style tip: summer to fall transitioning (maxi slip dress)

summer: forever 21 slip dress, gojane blazer , jessica simpson shoes (similar: 1, 2), amrita singh necklace via hautelook clearance (they have amrita singh blowout sales about biannually, but similar ones by same designer here: 1, 2, 3 ), rebecca minkoff bag (same mac bag in leather instead of suede, similar rebecca minkoff bag in teal, I want another one  snakeprint, black, or red if budget permits...), c/o Bakers cuff (obsessed)!




fall: forever 21 slip dress, old navy sweater, old navy vest, vintage necklace as belt (similar), vintage layered necklaces found at garage sale and etsy (get similar effect by layering these together: 1, 2, 3, 4,), vicini heels via buffalo exchange clearance (similar: 1, 2, 3)
Have you flipped to a fashion magazine editorial on an investment piece and ways to style it or how to transition a $1000 shirt from summer to fall and sigh because no matter how good the "investment" is on that article of clothing, it's still more than your monthly rent? If not, then I envy you. If yes, read on.
This dress is $15.50, found at Forever 21 in three different colors (rust, cobalt, mustard...some colors might be sold out online so check the stores) and can be worn a million different ways: 

1. with chandelier earrings and gold flat sandals for a summer evening, 
2. with a beaded shawl or top and heels for a fancier outing, 
3. under a button up shirt or cardigan for movie with friends, 
4. as a skirt under a striped shirt and ballerina flats for classes, 
5. under a band shirt (Slayer dedicated to Tim) and leather jacket for an edgier outfit, 
6. with a blazer, scarf and flat boots for fall,
7.  under multiple layers, a coat and a few pairs of wool tights for winter... 

...the list goes on. I would have bought all three colors if it wasn't for Tim questioning my sanity (the comment "mustard yellow?? Looks more like putrid yellow..." also made the mustard option a bit off-putting). I will be mixing this dress with bright colors and minimal accessories for summer and layering with multiple textures for fall. I will also be throwing this on in lieu of my pajamas when grabbing snacks at the grocery store (personal rule: never wear PJ's or exercise-wear for any trips outside the house or gym). There, I might have just talked myself into getting the rust one too. When I'm employed in a high-paying job I will be able to justify spending $1000 on a single piece. Until then, I'll consider inexpensive colorful basics as my investment pieces. The cost per wear of this dress will be under a penny.
Note: the length is quite long for Forever 21. I'm curvy and between 5'9" and 5'10" and the length fits me perfectly, so if you're shorter and/or have a leaner frame you might need to tailor it or only wear with heels. The straps are adjustable so there is some leeway.
PS. I am going to start doing more of these "style tip" posts, especially after my major school commitments in October. If you've got a general style question, let me know via email or comment! 
PPS. Some of you might have already read this on my facebook page but I've received the official approval for graduation this December in both of my degrees! It's been nice knowing you, UT, but maybe I'll be back soon...

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