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How to Accessorize Formal Evening Wear

How to Accessorize Formal Evening Wearthumbnail
Accessorize Formal Evening Wear

Accessories embellish any outfit, and a formal evening is the perfect occasion to go to town. From amber to zircon, hats to hose, scarves and shawls to shoes and slip-ons, consider the occasion and the season.

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    Difficulty:
    Moderately Easy

    Instructions

    Things You'll Need

    • Cashmere Shawl
    • Evening Gloves
    • Evening Handbags
    • Hair Accessories
    • Handbags
    • Hosiery
    • Silk Scarf
    • Women's Closed-toed Shoes
    • Women's Dress Shoes
    • Bracelets
    • Earrings
    • Necklaces
    1. Overview

      • 1

        Accessorize one (or all) of your most visible areas: neck, wrists and shoulders.

      • 2

        Think seriously about costume jewelry and faux gems; they are relatively inexpensive and readily accessible at department stores and secondhand boutiques.

      • 3

        Evaluate your formal outfit carefully: Is it simple and elegant or fancy and froufrou? (Remember that a hot pink feather boa will be a showstopper at a ball but will merely attract stares at a college graduation.)

      • 4

        Ponder the notion that less is usually more ... and almost always suffices.

      Jewelry

      • 1

        Choose a matching bracelet and necklace.

      • 2

        Get real, cultured or faux pearls and wear them anywhere.

      • 3

        Wear a tennis bracelet - such as a single strand of diamonds - for a dramatic look. Or consider an evening watch instead of a bracelet.

      • 4

        Try elegant pearl or diamond studs for your ears. Vintage clip-ons or exotic dangling earrings could also work.

      • 5

        Adorn your hair with sparkling clips, tortoiseshell barrettes, a diamond tiara or even a fresh gardenia.

      • 6

        Find a ring that complements your other jewelry.

      Shoes, Shawls and Silk Purses

      • 1

        Put on your fancy shoes, no matter how elegant or frivolous, but be sure they are comfortable enough to dance the night away.

      • 2

        Choose stockings in a neutral palette. If you want hose with a design, make it subtle.

      • 3

        Go with gloves to the opera, a debutante ball or the Ascot races.

      • 4

        Toss a shawl around your shoulders; make sure it goes with your outfit in terms of color and texture.

      • 5

        Try a lace mantilla or a vintage smoking jacket for "a look" or for warmth.

      • 6

        Carry an evening purse or a beaded bag large enough to hold business cards, keys, cash and lip gloss.

    Tips & Warnings

    • Analyze your bracelet, earrings, necklace, scarf, shoes, stockings and evening bag. Does everything work together?

    • Consider wearing a limited number of fine (or glamorous) items, not everything you own.

    • Be sure a matching set is all real or all faux, not some of each.

    • Consider the company if you want to wear an ankle bracelet.

    • Treat yourself to a manicure, especially if you're sporting a ring.

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    Comments

    • alexew Sep 20, 2009
      Ooh - now I'm going to be all dressed up with nowhere to go!
    • Aug 24, 2006
      Please make sure that your lipstick is well matched. Apply a lip liner before applying lipstick. Make sure you carry a small mirror in your purse to keep checking that it has not accidentally touched your teeth.
    • Aug 24, 2006
      Please make sure that your lipstick is well matched. Apply a lip liner before applying lipstick. Make sure you carry a small mirror in your purse to keep checking that it has not accidentally touched your teeth.
    • Aug 08, 2006
      It's quite easy, depending on your neckline you should be able to wear accessories. Let's say that you have a halter top dress, only wear long earrings If you have a V neck wear a nice necklace and stud earrings and if you have a closed neckline wear only important earrings. This way, you will not be too gaudy and people will notice the effort you put into the outfit.
    • Aug 08, 2006
      It's quite easy, depending on your neckline you should be able to wear accessories. Let's say that you have a halter top dress, only wear long earrings If you have a V neck wear a nice necklace and stud earrings and if you have a closed neckline wear only important earrings. This way, you will not be too gaudy and people will notice the effort you put into the outfit.

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