My shopping trip a couple days ago was an excellent reminder of a fashion truth: It's good to have a few pieces that can be worn many, many ways.

Case in point: This basic dress from Gap. Interesting and exciting? Er, not really.

But what a great canvas for your own personality to shine, through the judicious use of fabulous accessories and creative styling.

And here's the best part: Those accessories? They don't have to bankrupt you. Here's proof: One of my all-time, hands-down favorite summertime pieces is a eight strand "coral" necklace from Urban Outfitters. It was all of $18, if that.

So what could you do with this dress? I would make it the basis for a weekend or even week-long trip, for starters, because you can dress it up — way up, if necessary — or down (way down, all the way to the beach).

Pade Vavre Lucite Fossilized Bug Bangles at Ylang23

With these bangles by Pade Vavre (more than one, if possible), you could wear silver or gold flip-flops or Birkenstock's Gizeh thong sandal, plus maybe a tidy canvas hat.

That's an effortless and easy for going to a casual brunch or to take the kids to the park.

For evening, swap out the shoes and bangles with something a little dressier, sparkly or not, like this pretty (and affordable!) necklace from this seller on Etsy.

So keep your eyes peeled for interesting and unusual accessories. Places to look: consignment stores, eBay, flea markets, your local Goodwill store, even your mom's jewelry box. And remember my golden rule next time you're out shopping: If you can't wear something you're considering at least three different ways, forget it.