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It's a cornerstone of our philosophy here at Your Style Vault, buy pieces you can wear multiple ways in multiple seasons. And to many kinds of functions. A great dress can achieve this for you, and Tina's showing us how to wear one dress three ways this holiday season.

Tina, here.

This is like a same song different verse post. You know me if you know I can wear the same pieces over and over again, and I still get asked, "Is that new?" To which I laugh and say, "Goodness, no! This old thing? I've had it for years!" It's because I've mastered the mix and match approach to dressing.

Here's Exhibit A, my aubergine sheath.

This is how I wear it in spring, with a white denim jacket. And here's how I'll wear it this winter, especially through the holidays.

A winter white coat can make all the difference. But I have a few other tricks up my sleeves.

 

When buying a sheath, there are several tests it must pass through:

1. Can I wear it in at least three seasons?

With this aubergine sheath, I can.

If it were velvet or heavy wool or lightweight linen, the answer would be no, but it's a knit. The color works well in all 4 seasons, with the right accessories.

It's sleeveless which means I can add or remove layers depending on the temp, like this cardigan for a good daytime or casual professional look.

2. Can I dress it up or down?

Sure can.

It's all in the shoes, wraps, and jewelry. Which instantly gives it that party-ready / after work drop-by appropriateness without having to run home and change.

Here's another great tip we're always reminding our clients of, and you've seen us demonstrate it here on the blog, too: carry in your larger daytime tote a dressier pair of heels and a fun little clutch you can change into for an easy day to evening wardrobe change. You can do this in the car. And don't forget to touch up your lipstick!

3. Is it classic enough that I can wear it for years, but a blank slate to which I can add a few trendy accessories to update it each season?

Yep, it's a classic shape (a sheath) and a flattering color that is always "in" and a good backdrop for interesting add-ons.

Here's my evening rendition of the sheath. I changed into my fancy heels and added a little silk topper, and my clutch.

Here's another take on day to evening with a sheath. Notice even my toppers are neutral so I can wear them with multiple dresses or skirts.

Jewelry and clutches are such a great way to give your staples a fresh lift.

How bout one more casual look, perhaps for a school function or girlfriend get-together?

A belted cardigan is one of my favorite ways to change up a dress.

Boots are generally considered more casual than dressy, perfect for a pulled-together look without over-dressing. But who ever said being overdressed was a crime?

One more tip to take with you:

If your dress or blouse gapes at the front, have your seamstress sew it together with a little piece of thread, so you're not worried about exposing yourself. (Thank you Krissy for the demo!)

Insiders, you can shop a similar multi-use dress inside the Vault (same color, and in petite and plus-size too!), in our December Must-Haves, and I just added a whole new shoppable collection with outfits based on wearing your dress multiple ways this holiday!

Merry, merry!

Tina