The dress: Matte Jersey Dress by Lauren by Ralph Lauren dress collection; lordandtaylor.com for stores

The material: For back-to-back parties, pick a low-maintenance fabric. A soft cotton or jersey knit can be machine washed and thrown on without ironing.

The neckline: A V makes the neck look longer and shoulders appear narrower for an overall slimming effect. Plus, it's easy to layer over and wear with a necklace of any style or length.

The fit: This dress gathers along the left hip, creating small pleats across the stomach designed to flatter just about every body shape.

Throw on a sweater and some boots for low-key potlucks and brunches.

Great lengths: This dress hits right at the knee -- a great length for casual or formal occasions. Elongate your legs by keeping the hem above your calf.

A slightly embellished cardigan: Add a soft layer and some subtle bling. V-neck jeweled pocket cardigan by Loft, $40; loftonline.com

Delicate jewelry: Try a thin necklace, stud earrings, or a couple of dainty bracelets. Gold Tassel necklace by Tumbleweed, $88; tumbleweedbeadco.com

A slight wedge provides a sleeker look than a chunky heel. Intyce by Steve Madden (in cognac), $130; stevemadden.com

Streamlined, but with pockets galore. Garment-Washed Messenger by Olivia Harris, $295; nordstrom.com for stores

For parties, show a little polish with some shimmery accessories and heels.

Statement jewels: Try a chunky necklace or a cocktail ring. If it's bold and bright enough, one piece is all you need. Dressy Bauble necklace by Old Navy, $15; oldnavy.com for stores

Glittery wrap: Wear it as a scarf or a shawl. Italian linen and Lurex wrap/scarf by Love Quotes (in Meditation), $95; shopbop.com

Modern clutch: This one is nonleather with a lining made from recycled plastic bottles. Vance by Matt & Nat, $185; zappos.com

A platform sandal is more comfortable than a straight-up heel. (Yes, you can wear them with tights.) Huarache platform heels (in black) by J.Crew, $228; jcrew.com

Celosia by ecoSkin (in pine green), $216; ecoskincollections.com

Draped-neck colorblock dress by Gap (in gray combo), $70; gap.com

Velutto shift by J.Crew, $198; jcrew.com

Holly One Shoulder by Banana Republic, $150; bananarepublic.com

Still looking for more variety? Don't shell out for an expensive wear-it-once designer dress or accessory. Borrow it for 10 percent of the retail price from Renttherunway.com. Keep the piece for a few days, then ship it back in the prepaid packaging.