Lately, you've all seen my basics, my everyday wear and my dressy casual looks. Those are outfits I wear MOST for my lifestyle.

Yet, a few times a year, I have the need to be more dressed up. These are often formal parties hosted by my husband's office, or special bdays & anniversaries of friends where we have to go to fancy 5 stars hotels ...and festival related parties. Not too many...a few a year.

I have time to kill today so I'm trying out 4 dressy outfits. All these dresses are old (from my "buying for a fantasy lifestyle" days) but they are all classics. I'm trying to figure out how to style them now....since my style has evolved over the past year.

Outfit #1: Black Ruched Dress (#1-4)

One of my most worn dresses out of the dressy collection. In the past, I've worn it with either black pumps or peep toe shoes, but I think I prefer these gold block heel sandals now. What do you think? #1&2 show the dress with muted gold shoes & chain link necklace. I've further added this metal belt I got specifically for this dress (bought them both for my bday in 2013). There's a close up too so you can see the Ruched detail & belt, because black never photographs well. Thoughts?

Outfit #2: Cobalt Ruched Dress (#5-7)

This one is very similar to the above dress in weight & fabrication but has sleeves and a flattering V neckline. (Both dresses are from Mango). I like this gold necklace that fills in the neckline. I prefer a clean look with this dress, hence the nude-for-me pumps. But I could easily sWitch them for block heel sandals too. Thoughts on this?

Outfit #3: Black Sheath Dress (#8-10)

Another sleeveless black dress, but this one is woven and has its own fabric belt. I wanted to pair this one with grey snake-print sandals and a dainty necklace. I can just as easily wear with with all black accessories, but i like the effect with grey. Does it look good? Adding a close-up of the necklace.

Outfit #4: B&W Fit & Flare Dress (#11-13)

This dress is the only exception here because it's a Fit&Flare style. I want to wear it wth my new white block heel sandals....but to be honest, I'm not 100% sure of this outfit. Do I look like I'm trying too hard? Especially because I have added the skinny black belt to my waist? Also added is a doubled up long pearl & silver string around my neck. I have a bag to match these shoes. Would love 100% honest opinions on this one.

#14 - The shoes.

#15: Bonus Pic: If any of you are wondering why you see a part of Emma's face in all photos, the pup has borrowed into pillows and is sleeping peacefully. And that's why I have the free time to click photos and the luxury of littering clothes/belts/necklaces all over the bed!

Thanks for your honest inputs. I do have several other dresses/shoes/necklaces, so please give me your honest feedback. Nothing would offend me