Traditionally, cocktail parties don't start until after 6 p.m., but thanks to late afternoon weddings, work shindigs and other festive occasions, you may find yourself faced with the challenge of getting dressed for a late afternoon cocktail party...
Don’t let the cold weather prevent you from looking hot during winter in the Midwest. It may be bitterly cold outside, but you don’t need to compromise between warmth and style when you want to look your best. With the right pieces,...
Devore isn't one type of chiffon; it's a treatment process that is done on multiple fibers and fabrics, including chiffon. The resulting piece of fabric is called devore and evokes a classic 1920s vibe. A devore velvet-chiffon kimono is oh, so...
Whether the political event is for a liberal or conservative party, you can bet the dress is going to be more conservative than not. You can take cues from politicians on television to know the power suit is not dead, but that doesn’t...
When you're planning your ensemble for a formal event, consider a rich green dress. A rich green dress can give you a sexy, elegant look that's sure to turn heads. Deciding on your makeup look when you're wearing a fierce shade of green can be a...
Formal daytime attire covers a broad range of clothing styles. It really depends on the occasion. Wherever you're going, snag a formal hairstyle to match your get-up, and opt for tasteful, matching accessories. Don't go overboard on the makeup for...
Chiffon has moved from nighttime formal to all-day versatile. Chiffon dresses and blouses look stylish at meetings, luncheons and occasions that require you to look girly-girl. About to meet your future mother-in-law for the first time and want...
When it comes to looking your best, paying attention to dress codes is a fashionista must-do. Unless you're planning to go to an event that makes you dress "to the nines" in fully formal attire, most of the time events call for...
So the invitation says you should wear "lounge suit" attire and you haven't got a clue. Not to worry -- you aren't the only fashionista who has scratched her head in confusion about exactly what garments fit this category. Events that...
Unless you're a celeb used to strutting down the red carpet on a regular basis, formal dressing can be a big to-do. Getting the perfect dress is tough enough, but some ladies might also want to cover their shoulders. Whether you want to be a bit...
Your fave fancy dress is laid out on your bed ready for your special night. But as you finish your makeup and reach for your gown, you spot a horrific sight. Fluffy is taking a catnap on the lux black velvet. Now your glamorous gown looks like a...
Princess Diana was considered chic and modern for going without, while her daughter-in-law, the Duchess of Cambridge, used them regularly. Pantyhose is the item in question. The jury seems to be confused and all over the place on this fundamental...
The peacoat is an incredibly flattering garment, as well as being the perfect winter time staple when venturing through chilly climates. Although the peacoat can dressed up and down to accommodate an array of different outfits, there are some...
Just because you're a bigger girl doesn't mean you can't look fabulously awe-inspiring when attending a black-tie wedding or red carpet movie premiere. So if receiving an invitation to an occasion that requires formal dress sends your pulse racing...
Glow in the local political spotlight by looking fabulous and professional. Because you get to meet the governor -- at the mansion no less -- respect the formal surroundings and dress according to the event. Think dressy and chic. Let long flowing...
If you've been invited to a white tie gala, you've reached some status. White tie is as dressy and classy as it gets. The code is strict, and you need to follow it. This isn't the time to test your sartorial limits. On the upside, any princess or...
The simple word "formal" is enough to cause a panic attack in some gals. A formal event is typically one that requires you to dress up, which some ladies just aren't comfortable doing. If you are attending a formal banquet, not only are you an...
Your partner in formal wear steps onto a dance floor. The lights go down. As the music starts, you extend your hands to each other. And you --- gasp in horror, because, even though this is your daydream, you don't have a thing to wear. Okay, it...
You finally wrangled tickets to the symphony. The sound of instrumental music wafting through the air, the fun of attending with a BFF, and the experience of mingling with the audience are très exciting. If you haven't been in a while,...
Fuchsia is a serious "wow" color and wearing a formal dress dripping in this hue is ridiculously stunning. It takes a bold woman to go with fuchsia, but that same bold woman still has the task of finding the perfect shoes. Whether you want your...
