For every woman there are a few essential dresses that complete any closet wardrobe. The key to these staple items is versatility. Consider the color and ways you can dress up or dress down your new item before you bring it home. Every woman should have their favorite little black dress that they can dress up or down, a classic in any cut whether it is long, knee length, midi dress or short.

There are some essential dress styles that are a must have for any women’s closet:

1. Maxi dress
The maxi dress is perfect for weddings, work or a date. The floor or ankle length dress can highlight your curves while downplaying any trouble spots. It is also a popular go to hide or highlight a growing baby bump! Style it with a jacket or belt. A high belt creates an empire waist, lengthening your legs. Complete your look with a pair of wedges or flats.

2. Wrap dress
A wrap dress can create a natural waist while emphasizing the bust with the front closure of the dress creating a balancing effect on your overall silhouette. This dress looks good on most body types and is especially flattering to women who are hourglass, apple or curvy in shape. It is a type of dress that you can often wear to work and for formal events.

3. Shift dress
A shift or sheath dress is one that falls straight from the shoulders and has darts around the bust. It is a straight and uncomplicated dress. It looks best on a straight or column body; it can become overwhelming on other body types.

4. A-line dress
An A-line is a dress that is fitted from the shoulders to the hips and then widens until the hem or it widens from the shoulder to the hem ignoring the waist and hips. This style minimizes the hips, midsection and thighs while drawing attention to the top half your body. A-line dresses look good on most body types including athletic, pear, apple, oval and rectangular.

5. Empire dress
This high waistline dress tailors in just under the bust line, and the rest of the dress flows out. Empire waist dresses look best on those with pear shaped bodies.

A few simple ways you can transition from dressy, to work, to casual is how you complete your outfit:

• Jackets: Pair your favorite dress with a blazer for work and transition it to leather or denim jacket for the weekend. Contrasting colors work best. For example, if you have a dark-colored dress pair it with a light-wash denim jacket before you head out for the night.
• Shoes: A popular way to dress down a dress is to wear flats or solid colored tennis shoes. For work or going out consider heels or ankle boots.
• Purses A slick pocketbook is perfect for an evening out with friends, while a cute cross body will come in handy at the farmer’s market while completing your weekend look. For work look for a sensible, solid color purse that can accommodate your laptop and other electronics.
• Jewelry: You can formalize a dress with large, chunky or jeweled pieces. For work opt for small jewelry pieces such as studded earrings and a basic chain necklace Finally, to dress your look pair consider stacking multiple bracelets or necklaces of varying metals.