Although I’m not a “party person”, I’m a big fan of getting ready for parties. I love to put on a great play list and dance around while curling my hair and doing my makeup. In fact, my friends tease that I spend more time getting ready for an event than I actually spend AT said event. (I’m known for sneaking out of parties “fashionably early”.) However, no matter how much I love getting ready for parties, sometimes finding the right holiday party dress takes even longer. Sometimes it’s hard to find what you’re looking for. Other times, you just don’t want to buy something new. Right now, I’m all about accessorizing the basics, and I’m a big fan of creating a custom look.

Today I’m sharing four different ways to style a plain dress you probably already have in your closet. Of course I’m showing different ways to accessorize a plain black dress, but the same principles apply to any color dress of your choosing. Plus, since most of these items are from stores like Amazon, White House Black Market, and Target, you can even get them on short notice.

Statement Necklace

First, a simple way to spice up a plain dress is with a statement necklace. Not only is it a fun way to accessorize, but it’s also a great way to add some color, sparkle, and general pizazz to a simple LBD. Although you could wear just any necklace, I think this is one place where more is more. In order to create that “wow factor”, you need to add a really big necklace. Honestly I really love the Amazon options in the carousel for this one, but found some great ones at Target too (the Target pieces have gray backgrounds in the carousel).

Sassy Shoes / Shoe Clips

Of course one of my favorite ways to spice up a holiday party dress is with an amazing pair of shoes. Plus, since we’re styling a plain dress, the opportunities are endless! There are glitter shoes, sequin shoes, animal print shoes, and of course more traditional satin shoes. Although sometimes winter weather doesn’t always cooperate with my fancier shoe choices, I don’t think you can ever go wrong with a great patent leather pump.

However, if you don’t want to spend a bunch of money on a flashy pair of shoes, all you need is a pair of shoe clips. Shoe clips are one of my absolute favorite accessories because they are inexpensive, stylish, and easy. For example, all you need is a plain pair of pumps and you can add rhinestoned clips, satin ribbon clips, or even feather pom pom clips and create so many different looks. Not only that, but shoe clips look just as amazing on flats! So if you’re a “flats only” kinda gal, you can still spice up your flats too.

Fun Stockings/Tights/Pantyhose

If you’ve spent any time on Instagram lately, I’m sure you’ve seen your favorite bloggers rocking printed tights. Especially this particular Gucci pair (found here for $85). In the past 5 years, I can remember only one year that our weather was above freezing for my office holiday party. However, tights and stockings make for a fantastic way to accessorize and customize your holiday party dress and stay warm at the same time. And there’s just something about a cute pair of patterned tights that makes such a great statement. I’m kind of in love with the rhinestoned pair from Amazon in the above pic. Although I will say, my one rule when wearing pantyhose is that you MUST wear close toed shoes or it looks weird.

Fur Cuffs

Last but not least, we have my latest winter accessory obsession – removable “fur” cuffs. When I first saw these little guys, I thought they were the weirdest thing ever. However, after trying them on, I totally fell in love. Maybe it’s the part of me that feels like I should be living life in a floor length robe and marabou shoes, but these fur cuffs are my new favorite winter accessory. They instantly add such an elegant and “finishing” touch to any top, sweater, or dress. Although I usually would choose the black cuffs, I really wanted to try the more “natural fur” color with my simple black dress so you could really see the cuffs. And I have to admit, I actually prefer the lighter color!

Overall, I love these different ways to create a custom holiday party dress with such minimal effort. Especially when you already have a basic dress you love and feel great wearing but just want to spice it up a little. In fact, you could even combine some of these ideas into some amazing standout looks. (Ok, just maybe not all of them at the same time. That might be a bit much.) But no matter what you decide to wear, you’re sure to be a showstopper if your look is half as great as your sparkling personality!

XOXO,
Tiffany

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