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Successfully dressing up for an evening event or a night on the town takes skill. The wrong decision can make your outfit a fashion fail instead of a successfully stunning ensemble. One way to dress with success is to go with what you know. For instance, you already have certain pieces of clothing that fit and flatter you. So, wearing dress attire in the same styles as the flattering everyday clothes you wear is a definite "do." Just opt for dressier fabrics. Yet, fit isn't all you should consider -- style, accessories and color are also important.
Fit
No matter what you choose to wear, always make sure the fit flatters your shape. When you're wearing a dress, go for one that hits right at your knee for the best look. If you go longer, you risk looking dowdy. If you go shorter, you may appear tacky. Avoid clothes that bulge, gape, pucker, cling or otherwise refuse to stay in place when you wear them. Anything that's too short, too tight, too low-cut or too worn is a definite "don't."
Glitz and Glam
While the sequins and sparkles that sometimes adorn dressy attire may tempt you, treat them all as a "don't." Super shiny garments can make lumps and bumps appear that you didn't know you had. Style guru Lloyd Boston suggests in his book, "Before You Put That On," to forgo the all-over shine and sparkle and add a little bling to your outfit with a diamond pin.
Accessories
Only add one item of statement jewelry -- such as a ring, a pair of earrings or a necklace -- to the mix. For instance, if you combine a large pair of earrings with a chunky necklace, the effect can be overwhelming. Instead, keep other accessories subtle.
Hosiery
Wear hose if your legs need the coverage. Avoid crazy patterns or back seams on hosiery because they add unwanted pounds to your legs. If you want a natural look, choose nude hose that match the color of your skin. Avoid nude hose with unnatural hues such as orange. Never wear hose with open-back shoes. If you want to wear hose with open-toe shoes, go for it, but make sure you get toeless hose. Pantyhose and peep-toes don't mix. If hose is not your style, rub on some realistic-looking tanner and enjoy the freedom of your beautiful, bare legs.
The LBD
While the LBD is a classic and stylish "do" for dress attire, beware of the pitfalls. When you go all black, your skin can look washed out. Add some color to your look with gemstone accessories or a stylish and colorful headband. Or opt for a dress that's primarily black, but features some interesting cut-outs or a bit of contrasting color to break up the dark tone. Opt for a more modern cut over a high-necked dress every time for the most sexy and stunning look.
