I am constantly trying to keep my closet organized and streamlined but what can I say? I like to shop and I have way too much of everything but at the same time, sometimes I’m like, “I have nothing to wear!” (Having too many clothes can actually make getting dressed harder.)

I’ve seen a lot of ideas on how to weed through your clothes to determine what to keep and what to donate, sell, or toss but I needed to find a system that works for me and my closet needs. Most of us have heard the advice that if you haven’t worn it in a year, get rid of it. I have so many clothes though, it would take me longer than a year to get through my entire wardrobe. Instead, I’m going through my closet and making sure I can wear each piece in at least three different ways and hopefully up to five. If not, it goes into my donation box. Now I did think about making myself follow the “rule” of not buying anything new until I had worn everything in my closet but in all honesty, that’s not going to happen. But if I do buy something, like the dress I’m featuring, I have to be able to wear it in multiple ways.

And you’ll notice that most everything I mention I either bought at a clearance sale, thrift store, or garage sale…

THE DRESS…

I found this chocolate-brown Cabi cowl-neck swing dress at Ashley’s Attic for $18.95 and after trying it on, I had to have it and could think of at least 3 different ways I could wear it. But after getting it home, I found I could come up with at least 6 options and probably even more. The cut is flattering, the color neutral, and this style is timeless, making it a smart purchase for my personal needs/wants.

https://www.facebook.com/ashleysatticcoloradosprings/?fref=ts

For a casual day of shopping and running errands with temperatures cool but not freezing, this is a perfect look. This felt as comfortable as wearing sweats but looks way more put together. I found the cute orange Mudd vest at an arc Thrift Store for $2.50 and my boots were found at a garage sale for $5.00.

I love how the color of this dress works with so many other colors. Another causal look using an infinity scarf a friend made for me, along with the deep-red White House Black Market belt. I purchased the belt many years ago for about $50, considering it a splurge at the time but I wear it with so many outfits, and it’s so well made, it was totally worth the money. The Cathy Jean boots were bought in California when we were on vacation and were on sale for 60% off so they cost about $30.

You’ll notice that everything I’ve layered the dress with has a bit of structure. When wearing a loose, flowy type of dress, you don’t want to add other loose items, which will add bulk to your frame. Even though this Pena House black sweater is long, it’s still streamlined and works great with the dress. (Pena House sweater was purchased at Goodwill for $3.99) And I absolutely love the enamel hoop earrings I’m wearing from Noonday Collection. (I paid $28 for them but they are currently on sale for $14.) And that’s our newest fur baby we adopted from the Humane Society, Trixie, otherwise known as Kitten.

http://www.noondaycollection.com/pws/jkortenhoeven/tabs/home-ambassador.aspx

I love how the pink and brown shades of this outfit look together. Love how the jacket and slingback pumps give the dress a totally different feel, making this a perfect outfit to wear to the office or really, anywhere you want to have an easy, polished look. This jacket is an example of something I’ve had hanging in my closet for over 10 years but keep because I still wear it and it works with dresses, skirts, and even jeans. The pumps are Nine West and they were on sale for such a ridiculously low price several years back, I also bought a pair in chocolate-brown.

I’m a huge fan of animal print and this pair of shoes was one of my favorite January Clearance buys last year at DSW…only costing $16! The shoes, along with my fabulous Noonday ‘Pathway’ necklace are simple add-ons that once again, change-up the look of the dress. A much longer necklace or several stands would also looks great with the dress. You want a necklace long enough to not compete with the cowl-neck.

This is a perfect ensemble for a date night with your honey or a night out with the girls. The White House Black Market belt (which was a gift several years ago from my sister-in-law) accentuates my waist and gives me some curves, while raising the hem a bit. The black suede pumps are from a Target clearance sale costing me $14.99 and those fab earrings are a Goodwill find for $4.99.

One dress that cost less than $20 with at least 6 different ways I can wear it, using accessories and other pieces I already own, made this dress purchase a good deal. And while you won’t be able to find these exact pieces, hopefully this gives you some ideas on how to change-up the look of a basic dress you might already own or are thinking of buying.