5 Thrifty Things: Red Dresses & Accessories

There's no doubt about it: this fall and winter season is all about the little red dress. From Taylor Swift and Beyonce in tomato at the Video Music Awards to Mila Kunis in burgundy at the Emmys, the time is now to find a frugal party frock in everyone's favorite come-hither hue.

Here are a few of Shoestring's favorite little red dresses, plus options for pops of red (with a handbag, ring, or pair of shoes) if you're a bit more bashful than bold.

Calvin Klein Red Cocktail Dress ($70, SmartBargains.com)
For any Video Music Awards fans out there (or those who got sucked into the post-VMA drama/gossip of the Kanye West debacle), this little frock might just remind you of Taylor Swift's red cocktail dress, the one she donned as she was graciously invited back on stage to finish her speech by the lovely Beyonce Knowles. Get the little red dress look for a fraction of the price, on sale now — and also available in black!

Faith 21 Red Ruffled Chiffon Halter Dress ($28, Forever 21)
For the more voluptuous, more Kim Kardashian women among us, this little red dress from Forever 21's plus size line, Faith 21, offers all the look for less, and with a hourglass shape in mind. The ruffles at the neck and along the peekaboo cutout at the bust, along with the smocking at the natural waist, define curves and draw the eye to your greatest assets. Plus, the best part about this dress is its super low price, which can't be beat.

Petite Lattice-Back Red Bandage Dress ($80, TopShop)
Combining two trends in one, this get-out gorgeous (not to mention slinky) red cocktail dress is obviously inspired by Herve Leger's bandage dresses, a must-have for any young Hollywood A-lister, and is perfectly hued in fall's must-wear shade of red: blood orange. Sized for the shorties among us, wear this number with a whole lotta confidence and some cage heels to really draw the paparazzo's flashbulbs.

Nina "Electra" Red Satin D'Orsay Pumps ($89, Macy's)
Melissa, Shoestring's stealfinder-in-chief, was head over heels (pun intended) when she found these interpretations of Christian Louboutin's "Armadillo" satin D'Orsay pumps featured in a wedding profiled on Offbeat Bride. As a soon-to-be bride herself, she swooned, bought a pair, then reminded us that every walk down the aisle should be treated like a red carpet event — especially when you can get the coveted celebrity look for less. (Plus, you really will wear red heels again!)

Bedknobs and Broomsticks Bag ($48, ModCloth.com)
This little red bag from ModCloth can make any outfit magical. It will delight fans of the 1970s children's film starring Angela Lansbury. (And, for those who don't know the movie, let's just say the graphic can become a flirtatious conversation starter.) It can be worn with the strap or without to become a clutch, ensuring you get two looks for one price. The deep red color can compliment an accent color in your outfit, or, wear monotone colors like black, white, and neutrals to make sure it really becomes focal point of any ensemble.

Giant Red Leather Flower Ring ($26, ViaModerne at Etsy.com)
A rose by any other name should certainly look this sweet. Independent Etsy designer VieModerne has created a different kind of cocktail ring by fashioning beautiful petals out of leather, thereby giving your outfit a splash of color and texture. Put this on your finger to give a cocktail dress a flourish of romance while still sticking to your fall wardrobe budget.