Homecoming Weekend is here, which can only mean one thing. No, not football, silly— parties! But getting a killer outfit together for formals can get pricey. Luckily for you, we’ve broken down your best cheap and chic Homecoming ensemble: it’s as easy as 1-2-3!

1. Start with a simple, inexpensive dress.
A fancy dress can run deep into the three-digit range depending on where you go (Bloomingdale’s is my personal vice,) but there are pretty options to be had at even the cheapest of stores– just stick with a simple design so the difference in quality is less apparent. A solid color that matches with any shoe or accessory will make your dress go the distance. Just keep the style current— the look these days is short, short, short! We recommend zippered cap-sleeves at American Apparel ($42), strapless and belted from Charlotte Russe ($26.99), or a Herve Leger-inspired bandage look from Forever 21 ($22.80).

2. Layer on the accessories.
Dress up a plain dress with extras galore! Necklaces and bracelets, belts and headbands, earrings and clutches— all can be had for cheap, so go ahead and add as much sparkle as you like! You can find simple sophistication with beribboned gold and pearl strands at Forever 21 ($6.80), channel your inner Blair Waldorf with one of Urban Outfitters’ adorable headbands (we love the Ribbon Flower headband, $14.99), or bring out the bling with a stack of chunky jeweled bracelets from Aldo ($15).

3. Invest in show-stopping shoes.
An inexpensive dress can be dressed up with bunches of baubles, but when it comes to your feet, the shoes are front and center. A great pair of quality, formal heels can last for years, carrying you from Homecoming Queen to bridesmaid! Our picks include the super-sophisticated Trinitie heel from Steve Madden (in 9 colors! $99.95), funky caged sandals by Linea Paolo at Nordstrom’s ($129.95), and Jessica Simpson’s bejeweled pumps at Macy’s ($89).