How to be an "After 5" Diva on a "9 to 5" Dime

You're a mover and a shaker and have found yourself on every invite list for the hottest cocktail parties, black tie events, and local fundraisers. To complicate matters, your social network has expanded to include other event A- listers who move in your same circle. How do you possibly attend all of these formal events and continue to look fabulous without breaking the bank? Following these simple steps will ensure that you have some money left in your little evening clutch and still look "fashion fierce."

1. Never EVER wait to the last minute to get your outfit together. Do your shopping early and often. Hit the clearance racks of the evening wear departments in major department stores and boutiques at the end of the season and start building an after 5 wardrobe. If you wait until the last minute you are likely to spend top dollar for something you may not be 100% satisfied with. My motto: a woman should always be prepared to accept a last minute invitation.

2. If you are on a limited budget, choose cocktail and evening dresses that are classic pieces and in classic colors. First build your wardrobe with dark colors: black, navy, and wine. Leave anything really dramatic or bright (e.g. red or hot pink) in the store. Why? Because you want to be able to wear these dresses to multiple events without it being obviously noticeable. If you wear a dramatic red dress to more than one event and you move in the same circle of people, it WILL look like you are wearing the same red dress.

3. Make sure you buy multiple pieces of jewelry to match each dress you own. For example, for a simple black dress, purchase chunky gold and silver jewelry. If you have extra money, throw in some pearls (lots of pearls at varying lengths - faux is ok) and clear or colored crystals. And make sure each set of jewelry is stylistically different. If you buy a gold set with a chunky necklace and simple post earrings, buy the silver set with long chandelier earrings and a cuff bracelet. Keep in mind you do want your jewelry to be statement pieces so they should be dramatic. This way, when you have to wear the same dress to multiple events, the focus will be on your jewelry and not on your dress. Diversity is key for camouflaging that you may be recycling dresses.

4. Purchase multiple wraps, scarves or other pieces that can go over your dresses in different colors and textures. If you love pins, work them Michelle Obama style. Add one to the dress alone or be creative and drape your wrap around the dress and use the pin as an accent piece. Pins can add pizzazz to a simple dress or wrap and make it look completely different. (Just don't overdo it!)

Have a special event to attend and need additional advice? Don't hesitate to contact me at adrienne@psiloveyoullc.com.