By Kristin Hull

In case you’re wondering, the pieces in these outfits are meant to be worn together. You can always just utilize parts of it but beware that if you just buy this purse and wear it with a frumpy dress, the frumpy dress will suck all the fashion life out of the purse. So just be aware of that.

This dress can work for all kinds of occasions.  Try it with flats (for a casual function), other belts (black, brown, colored), scarves (like the one from this outfit), etc. It could even make a great work ensemble. When it gets colder, put on some tights that match your shoes and you have instant winter style (even with open-toe shoes!). If it isn’t freezing out, scrunching up the sleeves on the sweater to just below your elbows. In fact, all of the pieces in this outfit can be worn over and over in various ways so they’re good investments.

My sister, Karen, who inspired The Mommy Stylist, felt that the shoes pictured here were too impractical. And while I understand that, they are necessary to repel frumpiness. Moms listen, it is probably a rare occasion when you can wear heels. Why not take that opportunity to do so? You’ll feel prettier and sexier, your legs will look longer and I guarantee your husband will love it! And by heels I don’t mean two inchers. I mean real heels – three inches at the very least but four inches is better.  However, under duress, I have agreed to include a lower heel pair of shoes for this outfit. See them here. (They’re still 3″ but they’re wedges so their easier to walk on.) Let me know what you think about the high heel/low heel debate in the comments. I say, if there’s no kids around, you need to do it. Whether with a dress or jeans, heels will instantly transform you into a hot mom. IJS.

• Rachel Roy shirt dress: reg. $129, now $79.99

• Mossimo sweater: Target, $22.99 – This is the “Night Burgundy” color.

• Liliana by Adi shoes: Target, $36.99

• Asos purse: Asos, $64.03

• Lauren by Ralph Lauren belt: , Macy’s, $52

• Feather Rolo necklace: , Forever 21, $6.80

• Goddess Hinge bracelet: Forever 21, $7.80

Looking for something different? Here are a few alternatives:

• Target shirtdress: , $29.99 – Just make sure the dress is no longer than the top of your knees or frumpiness will prevail! I know mid-calf dresses are in right now but they only work if you have the height and figure of a model.

• Zappos eyelet dress: reg. $99, now $79.20 – This dress can be worn in the winter with brown tights and booties and the burgundy sweater in today’s outfit.

• Zappos DKNY dress:  – $60.55 – Wear it with a brown belt and shoes and you’re good to go.

• Rachel Roy dress: reg. $109, now $53.99 plus an extra 30% off at checkout! – Pair it with a drapey cream sweater and the shoes in today’s outfit.

• Zappos flattering plus-sized dress: $89.50 – The vertical stripes are slimming. Wear with a black belt and black booties. Add a bright scarf for color.

• Target dress: $27.99 – This dress is a great fall color. It’s simple so add a brown patterned belt or shoes, or even brown patterned tights (but then make sure the shoes and belt are a solid color). These ribbed tights will elongate legs.

(Did you like this article? If so, sign up for an email subscription to The Mommy Stylist – on the top right-hand side of the home page. You can also follow The Mommy Stylist on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.)