They're coming. Don't let fall's lingering color distract you from the reality that winter is near. Those January days that start with you standing in your closet in nothing but black tights and a bra, shivering, trying desperately to come up with another day's layered version of function and fashion ARE COMING.

I remember acutely the asshole-ish day last winter I tore apart my whole closet looking for a piece of clothing that I just didn't have: a BLACK SWING DRESS. It's the kind of dress that's long enough to wear over tights with heels, but short enough to be a tunic over leggings, and loose enough to be worn half-tucked as a bum-covering blouse with jeans. Why didn't I have this wardrobe multitasker?! I made it my mission to find something to end my desperate winter morning shivers and I bought the very dress you see here.

Dress: Asos (Similar HERE & HERE)

Long Sleeve Knit Sweater (Worn under dress): Banana Republic (Thrifted) (Similar HERE) // Shoes: Schutz // Faux Thigh High Tights: Available at Asos // Fur Chubbie (Pinned to Dress and Worn as a Collar): Thrifted // Purse: J Crew 'Edie Grand' in Leopard Calf Hair (Purchased on Ebay) // Sunglasses: Quay 'Kittie Cat' (Available at Urban Outfitters) // Earrings: Asos // Watch: Invicta // Bangles: Thrifted

Look closely - this dress is actually sleeveless. A finely knit merino sweater fits perfectly underneath and a fur chubbie is an impromptu collar to this otherwise basic dress. Lots of gold accessories and a leopard calf hair clutch totally elevate the overall feel of the outfit. And the thigh-highs? Well, those just make me feel HOT!

Can you believe I'm also wearing the same dress here? A little half tuck hints at my waist, but lets me leave my tush covered ( and some days, I NEED that). A fitted cropped jacket, basic pumps, and some flashy metallic accessories add up to a casual but intentional look for cocktails or dinner.

Dress (Worn as Shirt): Asos (Similar HERE & HERE)

Jean: J Crew 'Matchstick' (Old) (Similar HERE) // Jacket: Theory (Thrifted) // Shoes: Nine West // Metallic Clutch: Thrifted (Fun option HERE) // Sunglasses: Target // Bracelets: J Crew & Cost Plus World Market // Necklace: Thrifted

There's definitely a trick to tucking in a DRESS. Do it incorrectly and you end up with a lumpy bulge right at your crotch. Not. Cute. To avoid bunching start by folding the edge of the dress up and under about 6 inches. Continue folding up and under until the folded edge is just inches below your waist band. Then simply tuck those few inches in where desired and you've got a streamlined half tuck.

Which pieces are your multitaskers? Are they holding your wardrobe together? What pieces do you find yourself NEEDING these days?