New Year's Eve 2011: Strapless Dress

Dress: Gold Jacquard Dress ($60)

Left Side, Earrings: Lolly Earring ($31) Belt: Suniva Belt ($58) Bag: Pour La Victoire Paneled Clutch ($225) Shoe: DvF Davis Shoe ($132)

Right Side, Earrings: Gala Emerald Drops ($70) Ring: Emerald Coloured Cocktail Ring ($40) Clutch: Pleat Front Bag ($12) Shoes: Ivanka Trump Nami Pumps ($110)

This week, instead of doing Three Ways to wear each item, I thought I would do two.  It saves me a bit of time, but it also gives you some insight into how you can style a single piece different ways.  For this dress, I chose to style it for a classic, vintage look and also for a more modern look that mixes color and texture.

Rockin’ New Year’s Eve. I love mixing metals.  For this look, I mixed the dress’s gold hues with pewter for a sophisticated look that is very of-the-moment.  I used a beaded belt from Anthropologie to emphasize the waistline of the dress and start off our mixed-metals look.  Then, I added a pewter sandal from DvF with a gold heel to keep up with the blending (Yes, you’ve seen these shoes on CHS before.  However, they were $330 then, and they’re $132 now. So I thought that I’d spread the good news of savings across the land.)

In addition to the shoes and the belt, I added a slightly-art deco clutch in pewter and gold and a pair of drop earrings in the same palette.  With the exception of the clutch, everything in the look is under-$150, because single occasion outfits should be kind to the wallet.  Otherwise, you end up with a closet full of nothing to wear.  I also considered adding a leather jacket to the mix, but that’s a matter of personal preference.

As for hair and makeup, I’d wear my hair pinned up into a high bun or a messy side hairdo.  You could also add a few twists or braids for texture.  I’d also wear a deep, berry-colored lip, a gentle pink cheek and a smokey eye.

A Glamorous Celebration. For a look that would be perfect for an old Hollywood starlet, I’ve mixed vintage-inspired accessories in emerald hues.  Obviously, I’m still in love with the drop earrings from a few weeks ago.  I also added a cocktail ring to compliment them.  If you wanted to do bracelets, I would recommend thin silver or crystal bangles.  You could also do a necklace, but sometimes, I think perfectly exfoliated collar bones look better than jewels.

The pleated green bag in satin is another vintage throwback.  Add a sparkly D’Orsay-style pump (in an ankle-friendly 2.75 inches), and you’re prepared to dance the night away. 

For this look, I would suggest a bright red lip.  My favorite shades of classic red are MAC Ruby Woo and Chanel Gabrielle.  I would also try the makeup look from last week to add a bit of sparkle and dramatic eyeliner. 

As for hairstyle, I would do loose finger waves ala Veronica Lake. You could also add a small, rhinestone barrette if you wanted added sparkle.  If you’re set on wearing your hair up, I suggest a classic low chignon.