With holiday party season behind us (and a few months until wedding season starts up again), there’s a whole segment of our wardrobes that sits all but idle in our closets, potentially for months. It hardly seems fair: the most fun and festive items only come out to play for a limited number of occasions. Shouldn’t the pieces that put us in the best moods — and make the most lasting impression — get more time in the spotlight? Of course they should. And now is as good a time as any.
Rather than wait for an invitation to bust out our reception-ready best, it’s high time to start letting our special faves see the light of day. So how exactly does one bring pieces like sequin frocks, embellished heels, metallic pants and sheer skirts into the regular rotation? First, study how the experts do it. While jet-setting to fashion shows and events may not be part of everyone’s usual itinerary, there is plenty of IRL outfit inspiration to be had from the street style set that includes getting more mileage out of party pieces. Hint: It’s all about layering.
Ready to get this year off to a celebratory start? Click through for 10 ways to wear those special occasion styles long after the party is over.
[ Next: 23 Ways to Wear Your Dressiest Pieces All Day Long ]
Party Pieces
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Party Pieces #1
The Gilded Age? It's whenever you want it to be. Cozy up metallic pants with oversized knits and sock boots in neutral tones.
Image: Imaxtree
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Party Pieces #2
Yes, that sparkly dress you wish you could wear all the time actually works over a sweatshirt. Adding polished daytime accessories like leopard pumps and a fringe bag help strike that just-right dressed up/dressed down balance.
Image: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
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Party Pieces #3
An intricate statement skirt just needs a Fair Isle sweater and OTK boots to go from night to day.
Image: Imaxtree
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Party Pieces #4
There are few fashion conundrums a moto jacket can't solve. Throwing the style staple over your lacy party dress makes for an instantly versatile edgy-meets-feminine look.
Image: Imaxtree
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Party Pieces #5
Take your party shoes out for a spin — before 5:00 p.m. Paired with socks and a playful day dress, crystal embellished heels are more fun than your average footwear.
Image: Imaxtree
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Party Pieces #6
Dresses over pants are the Spring 2018 styling trick that's about to be everywhere. So go ahead and break out that silky, floaty frock — then throw it over jeans.
Image: Imaxtree
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Party Pieces #7
If you jumped on the glittery boot trend, get your money's worth by slipping them on with long, textured layers.
Image: Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images
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Party Pieces #8
Rock your cocktail dress well before happy hour by layering it over a sleek turtleneck.
Image: Imaxtree
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Party Pieces #9
Add a little elegance to your athleisure look by opting for a jewel-toned velvet bag rather than the standard daytime fare.
Image: Christian Vierig/Getty Images
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Party Pieces #10
Sheer is very much on tap for Spring 2018, so that ethereal dress you reserve for invitation-only affairs will get new life under a tailored blazer.
Image: Imaxtree
