Little Black Dress

The trick to looking like a true fashionista on a recessionista's budget is using one key piece to create multiple stylish ensembles. To teach you how, Stylelist found four super cheap and totally chic little black dresses that can go from work, to the weekend and on to the dressiest holiday party.

Sebastian Mlynarski for AOL

A little black dress can adapt smashingly to the office (really!). Just disguise cleavage, too-exposed arms, and up-to-there hemlines with some smart accessories. Here, we threw a leopard print cardigan over the shoulders (but any print or solid color will do), pulled on work-appropriate black stockings, and finished off the look with sensible patent leather pumps. And viola, the little black dress...works.
Dress, Ann Taylor, $149, www.anntaylor.com

Sebastian Mlynarski for AOL

Hello, Holly Golightly! For the weekend, play uptown gal with a colorful cape cinched with an antique, sparkly broach. Stylin' patterned flats and opaque black tights dress down the frock enough to make it perfect for brunch, the matinee, or, of course, a stroll to Tiffany's.

Sebastian Mlynarski for AOL

Little black dresses looove to party, and with a little accessor-gizing (that's accessory strategizing) you can get away with wearing yours to more than one holiday soiree. Here, we played it classic with an updo and chunky choker, paired with a faux fur jacket, a black clutch, bare legs and spiky heels. But, if you lost the cover up, let the locks down, and added some long spangly necklaces? Yep, totally different dress.

Sebastian Mlynarski for AOL

Calling all working gals: Make your little black dress 9-5 appropriate with a wardrobe of monochromatic basics. Throw on a polished black blazer in a tweedy material to add coverage and texture; smoky stockings, a patent carry-all and pumps add a rich, sophisticated vibe.
Dress, Jones New York, $124, www.jny.com

Sebastian Mlynarski for AOL

Ditch those jeans and Uggs for a stylicious holiday shopping look in (what else!) your little black dress. Cover up in a chunky sweater a velvet scarf and knee-length boots, and tuck hair into a trendy cap to brave the crowds in comfort, and style.

Sebastian Mlynarski for AOL

Your night moves? Expose the plunging neckline on this little black dress with an alluring updo, and dress it up with jewel-tone accessories. A sparkly silver sweater thrown over the shoulders, silver jewelry and shoes (Hot Tip: Retool your open-toe summer spikes by wearing them over colored stockings) add the perfect dose of bling to your nighttime glamour.

Sebastian Mlynarski for AOL

The key to playing down a satin dress for the office? Offset it with a blazer in a matte finish. Here, we chose a geometric pattern to draw eyes to the upper body, with a cinched waist to add flattering shape. Throw on some similarly patterned accessories, and you're ready to rock the big meeting.
Dress, H&M, $35, www.hm.com

Sebastian Mlynarski for AOL

Perfect for downtown divas on a gallery hop, this look is chic, simple, and as perfect for a late brunch as it is for an early cocktail. The trick is to dress-down your black dress with a brown sweater and tights, which downplays the shiny satin of the dress while retaining its overall sophistication.

Sebastian Mlynarski for AOL

The lights may be down, but for evening your shine factor should be way up. Here's where you want to play up the satin texture of the dress, by pairing it with a tuxedo jacket in the same material. The look is cool, classic and inspired by Yves Saint Laurent famous "Le Smoking" female tuxedo. With dark stockings and platform heels, you'll look le smoking too.

Sebastian Mlynarski for AOL