We get it. You’ve been busy. Working, parenting, Amazon Prime-ing your entire family’s Christmas wishlist…. you know, adulting in general.

And now, it’s cocktail season. You have no less than 5 events coming up – half of which your better half has no idea what the attire is… “um, dressy-ish… business dressy?” My favorite it is, “It’s black tie… and it’s tomorrow.”

If this sounds anything like your life, you may find the following closet staples pieces useful.

With winter time cocktail dresses, I tend to stick to solids and I’m obviously drawn to black.  I find that this time of year, a lot of events are on weeknights and these are just so easy to throw on and style in the 20 minutes you have between getting home, running a bath, feeding the baby (getting covered in pureed carrots) and bolting out the door.  I love to mix it up with color and patterns in the spring and summer, but dark and solid are my go-to’s this time of year.

I think cape dresses (link) are a perfect dressy look when it’s chilly and you feel the need to be a little more covered up.  So is the tailored jumpsuit look (link) – especially when you’re not totally sure what the attire for an event is. I would throw on this Hyla Dewitt statement necklace and these Ted Baker jeweled pumps and head out the door.  I also love this inexpensive off the shoulder look from ASOS and I can personally attest to the versatility of the Natalie Dress from my new favorite line CROSBY by Mollie Burch.  Top it off with the gold drop or funky enamel earrings from BaubleBar and you’re done.

Now go, mingle with people you don’t know… or party with your girlfriends. Come home, pay the babysitter and know that you killed it with your fashions tonight. Congrats!