement necklace IS everything

4 ways to get a 'new' party dress without buying one, statement necklaces

In Good Company hand braided necklace, $135.46, SheShops; HLS DSGN x Curated necklace, $119, Headline Seoul; Twentyeight Lane gunmetal crystal necklace, $49.97, SheShops; Samantha Willis Forever Rose Collar Necklace, $105.64, SheShops

A statement necklace will transform your outfit instantly, without even buying a new dress. You’ll also love how you can re-wear it with so many of your favourite monotone dresses.

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