If you’re like me, these in-between seasons bits on the year may make for confusing mornings getting ready for work (too early in the season for turtlenecks/cords/tweed??).  The not-so Fall weather in New York City this year has made it extra confusing.  I haven’t even had to break out my winter coat yet!  While I hope it does not mean December will bring a record chill, it has helped me carry a few of my summer pieces into the chillier Fall months.

1. Layering: The easiest way to get more mileage out of those lighter fabrics is to layer, layer, layer. Some essential layering items include cardigans, t-shirts, blazers, and those gorgeous little summer tanks and camis you thought you’d miss all winter.
2. Leggings & Tights: Think of this as an addendum to the layering rule.  Florals are very in this season, and a great way to bring your cotton skirts into the colder months is with leggings and opaque tights.  Tights are also so hot with open-toed this year, so you can continue wearing those (well, until your toes get too cold!).
3. Splurge on a Statement Coat: While you generally want to buy as little as possible in this economy, a great way to update your look is with a coat that makes a statement.  Nothing is worse than ratty outerwear!  The most people will probably see of you is in your winter coat.  If you already have a great coat, some great updates include a great patterned scarf, a brooch, or updating your buttons.  The Double-cloth Lady Day Coat from J.Crew comes in basic colors to modern brights and is sure to punch up your winter wardrobe.
4. Dress Up Your Classics With Accessories: Some basic wardrobe pieces for winter are cardigans. This season, cardigans are everywhere, both classic and with embellishments such as ruffles and beading.  These extra details can be expensive, but you can get this look with your existing classics.  Like with a statement coat, a scarf, brooch or new buttons can make a huge difference.  Layering a great simple cardi with a trendier ruffled blouse (try to avoid ruffles on ruffles, too), or adding a great belt in a punch of color or a great print, like J.Crew’s Cheetah calf-hair belt (left).   Another trendy favorite is adding a fantastic necklace to your wardrobe, like the Nouveau Gem Necklace (pictured right) also by J.Crew (J.Crew is just a great place for classic looks).  Pieces like this also work great with basic turtleneck sweaters for a simple, classic, stylish look.
5. Resole or re-heel last year’s boots: A lot of boots are just classic and can work from year to year.  A good idea is to update last year’s boots by getting them polished and resoled. Last year I got a great pair of knee-high boots by Dolce Vita.  They need some fixing-up on the heels, but I’d be so sad if I had to find a new pair instead!
   

The season for holiday parties is just beginning and the question that’s most often on my mind is, “What am I going to wear?”  The threat that someone may see me in the same dress twice (Oh, the horror!) means I’m on the hunt for options that are both stylish, sexy, and economical.

I like Guess? by Marciano lately for fun and flirty party dresses.  I just picked up the Nambi Corset Dress and the Crista Dress for girls’ nights out.  They have just the right amount of sex appeal.  My philosophy is too never show too much all at once.  No mini skirts with maxi cleavage!

One of my classic go-tos is J.Crew.  Classic just sums it up.  J.Crew has everything from day dresses to wedding dresses and a wide array of party dresses and even bridesmaid dresses.  From fun prints and designs that look one-of-a-kind to simple cotton dresses with great sheen in a lot of colors, J.Crew has it all.  This season I am picking up their cotton cady Sydney dress in Cypress or Spiced Wine.  What I like about this dress is that it can go from day to night.  You can wear this to a daytime wedding or even to work with some great tights and a jacket or sweater.  With the sheen of the cotton, it transitions easily to date night, parties, and even wedding attire (they also make great bridesmaid dresses).

Another place I adore for party dresses is White House | Black Market.  They have lovely sophisticated dresses at reasonable prices (usually under $200).  Most of their products are obviously black and white, but these are easy-to-work-with party staples.  My current favorite is a strapless floral dress with a bow on it. I could wear this one out or to a wedding – it’s very versatile.

What I really love to do, is to go with a great stand-out color or print when considering a party dress.  While the LBD (Little Black Dress) is always a chic choice, it gets boring to go to every party in black!  Why not show your personality with something fun?

This season Express has some great finds.  My favorite is the sleeveless tube dress that comes in both black and Fantasia Blue.  I love it in black (pictured), but for some fun, why not try the blue?  It’s bright without being too electric and is sure to get you some positive attention.  The best part?  It’s only $79, so why not get both colors?

What do you look for in a party dress?  Do you stick with LBDs or do you like to throw on something red or with a bold print once in a while?

So now that I’ve got most of my parties all planned… all I have to do is find some matching shoes!