This is your big night: you want the dress, the date, the accessories and the hair to be memorable.
- Formal, Casual, Cocktail or Something Else?
Usually the event invitation will clue you into the formality of the event, whether it's casual or black tie.
In general, the later in the day the event (after 6 p.m.), the dressier. Long dresses are usually reserved only for formal (black tie) occasions. - Flatter Your Figure
The most important feature of your new dress -- more important than its trendiness, designer or color -- is how well it flatters you.
- Darker colors and simple cuts (a sheath, an A-line) are the most flattering.
- Show off your best feature. If you have gorgeous eyes, then play them up with beautiful makeup, off-the-face hair and jewelled earrings in a complimentary shade. If your legs are spectacular, then show them off with a short, fitted dress and stilettos.
- Dress glossary
Photos and descriptions of dress styles: from empire waists to ballgowns. - Choose a Color
You could just wear black (classy, flattering and slenderizing), but why not explore some of the other dressy options?
Red, bold prints, even gold are dramatic enough for evening wear. Pastels, mid-range brights and soft prints look great for dressy day occasions.
Blue (from navy to royal), pink (from cotton candy to fuchsia) and white (from candlelight to cream) look great on almost everyone.
