How to Dress Up a Romper

Actress Blake Lively rocks a silky black romper with pointed-toe pumps for a chic evening look.
... Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

A romper can be an excellent, and unexpected, dressy-occasion alternative to your standard cocktail dress. Style your outfit with strategic shoes and accessories to easily take the look from day to night.

1 Choosing a Romper

Begin your outfit by choosing a romper that is appropriate for dressier occasions. Look for one in a sleek, sophisticated fabric and color. Silk is a great option, and solid dark or jewel tones will make it easy to fit in among a sea of elegant cocktail dresses. Avoid florals and other patterns that might make your romper look too youthful, and stick with a simple cut with minimal embellishments.

2 Streamlined Accessories

By sticking with classic and streamlined accessories, you and your romper will easily stand out -- in a good way -- at your next dressy function. Ladylike patent-leather pumps in nude or black or a pair of metallic strappy sandals instantly dress up the ensemble. Choose either one bold piece of jewelry -- think a chunky gold chain necklace or oversize chandelier earrings -- or a selection of smaller, dainty pieces like thin gold bangles and a simple charm necklace. Complete your outfit with an evening-ready envelope clutch in a color that complements your other accessories.

3 Layer With a Blazer

Dress up your romper by layering it with a tailored blazer for a sleek look, or choose an oversized boyfriend blazer for a less-structured option. Use a slinky silk blazer in a bright hue to add a pop of color to an otherwise neutral outfit, or try a dark sequin style for an ultra-glam look.

Katherine Mitt has been contributing to online publications since 2009, focusing primarily on fashion and style topics. She holds a B.A. in English from a small liberal arts school.

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