Stretch Your Special Occasion Dollars

I'm attending a 50th anniversary party next weekend, but I'm not worried about buying a new outfit. I'll just rework something I already own in my closet (something I am ridiculously good at doing.) My shopaholic days have been gone about as long as my wrinkle-free forehead. Instead, I have become a master at buying smart.

Here are my tips for stretching your special occasion budget to cover all your events with ease:

• Buy separates – I love the versatility of separates, so I tend to have three or four dressy tops (silk, velvet, etc.) that can work with different dressy pants and skirts. You can even buy a dressy suit and mix it up with different tops, wear it with or without the jacket or switch out pants and skirts. The best way to get mileage out of dressy separates is to stick with solid key pieces in the same shade (black is a no-brainer); add special tops in prints and colors or add in novelty pieces like sequined cardigans or jackets for your dressiest special occasions.
• Little black dress – There's a very good reason we all love the little black dress so much: it's indispensable for special occasions. I have several in my closet that are fairly basic, but they work for almost every party, wedding or occasion that I need to attend. If you are buying a little black dress, stick with fabrics like jersey or a fine wool that can be season spanning (linen or velvet are too season-specific to be truly versatile).
• Cheap accessories – I have a special fondness for cheap accessories. As much as I love the real stuff, nothing beats having some really fun accessories to dress up a special occasion outfit. You can pick up sequined or satin clutches for a song at stores like Target. And you can buy cubic zirconia cocktail rings (a huge one is a wonderful style statement) at any department store. Same with oversized faux diamond earrings and necklaces. Have some fun with your special occasion accessories: try an armful of gold-colored rhinestone bracelets or chandelier earrings with faux stones.
• Try secondhand – Secondhand clothing stores are a great way to find gently used clothing. Because special occasion clothing is rarely used as much as work clothing, you can find a used dress for a steal.
• Repurpose daytime clothes – Remember when Sharon Stone shook up the design world by wearing a Gap Tshirt with a couture ballskirt? I love the high-low concept. Take a simple white shirt, flip up the collar, add some oversized pearls, a pretty belt, great heels and dressy black pencil skirt or pants and you've got a look that could go to any cocktail party. Items like lace or satin camisoles that go under your work suit can come out for evening or work under softer pieces like a pretty cardigan.

More on Dressing for Special Occasions:

• Updated Your Dressy Look
• Why You Can't Wear White to a Wedding
• Best Dresses for Over 40
• What to Wear for Every Special Occasion