How to Pick Black-Tie Formal Wear

If you aren't a movie star or celebrity, you probably don't have all that many occasions to get dressed up. Therefore, if you've been invited to a black-tie wedding or cocktail party, you may not be sure quite how to pick black-tie formal wear. But with a little planning and creativity, you can create your own red carpet look that just might steal the show!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet Access
• List of specialty dress shops
• Gown
• Short cocktail dress
• Long full skirt and dressy top
• Heels
• Beaded clutch purse

1. Look online or in fashion magazines for ideas of what celebrities are wearing for black-tie affairs.

2. Identify a few different looks that really appeal to you.

3. Check your yellow pages or online for a listing of local specialty dress shops where you can find similar items. Remember that department stores, outlets and off-price stores often have dressy options.

4. Bring high heels with you when you shop, so you can get the full effect in the fitting room.

5. Try different shapes on to see what works best with your body type. If you are petite and slim, try a form-fitting dress. Or if you carry your weight in your bottom half, try a nice A-line cut to play up your narrow upper body and let the skirt skim over the rest.

6. Determine how comfortable you are with a strapless top, a mini skirt or a bare back.

7. Select items that play up your best assets. For instance, if you have great legs, go for a short dress. Or play up generous cleavage with a plunging neckline.

8. Consider two piece options, such as full skirts and dressy tops, as well as very wide leg satin or velvet pants, if these feel more comfortable for you than a traditional gown or cocktail dress.

9. Realize that in a sophisticated black gown or dress, no matter what others wear, you are sure to fit in.

10. Search out a gown or cocktail dress in an unusual color or one that features unique embellishments such as beading, fringe or embroidery if you prefer to stand out from the crowd instead of just blending in.

11. Think about the weather. If it will be cold, find a shrug or shawl that works well with your dress.

12. Incorporate accessories, such as a delicate necklace, dangling earrings or cuff or bangle bracelets, as well as a dressy beaded clutch, to finish off your presentation.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear underwear that has no panty lines or skip the underwear entirely.
• Bring a fitted slip with you to try on form-fitting styles.
• Remember that if you find a designer brand and a style you like but can't find your size or the right color, you might be able to locate what you want online.
• Steer away from very generic-looking styles and those featured at popular chain stores if you are worried about being dressed in the same outfit as some of the other guests.

[younessm]

on 2/3/2009 I have another idea and I think it's going to work. I have a website where you can ask people specialized at formal wear, you are not going to ask ordinary people anymore.this is the website:http://formal-wear.org/