As I said in a recent post, I had the opportunity to be a guest speaker at a conference, and I wanted to share how I chose my outfit for the occasion because it can inspire you. Keep in mind that in Brazil, women really dress up for an occasion like that.

Let's see how I gave my classic Little Black Dress (LBD) a contemporary makeover to fit my style and be appropriate for the event. I consider my style to be classic contemporary, with a love for accessories.

I tried to shop for a new outfit. I looked at the stores, but nothing was quite right for the opposite season in Brazil. So, I turned to my LBD, which I wear a lot, and decided to recreate it with a modern flair.

To elevate the look, I added a modern mini cape with asymmetric cutouts from last Fall, instantly transforming the dress. I just bought one new item: silver shoes with low heels, that added a touch of freshness and a contemporary edge that I wished for.

Then, the accessories: Black is not a good color for my complexion, so bold earrings in gold were the perfect statement pieces, also enhancing my personal style.

To add an unexpected twist, I pinned a vintage brooch on the back, a gift from my dear friend @silviadavila.designer, who picked it up for me during her travels to Paris.

I felt good that I was maximizing the potential of my closet and that everything was aligned with my personal style. It should always be our goal.

For those who share my love for brooches, here's a pro tip: explore vintage and second-hand stores for one-of-a-kind finds. And don't limit yourself to brooches on blazer lapels – there are so many different ways of wearing a brooch!

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Hi, I’m Marcia Crivorot, a Personal Stylist based in NY. I send newsletters with style tips, brands to know, and products twice a month. Unlock previous editions of my newsletters and receive my emails firsthand by subscribing.

Disclosure: Remember that I link products and companies based on their quality, my personal opinion, my experience, and my professional expertise. Some of the links in my posts are affiliate links, and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a small commission. The decision is yours, and whether or not you buy something is entirely up to you.