Standing in front of a packed closet and finding absolutely nothing that you want to wear can be doubly frustrating if you don't even know what you're supposed to be looking for. Today's wedding invitations are insanely varied in their guidelines...
If you're preparing for an upcoming Winter Formal, get excited because you'll have lots of options to choose from. Decades ago it may have only been appropriate to wear floor-skimming gowns to something with the term "formal" attached to it, but...
The sugar marathon that is afternoon tea, means more then choosing cakes. What you wear is as much a part of the experience. This mouthwatering British tradition is one of the most refined ways to spend an afternoon. While the strict formal dress...
Adding straps to a formal dress is a simple way to give "the girls" a better insurance policy, or just change the look of an old dress that needs a refresh. It's also a great way for you budget-conscious gals to breathe new life into an old...
A winter formal dress is a classic piece every woman should have hanging in her closet. Usually a darker or bold color, these dresses keep you a little bit warmer -- whether with long sleeves or heavy fabric -- without sacrificing style. Sure,...
The ballet isn't the uber-formal occasion it used to be, meaning elegant ball gowns are out and shorter dresses are in. However, don't settle for any old dress; still keep your look dressy with nice fabrics and a pair of tights. Since you're going...
When Cinderella married her prince and put away the glass slippers, she had to find a place to put her gorgeous, sparkling ball gown, too. While glass slippers are out of style, every girl finds herself in need of a formal dress a time or two --...
An occasion that calls for a formal dress code is likely to be an exciting night -- one that you will want to capture on film (err...screen) to treasure for years to come. Your outfit, then, must be perfect. It must hit the right notes of...
Galas demand a high-performance level of dress. If you haven't been to a formal event in a while, planning ahead helps you look your best so you feel confident on the dance floor. Galas vary in their level of formality. This could be your chance...
Every gal loves to get glamorous. And there's no way to feel more divalicious than by putting on a truly fabulous formal dress. Unlike a casual dress, which can be worn for any old occasion, day or night, a formal dress is only meant to be worn to...
The word cachet means "a quality of distinction and style that people admire and approve of," according to the Encarta World English Dictionary. But for you, the Caché label represents all that's dynamic about women with a purpose who know...
Ever since Cinderella's Fairy Godmother waved her magic wand and turned Cinderella's rags into a glamorous ball gown, girls everywhere have looked forward to the soirees in their own lives when they could dress up. Before you can pick out that...
A black-tie event is one place where you don't want to stick out, because if you do, it's probably for all the wrong reasons! Stick with formal classics for these engagements; by following time-honored etiquette rules, you'll ensure you hit the...
"Muffin top" is a less than affectionate name given to the rolls of flesh that sometimes form when your middle is just a teensy bit wider than the waist of your clothes. One of the worst times to have it happen is before prom night. Even with a...
Lucky you: If you're invited to a black-and-white formal, you'll get the chance to seriously dress up. It isn't every day that you get to break out some glammer-than-glam formal wear, so don't let dress anxiety ruin the fun of a potentially...
A formal black dress is like the dress-up version of the little black happy hour dress; it is a staple -- or it should be -- in every gal's closet and it can make you feel confident, sexy and downright amazing. However, it takes more than just...
If you've been invited to a military ball, you should be pretty excited. These events are typically super-formal occasions and a chance for you to dress up and feel like a princess. Getting ready for one of these parties is pretty intimidating,...
Your prom is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so there's no compromising on perfection. Of course, your budget may not land you in the company of Selena Gomez or Dakota Fanning, but if you come up with the perfect design, who needs a fortune? Don't...
Dressing for church can be a tricky task, especially if you're visiting a church you've never attended before. You don't want to stand out in a dress your grandma would wear while the congregation is wearing jeans and tees, but you don't want to...
If there's one thing a bride loves, it's getting her way on her wedding day. So be sure you follow her rules, especially when it comes to how you dress. Everyone knows that only one woman at the wedding gets to wear white, but that isn't the only...
When an invitation arrives for a cocktail reception, it's time to hit the boutiques in search of a flattering cocktail or evening dress. You won't need anything floor length --- knee- or tea-length is fine. Stay conservative with a little black...