Party Plaid: Green Checkered Dress, Studded Western Belt, Black Leather Motorcycle Jacket, White Manolo Blahnik BB Pumps, Crystal Fringe Earrings and Prada Mini Saffiano Leather Satchel

Holiday parties continue and so do the holiday looks.

Getting a new dress/outfit every time you receive an invitation to another holiday party is totally unsustainable, so finding ways to make the items you already own “party appropriate” is critical during this time of year.

At the end of the summer, I made one of my best recent purchases – a green tartan a-line midi dress from Zara that I knew could transition from end of Spring through Winter if I styled it correctly.  Since its purchase, I’ve worn the dress so many times and in so many ways – to work with a black blazer, on the weekend with a pair of sneakers and a denim jacket and most recently, to a holiday party at the Bryant Park Grill.  I know…you’re skeptically thinking –  “How can a checkered dress be as versatile as an LBD?” –  but I assure you that it can be and I’m so excited this pretty little thing is still available (link below).  Here’s how I styled the dress for last week’s holiday party.

For my midweek business and/or cocktail attire event, I decided to pair the green tartan a-line midi dress with some unconventional accessories and pieces.  First, I created a more defined waistline with an edgy studded black leather belt (sizing tip: the dress runs a bit large, I purchased a small).  To be festive,  I wore my favorite pair of crystal fringe earrings.  For shoes, I pushed the limits with a pair of  bright white Manolo Blahnik BB pumps.  Finally, I threw on a black leather motorcycle jacket, carried a Prada mini saffiano leather black satchel that I wore with its alternate red and green strap (how perfect for the holidays), wore a two-toned Omega watch and classic black cat eye sunglasses (after all, a good outfit should not be over-accessorized – these classic pieces offer the perfect balance).

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Tartan can be very traditional, but pairing it with fresh, unconventional pieces will make the look truly unique.
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Whoever said that your shoes and bag must match was wrong!
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Classic white pumps are a sure way to make your outfit stand out.
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Crystal fringe earrings are the perfect holiday accessory.
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The red and green alternate strap to my Prada Mini Saffiano Satchel is perfect for the holidays!
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Just a few black leather elements to give this tartan dress some edge.
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A nice belt at the natural waist is great for every silhouette, especially a-line dresses.
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Doesn’t get more fabulous than a pair of white Manolo Blahnik BB Pumps.
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Upon arrival, I checked the jacket for a sleeveless look.
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Mixing classics and modern to create something unique.
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I just love this checkered print and green is totally my color this season.
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All smiles heading out to see old friends and colleagues.
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The wide, slightly draped neckline is perfectly feminine and professional.

 

– S H O P  M Y  L O O K –

Dress | Zara Checkered Dress || Earrings | Bebe, similar styles here, here and here || Belt | Urban Outfitters, similar styles here, here and here || Shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB Pumps || Sunglasses | YSL Kate Cat-Eye Sunglasses || Jacket | Zara, similar styles here, here and here || Watch | Omega DeVille Prestige || Bag | Prada Mini Saffiano Leather Double Zip Satchel

Photography | Stephanie Poulos

Location | New York, New York

LOVE – M.Y.

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