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Evening Fashion: 10 Must-Have Pieces

The cooler-than-thou alternative to a cocktail dress: a clever mash-up of everyday basics with new-glam stunners.

Oct 7, 2009

model in black lace top and black satin shorts

Marcus Mam

The cooler-than-thou alternative to a cocktail dress: a clever mash-up of everyday basics with new-glam stunners.

Marcus Mam

SATIN SHORTS

Shorts, $395, Marc Jacobs; top, $88, Armani Exchange; bra, $1075, Giorgio Armani; shoes, $995, Giuseppe Zanotti Design; clutch, $2995, Judith Leiber; earrings, price upon request, Martin Katz. On hair: Sunsilk Captivating Curls Scrunching Mousse.

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model in white top and black lace leggings

Marcus Mam

CROPPED LACE LEGGINGS

Pants, $1850, Valentino; top, $145, Ralph Lauren Blue Label; shoes, $695, Christian Louboutin; clutch, $7.50, Forever 21; necklace, price upon request, H.Stern.

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Marcus Mam

FAUX FUR COVER-UP

Hooded jacket, $89, DKNY Jeans Jrs.; top, $18, Champion; skirt, $950, 3.1 Phillip Lim; shoes, $299, L.A.M.B.; gold metallic ring, $38, Lydell NYC (available at Dillard's 1-800-345-5273).

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Marcus Mam

HAREM PANTS

Pants, $2462, Lanvin; top, $36, American Apparel; shoes, $395, Tory Burch; earrings, necklace, and bracelet, price upon request, Van Cleef & Arpels. On lips: Elizabeth Arden Color Intrigue Effects Lipstick in Ruby Pearl.

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Marcus Mam

SEQUINED MINI

Dress, $149.90, Mango; jacket, $695, D&G; shoes, $1195, Christian Louboutin; bag, $1995, Judith Leiber; earrings, price upon request, Martin Katz; ring, price upon request, Van Cleef & Arpels.

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Marcus Mam

THE NEW JUMPSUIT

Jumpsuit, price upon request, Stella McCartney; shoes, $795, Yves Saint Laurent; bracelet, $98, J.Crew.

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Marcus Mam

RUFFLED SKIRT

Skirt, $78, Kensie; jacket, $1375, MaxMara; top, $355, Barbara Bui; shoes, $750, Dolce & Gabbana; tassel necklace, price upon request, Martin Katz; diamond necklace, price upon request, R.S. Durant by Max Farker; bracelet, $498, Crislu.

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Marcus Mam

TULIP SKIRT

Skirt, $595, Alexander Wang; top, $14.50, Gap; shoes, $990, Gucci; clutch, $495, Anya Hindmarch; earrings and bracelet, price upon request, Martin Katz.

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model in black jeweled cardigan over denim shorts

Marcus Mam

BEJEWELED CARDIGAN

Cardigan, $165, Ann Taylor; shorts, $49.50, Levi's; shoes, price upon request, Miu Miu; bag, $240, Felix Rey; bracelets, $937 & $1087, Tom Binns; belt, $32, Jessica Simpson Collection.

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Marcus Mam

TUXEDO JACKET

Jacket, $925, D&G; dress, $100, Topshop; shoes, $3280, bag, $2595, Christian Louboutin; earrings, price upon request, Tiffany & Co.; bracelets, from wrist to forearm: $75, R.J. Graziano; $498, Crislu; $180, Kenneth Jay Lane; $95 & $75, R.J. Graziano; $150, Crislu; $85 & $125, R.J. Graziano.

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Shop the Shoot: Evening Pieces

When worlds collide: Laid-back denim and knits hobnob with classy lace overlays and shine.

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Kevin Sweeney/Studio D

Shop the Shoot: Evening Pieces

Stick to a black, white, and gray color scheme with muted pops of color.

$365, Red Valentino; saks.com.

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Kevin Sweeney/Studio D

Shop the Shoot: Evening Pieces

Follow the either/or rule: Either lace on top or lace on bottom, never both.

$129, Bebe; bebe.com.

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Kevin Sweeney/Studio D

Shop the Shoot: Evening Pieces

Flats are strictly prohibited. Heels are required to elevate the look from day to night.

$99.95, Steve Madden; stevemadden.com for stores.

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Kevin Sweeney/Studio D

Shop the Shoot: Evening Pieces

$44.50, Gap; gap.com.

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Kevin Sweeney/Studio D

Shop the Shoot: Evening Pieces

Play with textures: Wear costume jewels with nubby sweaters and sequined shorts.

$395, R.J. Graziano; (212) 685-1248.
$49, United Colors of Benetton; (800) 535-4491 for stores.

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