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You’ve been invited to the hottest end-of-year party in town, but with this being the gifting season, you can’t afford to fork out $5,000 on an extravagant party dress. Oh what’s a girl to do? No dress, no party? No way!
Scour your closet for the outfits you wore in summer. There are tonnes of gems in there that you can take from summer to winter — with just a few tweaks. Here are five different ways you can refresh your summer dress so you can make it work for you. Don’t let the weather (or your wallet) cramp your style.
What you have: Floral printed mini dress. What you’ll need: Luxe material blazer.
We’re sure you have a floral printed mini dress sitting somewhere in your closet — after all, it’s a summer staple! Pull it out and match it with a blazer made of any luxe fabric. Think silk or velvet — these materials will instantly elevate your style. Channel a Studio 54 vibe when you match the latter with a pair of dancing shoes and ’70s inspired earrings.
Shop the look:
Blazer: Checkered velvet blazer by Zara, S$179
Shoes: Metallic leather strap pumps by Charles & Keith, S$85.90
Bag: Leather belt bag with multi-coloured crystal embellishment details by Saint Laurent, S$2,360
Earrings: Triple star metal drop earrings by Zara, S$29.90
What you have: Maxi dress. What you’ll need: Bling accessories.
Maxi dresses are suitable for all occasions, so if you have one with longer sleeves, your outfit is pretty much covered. Spice it up with a set of bling such as silver drop earrings and go all out with a pair of OTT heels and bag. But make sure they’re fashioned in the same hue to prevent looking as though you’re trying too hard.
Shop the look:
Dress: Multi-coloured striped viscose maxi dress with pom pom details by Zara, S$139
Shoes: Patent leather flame wedge sandals by Prada, US$1,455 (S$2,007), via Matchesfashion
Earrings: Crystal silver-tone drop earrings by Isabel Marant, £385 (S$681), via Net-a-Porter
Bracelet: Square crystal chain bracelet by Saint Laurent, S$730, via Farfetch
Ring: Crystal stack rings (of 3) by Voodoo Jewels, S$413, via Shopbop
What you have: Shirt dress. What you’ll need: Satin/silk pants.
If you rocked the summer in a shirt dress, jazz up this casual daytime dress with a pair of satin or silk pants to make it party-worthy. Slip on some striking heels and carry a bright red bag to make the outfit pop.
Shop the look:
Dress: Denim mandarin-collared shirt dress by A.P.C
Pants: Satin flared trousers by Peter Pilotto, S$1,125, via Brownsfashion
Shoes: Embroidered court heels by Zara, S$89.90
Bag: Knotted top handle satin bag by Mango, S$89.90
Earrings: Textured faux pearl gold-plated drop earrings by Beaufille, £170 (S$302), via Net-a-Porter
What you have: Kaftan. What you’ll need: Statement accessories.
Roomy and comfortable, a kaftan is great for dancing the night away with ease. Yet, it can look frumpy without the appropriate accessories. Flaunt your waistline by cinching it with a thick leather belt. Dress up your look with statement accessories for a bold entrance.
Shop the look:
Dress: Embellished linen kaftan by Vita Kin, S$3,958, via Farfetch
Shoes: Round heel leather mules by Zara, S$119
Bag: Metal box bag with velvet details by Mango, S$59.90
Belt: Glossed and textured leather belt by Isabel Marant, £375 (S$667), via Net-a-Porter
Bracelet: Gold-plated resin cuff with fringe detail by Aurélie Bidermann, £685 (S$1,217), via Net-a-Porter
Earrings: Multi-stone enamel drop earrings by Percossi Papi, £755 (S$1,334), via Net-a-Porter
What you have: Spaghetti strap summer frock. What you’ll need: Metallic shirt.
A spaghetti-strap dress may work fine in the summer heat, but it’s too casual for a party. Transform it instantly by pairing it with a shiny, metallic shirt. Wear it over your dress and tie a knot at your waist for a feminine touch, or layer it under your summer frock for a quirky and interesting look. A pair of crystal embellished pumps will seal the look and add extra class.
Shop the look:
Dress: Printed spaghetti-strap silk midi dress by Réalisation Par, US$210 (S$289)
Shirt: Iridescent crinkled cotton button-down shirt by Sies Marjan, £500 (S$888), via Net-a-Porter
Shoes: Silk-satin pumps with oversized crystal embellished buckle by Manolo Blahnik, S$1,440, via Farfetch
Bag: Velvet mini box clutch bag by Mehry Mu, S$452, via Farfetch
Necklace: Abstract human body motif necklace with faux pearl detail by Bjørg Jewellery, €160 (S$256)
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