How to Accessorize a Summer Dress

One of the problems many women face in their wardrobes is figuring out how to accessorize. You buy a dress or an outfit for a specific purpose, and only ever wind up wearing it one way. There are ways to get a LOT more mileage out of your wardrobe! This article will show you how to accessorize a summer dress.

To help show how versatile a single item can be, all three looks are created using the same dress:

Jaclyn Smith Sleeveless Beaded Neckline Shift Dress - Kmart, $20.99

You might not have this exact dress in your closet, but the classic shape and neutral color will make it very easy to duplicate similar styles with something you have. All 3 looks included here are work-appropriate, but will also work for other, different occasions.

Look 1 - The Animal

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Animal print looks never go out of style. This way to wear your basic summer dress includes earthy tones and animal textures. This would wear well on a date night, or anytime evening - but the gold tones will also set off your tan by day, if you've got one. This particular outfit can also transition well to the colder months - just add a sweater, replace the sandals with a more conservative pump, and add some leggings or tights to keep your legs warm. The gold detailing can also be switched out for silver or bronze to match better with your jewelry. Bronze goes best with leopard and cheetah prints, while silver flatters zebra best.

Look 2 - The Nautical

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The nautical theme is perpetually popular for the warmer months. As soon as the flowers begin to bloom, navy-striped and boat-worthy accessories can be seen everywhere you look. This pulled-together outfit is suited for a stroll down the boardwalk or a lazy weekend lunch, as well as a day at sea. Nautical accessories also commonly appear in red and yellow, if you prefer to be more daring with color. Choose a comfortable shoulder bag to hold a book and whatever souvenirs you pick up.

Look 3 - The Festival

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Summer is full of celebrations. From barbecues to garden parties, lots of time is spent congregating outside. Another popular summer tradition is attending outdoor concerts and music festivals. This look is designed to keep you protected while you're out and about, with the help of a wide-brimmed straw hat and boots to protect your feet in the grass. Make sure to carry a bag large enough to hold whatever you'll need all day, from sunscreen to a camera to capture the experience.