Just because your budget's tighter doesn't mean style has to suffer. Dial back the occasion, ramp up the look: It's all about priorities.

Photographs by Cig Harvey
Styling by J. Sybylla Smith
Hair and makeup by Michael Albor and Bre Welch/Ennis

On Courtney, Azzedine Alaia wool-nylon dress, $4,305, Saks Fifth Avenue; Thakoon sequin jacket, $3,950, Serenella; "Daisy" diamond necklace, $9,500, black Tahitian pearl necklace, $2,425, and diamond and pearl necklace, $2,900, all Iridesse; Brian Atwood suede booties, $940, Gretta Luxe. On Patrick, Bugatchi striped shirt, $99.50, Nordstrom; Marni pants, $595, Louis Boston; Breil watch, $795, Bloomingdale's; Prada loafers, $1,300, Neiman Marcus.