Things You'll Need:
- A black, red or ivory dress (or all three!)
- Makeup and lipstick that’s compatible with black, red or ivory Optional items:
- A round-shaped or beaded necklace
- A tripled strand of pearls
- A chunky bracelet
- A gilded clutch, beaded or a small bag, long strap
- Chandelier earrings
- Embroidered shawl
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Step 1
If you’re wearing a black dress, pick makeup in deep, rich and vivid shades. That’s because as classic and sophisticated as it is, black tends to drain your face of color.
For Olive Skin, choose a shade with brown undertones to draw out eyes and lips. Stick with bronze or peach for a natural-looking finish to define cheekbones.
For skin with Rose Undertones, try plum shades for the eyes and cheeks, berry for the lips. -
Step 2
A red dress puts color BACK in the face, so don’t overdo your makeup. Keep it neutral and understated (You don’t want to look like a lobster!). Use brownish flesh tones for cheeks.
Black, chocolate or charcoal shadows work well for eyes.
For lips, you can be bold, even using red. But go for a red in a sheer, glossy color with slight brownish undertones to avoid competing with your dress. -
Step 3
When you wear ivory, it’s best to stick to neutral shades (particularly brownish undertones). But when you’re wearing ivory for special occasions, you can wear makeup with a bit of gold in it. Shimmery shades will enhance or highlight your skin!
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Step 4
If you’re in doubt about ivory or red, bear in mind that you can never go wrong wearing a classic “little black dress.”
Do you want to create curves? A black wrap dress cinches you in at the waist, emphasizing hips AND bust. A round-shape necklace will accent your upper body, while a chunky bracelet and a gilded clutch bag adds volume near your hips.
If you prefer to look taller and thinner, a long Chiffon dress will work wonders; the flowing shape creates a lean, slender line from shoulder to ankle. This lightly skims and trims all your curves along the way. A long tripled strand of pearls adds length to your torso. Dangling chandelier earrings help give your face a sculpted look, and a small bag with a long strap will cap off your new sleekness.
Or do you just want to trim your hips? Then go for a dress with an Empire Waist. It’ll draw attention away from your midsection, while shaving inches off your hips (via the flared shape). A beaded necklace and an embroidered shawl will widen the shoulders and balance the entire body. And if you carry a beaded evening bag below your hips, it’ll draw the eye away from that area.
