One Dress. Three Styles.

One of the best ways to create a bargain chic wardrobe is to utilize a few pieces in mutliple ways. The key is to accessorize. And a lot of the Michael Kors' style rules I've been offering the last few weeks touch on the necessity of accessories -- belts, shoes, jewelry, etc. -- and how they play a vital role in developing one's style. What better way is there to express that than to enhance a simple dress with different accoutrements. You save money, while also looking fabulous chic!

And here's an example. Take a simple affordable dress -- a good length, a good shape, and a fabulous color -- and then change up the accessories. Add a jacket, a necklace, a cute clutch and some great shoes. And viola! Three distinct outfits for all three seasons, and all for a minimal amount of money.

Oh, and by the way, I featured this dress a few weeks back that highlighted another of Michael Kors' rules about dressing for your shape (LINK)

The Dress

 Cue the Compliments dress, ModCloth. $64.99

Three Styles

    

The Yin and Yang of Style

Keeping with the style tip theme of the last couple weeks, here is an essential rules when it comes to developing a personal style of your own.

Michael Kors' Rule #9

Combine covered arms with bare legs; classic trousers with plunging necklines; conservative dresses with an outrageous shoe.

What's great about this rule is that it is pretty versatile. It's taking classic pieces and adding some oomph to them -- and that is basically the essence of style.

Nine West Bezel sandal, Piperlime, $79.99; Polka-dot sweater and miniskirt, Mango, $24.99 for each; Top with waistband, Zara, $35.99; Asymmetric top, Zara, $39.99.

Keep It Simple

Another very simple style rule – number 2 on the Michael Kors’ style  list – is to, well, keep it simple. That is, pick items that are effortless in structure, shape, and color. If you build your style around well-made items – either a more expensively made item or a tailored one – that are classically built and in a neutral color, you can create a foundation for any other look. It’s like a house or a painting or a cocktail – the foundation, the background, and the liquor needs to be constructed well, accentuate the positives, and be top-shelf enough to make a statement. Once you have them all in place, you can add almost anything else to it.

And, so, here we are at Rule #2:

"Buy tailored jackets, coats, dresses, and pants in neutral colors."

There are plenty of budget-friendly stores out there that offer an array of these types of clothes – Ann Taylor, LOFT, Banana Republic, J.Crew, The Limited, just to name a few. And, most department stores carry all sorts of pants, dresses, and jackets to fit almost any size.

The key, however, to getting a tailored fit is to actually get these items tailored. I know it is an added expense, but let me tell you, it is a wonderful feeling when you have something fit your body perfectly. It makes buying an okay-fitting sale item even more special when it is alter just enough so that you feel like you spent triple what you paid. And finding a descent tailor is not that hard or expensive either. The last time I had something altered – two skirts – I believe I paid around $15 for each piece.

In the meantime – while you find a good tailor – here are some almost-tailored-like items that fit Michael Kors’ #2 rule.

 1035 Jacket & Trouser, J.Crew, $240 & $140; Ellen Tracy Cap Sleeve Sheath Dress, Nordstrom, $110; Double-Breasted Raincoat, Zara, $99.90; Kate Spade "Brent" Linen Sheath, Nordstrom, $398 (not very budget-friendly, but probably well-worth it!)

A Guide to Style on a Budget

I recently came across a wonderfully succinct and essential list of style advice from fashion designer Michael Kors. Since a lot of women struggle with figuring out how to dress themselves in a way that enhances their figures and their individuality, I thought it would be a great idea to relay Mr. Kors' nuggets of wisdom -- but with a twist of budget-friendly finds. 

Most of the tips on the list are common sense, body conscience advice that transcend the cost factor, and, thus, can be followed whether you have a Prada budget or an H&M budget. And even those that are more specific can be adapted so frugal-types like myself are able to still look chic and stylish for less.

To start off the series, here is Michael Kors number one style tip:

"Don't put a round peg in a square hole. Buy clothes based on your silhouette: 1950s - hourglass; 1960s - gamine; 1970s - small-chested."

1950s: Cue the Compliments Dress, ModCloth, $64.99 (It's currently out of stock, but you can receive an email reminder when they get more.) 1960s: Twin Palms, Shabby Apple, $62. 1970s: Sikuli Diamond Dress, Anthropologie, $168.