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Knowing how to dress for a night out after a certain age raises a fair share of challenges, especially during the holidays. With office parties, out-of-office parties, New Year’s Eve plans, and everything in between, stressing over what to wear is just as much a December tradition as red Starbucks cups.
The hard part is hitting that uncertain balance of ego-boosting and sophisticated — you don’t want to look stuffy, but you also don’t want to look like an Instagram model. But most importantly, you want to make sure you’re not spending money on something that’ll only get a few wears out of (otherwise known as a waste of money.) And you still want to feel like you.
To help you justify that pricey crop top or flashy pair of heels, we’ve rounded up five versatile pieces that work just as well on a dark dance floor as they do at your Monday through Friday gig and Saturday brunch. See each piece styled three ways below.
The Item: A Statement Skirt
Club Monaco Camari Beaded Skirt, $269. Shop similar: Forever 21 Studded Faux Leather Skirt, $19.80
For a night out: Topshop Metal Long Sleeve Crop Top ($50), Alexis Gamblin Betty Sandal (call for price), Emm Kuo Augustin Crossbody Bag ($625).
For the weekend: Topshop Moto Oversized Denim Jacket ($85), Topshop shirt, Aldo Fresa Boots ($130).
For work: Guess Oki Piped Shirt ($70), Topshop Crisp Tailored Button Down ($40).
The Item: A Cool Blazer
Etro blazer, available at Saks. Shop similar: ASOS Embellished Front Blazer, $165.36.
For a night out: H&M Sheer-Body Suit ($34), Lane Bryant Cross-Zone Uplift Bra ($20), Cushnie et Ochs Knit Pencil Skirt ($595).
For the weekend: H&M Cotton T-Shirt ($13), Emm Kuo Augustin Crossbody Bag ($625), BCBG Stone Earrings ($58), Alexis Gamblin sandals.
For work: BCBG Stone Elastic Waist Belt ($68), ASOS Curve Embellished Bodice Maxi Dress ($128), Aldo Polesia High Heel Sandals ($60).
The Item: A Standout Dress
Mary Katrantzou dress, $1,320. Shop similar: Kate Spade Scallop Stripe Knit Dress, $378.
For a night out: Alexis Gamblin heels.
For the weekend: Erickson Beamon Future Shock Earrings ($330), Topshop Velvet Embroidered Bomber Jacket ($130), Aldo Fresa Boots ($130), Lili Radu Box Bag ($519).
For work: OAK LA Rider Jacket ($480), Stylist’s own hosiery, Aldo Mathia Boots ($125), Berge Woven Leather Belt ($89).
The Item: Edgy Crop Top
Alexander Wang bustier, $198. Shop similar: River Island Longline Bustier, $18.50.
For a night out: Paskal Polka Dot Top ($265), Topshop Black Jamie Jeans ($75), Aldo Polesia High Heel Sandals ($60), Il Était Un Fil Pouch ($235), BCBG Stone Tassel Earrings ($58).
For the weekend: Marciano Cosmia Bomber Jacket ($198), Lane Bryant pants, Aldo Mathia Boots ($125), Suncoo Zebra Bucket Bag ($208).
For a day at work: Marciano Birds of a Feather Blouse ($138), By Malene Birger Metallic Ribbed Knit Skirt ($375).
The Item: A Flashy Heel
Alexis Gamblin shoes, $555. Shop similar: Aldo Elivia High Heel Sandals, $60.
For a night out: ASOS Curve Wrap Pencil Dress ($46), BCBG Portia Feather-Trim Clutch ($198) Alexis Gamblin heels.
For the weekend: H&M Cotton T-Shirt ($13), Blank Denim Suede Moto Jacket ($198), Topshop Jamie Jeans ($75), BCBG Hook Bracelet ($40).
For a day at work: One by Stylekeepers One Shoulder Poplin Top ($98), Vilshenko Claire Embroidered Skirt ($865).
Creative director: Brenda Milis. Photographer: Felix Wong. Market editor: Tanisha Pina. Stylist: Amarsana Gendunova for Wilhelmina Artists. Stylist assistant: Carson Hall. Hair: Paul Warren. Makeup: Holly Gowers using Caudalie. Model: Chloe Vero at Jag Models. Market intern: Robyn Mowatt. Photo assistantiIntern: Nneoma Ajiwe.