Nightgown Wears Two Personalities

Your favorite department store’s lingerie racks may be holding your next dress-up ensemble.

Silks and chiffons hiding as night wear, double beautifully as evening wear. If a gown you love is a little too revealing, cover it up with a beaded or sequined jacket which is far less pricey than an entire evening suit.

Match an outfit in silk, satin or chiffon with satin evening pumps or sandals and a satin clutch bag.

Be sure to keep the jewelry toned down. An outfit like this needs little else.

Designer version

Black silk and sequin lined jacket by Black Tie Oleg Cassini, $310

Black polyester full-length gown by Jonquil by Diane Samandi, $210

Black open-back fabric evening shoe by Roberto Vianni, $198

Black and rhinestone earrings by St. John, $110

Total: $828

Dress For Less version

Silk and sequin lined jacket by Robert Anthony from Silhouettes catalog, $99

Black nylon nightgown by Fine & Fancy Lingerie from J. W. Ramage catalog, $75

Black satin open-back evening shoe by Nina at major department stores, $65

Enamel, and faux pearl earrings by Anne Klein at major department stores, $30

Total: $269

MEMO: All of the best looks and fashion bargains featured in this column are available in book form. Send $9.95 to Dress For Less, 177 Sound Beach Ave., Suite 6, Old Greenwich, CT 06870. For information about the catalogs mentioned here, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the same address.