If desiring to make a dress more appropriate for work with a business casual dress code, consider adding some business wear separates as finishing touches. Pair a dress with formal, closed shoes and add a blazer for a polished look. Keep jewelry to a minimum and style hair appropriate for work. Complete the outfit with a briefcase or handbag to coordinate with the conservative shoes.

The same look can be modified for an after work, casual meeting. Remove the blazer, take the same dress and pair it with some informal shoes and natural stone accessories. Add a handbag made of straw, fabric or one that features the same stone accents as your necklace or earrings. If desired, coordinate the shoes with the dress by adding a belt and matching hair accessory to look semiformal for a dinner meeting, or choose a sweater with sleeves pushed up for a more casual look.

When attending a more formal dinner, the same dress can be the basis for the evening’s attire. Accessorize the outfit with strappy sandals or heels, eye catching jewelry and a shawl. Hair can be styled in an updo and accessorized with faux jewelled accents designed to coordinate with shoes and earrings. A smaller handbag featuring jewelled accents or gold/silver tones can help add formality to the overall look.

Transitioning dresses from season to season is a bit more difficult than day to evening makeovers, but for most dresses, is still possible. If looking to wear a lighter weight dress during the winter, consider adding a winter blazer for extra warmth. Insulation can also be achieved by wearing foundational garments underneath the dress. Coordinating footwear can consist of boots or darker, closed toe shoes. Complete the look with warm tones of gold or wintry silver jewelry for accents, depending on the blazer’s buttons.

If looking to take the same premise and modify it for warmer weather, most dresses can transition into the spring and possibly beyond. In order to keep the body cooler, start off by wearing foundational garments made of natural fibers. This will help absorb any moisture and keep the dress looking crisp and fresh. Coverage can be achieved by adding a lightweight or crocheted sweater. During the warmer months, on the body accessories should be kept to a minimum and should be smaller in size. A coordinating headband or accent scarf can be worn in the hair. Finish off the look with sandals or light colored shoes to appear seasonally styled.

While not every dress can work for every occasion or season, women can stretch their shopping budgets by investing in several quality dresses and coordinating seasonal accessories. When choosing a dress to wear from season to season or day to night, be sure to take into consideration what would be appropriate for each time or event and which accessories would work best to complete the outfit’s overall presentation. Be sure to follow manufacturer’s care and cleaning recommendations to help extend the life of your dress from season to season.