University offers many a night out, but supplying an amazing outfit each time isn’t so easy. As much as we’d all like to break the bank and buy a new outfit every time, it’s just not possible on a student budget. Instead, it’s best to find one brilliant dress that you can dress up in a number of different ways to create a show stopping look every time.
It’s tempting to go straight for the current trends and go for loud, attention-grabbing designs. However, to bring longevity to your outfit it’s best to go basic and add to it. It is less recognisable and depending on how you dress it creates a different look each time.
A great style to get you through many a night out is the three quarter sleeve bodycon. It’s classic, smart and sexy. There is a version of this dress everywhere, but one of the best takes on the style is Topshop’s puff shoulder bodycon at £32. With shoulder pads and ruched shoulder detail; it reflects the power dressing of the eighties and is flattering to arms. Bodycon can be tricky to pull off, but if your worried there is no shame in wearing body contouring pants.
Team this dress with chunky jewellery, a wide belt, killer heels and a leather jacket for a stylish rock look, or with a blazer and one statement necklace for smart and sexy look. Experiment with patterned tights for eighties fun or gold for glamour.
Another must have style is the pintuck waist; so flattering to an array of body shapes. A hark back to the fifties it’s refined, sweet and smart. For those that love vintage glamour, this is a must. For a slightly smarter version, try Warehouse’s Pique Full Skirt dress, £60. Yes it’s on the pricey side; but this will stay in your wardrobe and will work well in the office once it retires as your party dress. For a cheaper and younger take; New Look’s Heart Cutout Pintuck dress is less than half the price at £25. This style can be played with by experimenting with different waist belts; try black and gold for glamour puss, wide snake print for a rocked up look, or polka dots for forties fun. Work with a red cardigan and pillar-box red lipstick to tap into the burlesque vibe or kitsch necklaces and bright tights for a fun and young look.
If you’re a little more experimental and want a dress to see you through that isn’t black, try Miss Selfridge’s red cross back dress. It works with a classic vintage design, and echoes the look of screen sirens from yester year. Again, this is where accessorising becomes your friend and you can work with belts and jewellery. If you want to tone down on the girlie; work with a black blazer, opaque tights and boots.
With sensible shopping and a keen creative eye when buying basic designs; you have an investment you can wear again and again without it losing impact.