Two Ways: Side Panel Dress

Dress: Blue Panel Rib Dress ($75 + 25% off til the 24th)

From Left, Earrings: Brooks Brothers Knot Stud ($48)  Bracelet: C. Wonder Enamel Bangle ($60) Ring: Kenneth Jay Lane Weave Ring ($30) Coat: Lela Rose Silk and Linen Coat ($509) Purse: Raoul Taupe Bag ($454) Belt: Maison Boinet Belt ($160) Shoes: Corso Como Del Pump ($129)

From Right, Coat: Helene Berman Trench ($210) Earrings: Multi-Circle Drops ($375) Purse: Rachel Roy Frame Clutch ($48) Shoes: Trump Halley Heel ($140)

For the Office. When it comes to a statement dress like this one, I like to keep it simple–a basic shoe, a basic bag, a little jewelry.  But for this post, I decided to try a little harder.

I stuck with a nude pump because it’s just the easiest shoe to pair with a dress like this.  These Corso Como shoes are a good choice, but you could also try a grey pump like these shoes from Calvin Klein.  I selected a nude shoe, so I chose this nude flap satchel.  If you need something less expensive, this $75 Melie Bianco satchel is a good substitute.  However, if you choose the dark grey shoes that I linked to above, you need to select a grey purse like this Minkoff Mini-MAB or this gorgeous Brahmin satchel.

I chose the dark teal belt for two reasons: no ring buckle and I wanted a bit of color.  If you need one that is a lot less expensive, try this $3 belt.

As for the rest of the accessories, I chose the knot earrings and the woven ring and then, I added a navy enamel bangle with teal and gold details.

And why the orange coat?  Why not.  I thought it was a bright and fun something extra.  But if it gives you heartburn, try this teal coat from Mossimo.

For the hair, I would wear it loosely pinned up in a low bun.  I would wear a mauve lip color and a rose blush.

For a Dinner Date.  I had a surprisingly tough time concocting a vision for this dress for evening.  Not because it can’t be done, but because I wanted something different from the daytime look, ie. something without nude shoes.  So the second I found these gorgeous strappy sandals, I was all in.  But if you want something a little less shiny, I also loved these Charles David Icon pumps.

I chose the ashy violet clutch because I thought it complemented the dress without distracting from it.  You could also try a coral clutch, if you wanted something brighter, or a green clutch.

How fantastic are these earrings? I love the interlocking circle design.  If you’re looking for something less expensive, try these Gianni Bini earrings or these tri-tone earrings from Macy’s.

As for the coat, I really dig the black leather trim and at $210, it’s not terribly expensive.  If you like the idea of a grey trench but not the price, try this Kenneth Cole coat that’s under-$100.

For the hair, I would wear it wavy and pulled back on the sides into a half-up style.  For the makeup, I would wear black honey lip gloss and a plum blush.