Affordable Going Out Outfit
Do you ever get that mild panic when you’re invited to a party, special dinner, or girls’ night out and think…”What the heck am I going to wear?” Guilty! In fact, sometimes the uncertainty of what rabbit to pull out of the hat can make you want to decline the invite altogether! That’s why having a go-to going out outfit in your closet will give you the confidence to say “yes”, AND feel and look your best.
We’re not talking about the dress in the back of your closet that you are just a few pounds away from looking amazing in. Or the fussy one that requires special undergarments to smooth out all your insecurities. Nope! In today’s post, we’re featuring 2 one-and-done go-to pieces that are stylish, flattering, and can be worn a number of different ways for any occasion you might have coming up. And, since this is a For Less Friday post, you know the price is going to be amazing…at under $100 for each.
In case you missed it, we featured 3 must-have and affordable pieces for fall in this post.
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1) Ruched Midi Dress
Erin first tried on this Steve Madden midi dress in-store during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Steve Madden is known for their great quality at a really accessible price point…so, Erin was initially impressed with the cut, details, and fabric of the dress. But that was just the beginning!
Flattering Fit
The short, kimono-style slanted sleeve is very flattering on the arm creating a little bit of coverage and drawing your eye down vs. around your arm. Pretty genius! Then you have the button front style so you can decide how deep you want the V-neckline to be. It also has a self-tie waist to cinch in your waistline AND gathering to camouflage your belly if that’s a concern for you. The attached wrap belt hits just under the bust in that sweet spot for most women. But you could also choose to tie it in the back.
The gathering continues down the front of the dress skimming the hips, butt, and thighs without being snug at all. It’s also midi-length so depending on your height, it will likely cover your knees. In the category of flattering, we give this dress an 11 out of 10…it really is THAT good. It runs true to size.
NOTE: This dress also comes in a long-sleeved version which you can find here.
Silky Fabric
The fabric is mid-weight and silky to the touch. It doesn’t have any stretch to it. It is blousy through the bust area so it’s a little forgiving for those with a larger bust.
How To Style
You can really dress it up with high heels or slingbacks, a sleek clutch, and a statement necklace or earrings. Or wear it with a pair of wedges, flats, booties, or tall boots if you want a little more casual look. It would also look super edgy with a pair of combat boots like these (which also happen to be some of Erin’s favorites). This is just a versatile, flattering, and affordable LBD to have at the ready for your next night out.
2) Tie-Front Jumpsuit
Our next fabulous outfit is a black jumpsuit…also by Steve Madden. So, if you already have a great little LBD, a black LBJ might be in order ?
Slimming Fit
The cut of the sleeve, tie detail, and button front are nearly identical to the dress featured above. You have ALL those same flattering touches! It has a blousy fit on top and a straight leg on the bottom so it’s not snug or fitted. The waist does have some elastic so it will cinch in and define your waist. Plus, you have the tie-waist belt for adding even more definition. The length of the inseam is 31” so at 5’4” Erin is wearing it with a pair of black slingback heels. If you are on the petite side and prefer not to wear heels, you may need to have this hemmed. If you are taller, the length might hit just above your ankles. It runs true to size.
Silky Fabric
Similar to the dress, this jumpsuit is made of a silky, mid-weight fabric. The sheen on the fabric gives you that dressier feel. It’s not at all sheer and it is unlined but doesn’t show lumps and bumps.
How To Style
Heels, flats, loafers, booties…these would all look great with this jumpsuit. Statement earrings or a pretty necklace like Erin’s wearing is also another way to dress it up. You could easily wear this to a wedding or other special occasion with a few simple accessory swaps OR wear it for date night with a pretty lacey bralette peeking through. We’re not sure how long this will be marked down, but it’s currently on sale for $72! It also comes in a gorgeous burgundy wine color that would be perfect for fall/winter.
Where would you wear either of these pieces? If you have any questions about the fit or sizing, please leave us a note in the comments!
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I got that dress during the Anniversary Sale and wore it on a first date a few days ago. It was super flattering and felt sexy but not overdone.
I’m so glad you love the dress as much as we do, Lisa! It really is SO chic! ~Team Busbee