In an effort to mix things up and after all the positive feedback from last week’s massive Under $100 dress roundup, I thought I’d do something fresh and exciting this week. Instead of doing the usual collage in one color scheme, I’m going to start throwing in posts like this that showcase a number of ways to style one item. I did this occasionally in the past (examples here (2012!), here (2012!) and here (2015!)), but never with a budget-friendly focus! I’m hoping these posts will inspire you to get even more wear out of your favorite wardrobe staples and shop your own closet.

This week I thought I’d start with something simple that most people have some version of already: the little black dress. Technically this dress is a midi, but it’s the ideal style for wearing a bunch of ways! Why? Because it doesn’t have sleeves. To make it appropriate for the office or church and keep your shoulders covered, style it with a blazer, trench or cardigan. For travel, style it with sneakers and a jean or utility jacket! Wear it alone for a sexy date night look with heeled sandals… the options are truly endless! In the spirit of this essentials post, I decided to style the dress with other great neutrals and basics you may already have in your closet. I hope you enjoy this new series, and stay tuned for a new One Piece, Four Ways soon!

SHOP THE POST

TOP LEFT: JEAN JACKET // DRESS // HAT // TOTE // SANDALS

TOP RIGHT: TRENCH // DRESS // SHOULDER BAG // SLINGBACK PUMPS // EARRINGS

BOTTOM LEFT: UTILITY JACKET // DRESS // CROSSBODY BAG // SNEAKERS // SUNGLASSES // EARRINGS

BOTTOM RIGHT: CARDIGAN // DRESS // SANDALS // CLUTCH // EARRINGS