One Dress, Four Ways

For many, fashion is a way to channel their creativity and personality. When I think of fashion, I think of always wanting to be “on trend” but also wear pieces that work well with my body and make me feel good. Trends are constantly changing, and for that reason, “fast fashion” has become everyone’s go-to to ensure they have the most trendy pieces in their closet.

I have been challenging myself to shop my own closet and get creative in putting outfits together. I am also trying to become more conscious when purchasing new items about where those items are being purchased.

That’s when the idea for this blog post was born: “One Dress, Four Ways.”

I wanted to pick items that, if not all of us, most of us can find in our closets. Items that are timeless. Staples that can be worn in different ways throughout the year without having to buy “fast fashion” items.

Disclaimer: You can recreate these looks with any dress you have in your closet.  I challenge you to get creative with it and have fun!

Outfit #1

Black dress, jean jacket, tennies, everyday jewelry (usually studs, apple watch, simple chain necklace), and a fanny pack.

Need a quick outfit to get out the door but still look put together? This outfit is flattering, comfortable, and will work with all body types. You can wear this to get groceries, go to the zoo with your kids, have a coffee date with your husband/friends, and the list goes on.

Outfit #2

Black dress, favorite sweater, booties, add your favorite gold hoops, and chain necklace.

This outfit would be perfect for a more “formal” occasion. Not that we have a ton of events to attend (thanks, COVID), but perhaps you have a small dinner party event, evening out with your husband/friends, or a work event you need to attend.

Outfit #3

Black dress, long sweater, tall boots and add your favorite gold hoops, and chain necklace.

Similar to the last outfit, this outfit allows you to elevate your look for any evening event. Since evenings in Albuquerque can get a little chilly, tall boots can help keep your legs warm while looking fabulous! Want to go take cute pictures? This would be a great option! Want to go check out local wineries? This outfit screams, “Give me all the wine!”

Outfit #4

Black dress, faux leather jacket, high heels, add your favorite statement earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I am feeling a little “extra.” Nowadays, going out to dinner is about the only going out we are doing, which doesn’t happen very often (at all). But when we go out to dinner, I like to take it up a notch.

Make this outfit a little extra by wearing a heel, earrings that stand out, and stack up the necklaces and bracelets laying around in your jewelry box. Even though you need to wear a mask when out in public, you can also add a bold red lip and perhaps a cat-eye. It’s all about doing what makes you feel good!

I had so much fun putting these looks together and shooting these pictures around pretty cool murals in Albuquerque. Shout-out to my sisters for contributing to this by taking pictures and making sure I didn’t look crazy. Truth be told, I really dislike taking pictures alone. I feel so awkward, but I’m slowly working through it. And lastly, shout-out to my amazing husband for being my biggest cheerleader!

Originally published March 2021.

The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ABQ Mom, its executive team, other contributors to the site, its sponsors or partners, or any organizations the aforementioned might be affiliated with.