MCLV Style: One Piece – Two Ways

An important sartorial skill, especially if you’re a frequent traveler like I am, is making individual pieces in your wardrobe serve multiple purposes. It takes a certain amount of creativity to look at a garment and envision it working equally well in two drastically different outfits. But trust me, it’s a skill that’s worth cultivating. Not only will it allow you to be more creative and stretch your existing wardrobe, it’ll give you more room in your bags for accessories when you travel.

Today I want to show you two fun looks that can be created using with a simple patterned wrap dress. This is the type of piece that you should definitely have in your wardrobe – a wrap dress is extremely versatile and can be worn for many occasions, from a work event to dinner out on the town to over a swimsuit on vacation.

One dress. Two vastly different looks.

{Patterned Wrap Dress – Asos.com, Portfolio Clutch – Asos.com, Peep Toe Sling-Backs – Franco Sarto, Jackie O Sunglasses – Christian Dior, Gold Bangle – H&M, and Gold & Black Pendant - JewelMint}

During the day keep your accessories and extras minimal and let the patterned frock take center stage. Here a sleek, oversized portfolio clutch is the focus, with a gold pendant and bangles for a little color, and simple peep-toe sling backs to finish off the look.

{Patterned Wrap Dress – Asos.com, Studded Cross-Body Bag - Halston Heritage, Black Cropped Blazer – Aqua from Bloomingdale’s, Chainlink Necklace – BCBG, Amethyst Art Deco Ring - JewelMint, and Vintage Chainlink Watch}

{Click the hyperlinks above to shop similar pieces, or check out this look on Lookbook.nu or ASOS Fashion Finder}

Then you can add some drama and change-up the extras to take this breezy daytime look into a nighttime-appropriate outfit. Add a cropped jacket, over-the-shoulder handbag, killer heels, and some high-octane jewelry and you’re ready to go.

Are you a fan of wrap dresses? Have you tried styling one for two dramatically different events like this before? What’s the most versatile piece in your wardrobe?