Whether you’re headed out for a work Christmas party or for a summer barbecue, the event should always help to determine your outfit. The rules of dressing for the evening are much different than dressing for a day at the office or a day at the park with friends. Rather than making a fool of yourself when you show up to a black-tie event in jeans and a T-shirt, follow these simple rules for dressing for evening events.
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Picking Your Shoes
It’s best to opt for a single sole pump for every evening event. Try hard to avoid platform shoes. This rule is especially important if your skirt hits above the knee.
Before choosing a pair of shoes, keep in mind the length of time you will be wearing them. While those six inch stilettos may look great, they are unrealistic if you plan to be on your feet for a long period of time. If you aren’t used to heels, keep your heel height at a two inch maximum. Before your evening out, spend some time walking in the shoes you plan to wear to ensure that you are prepared for an entire evening in them.
Choosing a Color and Length
Your closet staples should include navy, black, and red as your go-to colors. If you want to shake things up a little and go for something less classic and a little more daring, pick up something in a jewel tone. Add a jewel toned scarf or evening clutch bags to a classic, neutral piece to spice things up and stay in your comfort zone.
When choosing a dress, the length of your skirt has a lot to do with how you present yourself. Remember that the shorter your dress is, the higher the neckline should be. Avoid embarrassing situations with a dress that is the appropriate length.
Blend Day and Evening Wear
When done right, blending your day and evening wear can make you look especially chic. Try knitwear for the evening to keep things casual even as you dress them up. Add a knit top to a statement skirt for added contrast.
Work Around Your Jewelry
If you want to make a statement with a piece of jewelry, start there and design your outfit around that piece. Keep one bold piece of jewelry, but make sure your other pieces are more subtle. If you plan to wear your hair up or your dress has a higher neckline, it may be a good idea to choose statement earrings. If you choose to make a statement with your earrings, keep your necklace and bracelets subtle.
Avoid Experiments
If you’re getting ready for a night out on the town, and you have the perfect outfit picked out, now is not the time to experiment with your hair and makeup. You risk looking like a clown if things don’t work out right, or running out of time if you are forced to redo your entire look. Keep it simple and subtle, and stick to things you can plan beforehand to make your statement.
Make a Statement With Comfort
Done right, you evening out can be comfortable and stylish. Stick with pieces you know you feel good in, and give yourself enough time to plan and primp.
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