self portrait blue dress

Photo: Peter Rosa

Whatever the occasion, there's an entrance-making ensemble to put you in celebration mode. Center your look around a textured cocktail dress, add standout accessories, and give a little lip.

Dark Romance

Dress, $545; Self-Portait-Studio.com
Earrings, $248; ToryBurch.com
Bracelet, $295; AlexisBittar.com
Shoes, $375; LoefflerRandall.com
rebecca minkoff silver dress

Photo: Peter Rosa

Sleek + Sexy

Dress, $248; RebeccaMinkoff.com
Cardigan, $495; Vince.com
Necklace, $269; CZByKennethJayLane.com
Shoes, $780; ChloeGosselin.com
house party outfit

Photo: Richard Majchrzak/Studio D

House Party

Perfect for an intimate gathering, a lacy fit-and-flare style takes on a cool retro vibe when worn with a feather-adorned cardigan and dressy bow flats.

Wear it with: a berry lip stain.

Dress, Tracy Reese, $598; Nordstrom.com
Cardigan, Kobi Halperin, $398; Bloomingdales.com
Necklace, $350; KendraScott.com
Clutch, $169; TedBaker.com/us
Flats, $598; AGL.com
night on the town outfit

Photo: Richard Majchrzak/Studio D

Night on the Town

Big plans? Paired with a flashy jacket and glimmery accents, this velvet one-shoulder number is meant for something special.

Wear it with: a warm, shimmery nude.

Dress, Aidan Mattox, $295; NeimanMarcus.com
Faux-fur jacket, Donna Salyers Fabulous Furs, $299; FabulousFurs.com
Earrings, $52; BaubleBar.com
Ring, $275; CZByKennethJayLane.com/us
Clutch, David Jeffery, $290; BougainvilleaBoutique.com
Heel, Michael Michael Kors, $145; MichaelKors.com
working it outfit

Photo: Richard Majchrzak/Studio D

Working It

When you need something snazzy but office appropriate, spice up a sophisticated embroidered floral dress with shoes and a scarf in an unexpected shade.

Wear it with: a rich bordeaux.

Dress, Sachin + Babi, $895; SachinAndBabi.com
Faux-fur scarf, $79.50; Talbots.com
Clutch, $195; Reiss.com
Watch, $595; Bulova.com
Earrings, $100; Pandora.net
Heel, $79; NineWest.com
girls' get together outfit

Photo: Richard Majchrzak/Studio D

Girls' Get-Together

Feminine meets festive in a sequined pastel empire-waist dress, a rich jacquard evening coat, and luxurious finishing touches.

Wear it with: a soft ballet pink.

Dress, $70; Zara.com
Coat, Kate Spade New York, $548; KateSpade.com
Handbag, $278; LouiseEtCie.com
Earrings, $250; AngeliqueDeParis.com
Bracelet, $990; AngeliqueDeParis.com
Heel, SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker, $385; NeimanMarcus.com