In this economy, and hey, in this age of sustainable living practices and eco-awareness, isn’t it just better to go second hand in your own closet rather than buying a new piece or even a vintage one? Make do with less, it’s greener!

I saw this tip on Glamour Mag’s Slaves to Fashion blog, and I thought, damn! if I don’t have like 6-7 party frocks and cocktail dresses I can’t wear anywhere but a wedding! What should I do with those? AHA, WARDROBE REMIX.

WELL! Check out Miss Serena van der Woodsen in this photo preview from the set of Gossip Girl Season 4 (in Paris!):

Credit. Glamour.com

Credit: People.com

Of course Leighton Meester looks great, in her playful, kicky dress with opposing prints and her tres Parisienne beret. But I don’t have a frock like that in my closet, and if I did, I couldn’t just wear it on the street.

The Jewel here is Blake Lively’s gear. She’s wearing a blinged-out cocktail dress in a delicate peach rose under a boyfriend blazer and cheeky fedora, finished off with brogues. The roguish masculinity of the hat, shoes and blazer balance out the shining diva-ness of the dress.

Here’s a full length of the dress, worn by J. Lo in April to a US Weekly Hollywood party:

Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage, via Glamour.com

The secret to remixing a cocktail dress is to keep the other elements more on the masculine and simple side, no fussy bracelets or crazy necklaces, since the dress is enough of a statement. You want the rest of your outfit to downplay the femininity and occasion of the dress, so that you can wear your dress out the door without being out of element to the point of being ridiculous.

When in doubt, just say this to yourself: “Keep it simple, stupid.”

What a great idea. I think this makes at least a good handful of great outfits in my closet from all those twice-worn cocktail dresses I’ve worn to our friends’ weddings.

What do you think? Do you have any other suggestions for how to remix a piece in your wardrobe? I’m all ears!

Source: Slaves to Fashion (Glamour.com blog)

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