The Haute Guide To Formal Dressing

You’re standing with your friends fabulously dressed on the rooftop of a New York hotel. Below you, the city bustles below, as the glittering lights of the city shimmer back at you. Behind you, an orchestra dressed in white is softly playing a melodic tune, causing couples to put down their champagne glasses, rise from their chairs, and head towards the dance floor.

While this scene is passé, getting there is definitely not as easy as it seems. With formal dances and events coming up as winter comes to a gradual end within a few months, having a formal dress or two in your closet definitely won’t hurt. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you pick out a dress for the season: What’s the theme? Not all formal dresses are as formal as others. Be sure to check to make sure if there’s a specific dress code or color that you must follow. Some formal events are best worn long. What is the look I’m going for? When picking out a dress, keep in mind that the moment you walk into the room, you are making an impression. Where is the venue? Simply by knowing where the event is taking place, you can also see how formal the event really is.

I love the purple in this Notte by Marchesa strapless gown. The length of it and the fact that it would look great with gold accessories is seemingly perfect for a more formal event. Is it for work? For anything business or work-associated, I personally find it better to go with black. While black serves as something simple, with the perfect dress and right fit, it can also allow for a more professional-sided look. This Derek Lam dress is a one-shouldered dress with a bow. At the same time that it is professional and not heavily revealing, it also gives a feminine side to you with the tilted bow and doesn’t require very many accessories to match.
Can I add color? While formals tend to focus on darker colors, there is no reason why you can’t use color. I love the detail in this MINT Jodi Arnold dress that is designed like a rose. The color of it would look great with some black tights – although not as formal as other dresses, this would definitely be a part y dress I would keep in my closet. Final notes? Know the occasion. By knowing where you are going and exactly what the event deals with, you can either be as bold, daring, colorful, or as white, chic, and simple as you want. While dress shopping, the possibilities are endless.

– Lalida Sriyordsa

Kara Janx Kimono Dress

The kind of dress that will go anywhere. It's Perfect for every event. Make it yours here.

Keeping Sane during those Special Occasions

Special occasions, such as weddings, sweet sixteens, and anniversary parties can be nerve wracking. Keep your cool with these amazing tips:

-You know how much sleep your body needs, so get a good rest the night before. If you have time, get in a few hours rest right before the event. This will keep you refreshed and make your face look bright.

-Use eye makeup remover the day of the event. There's no sense in having raccoon eyes or any excess darkness dragging your look down.

-Keep makeup carefree and simple. This doesn't mean you have to be un-dramatic or look bare. Choose key elements such as a dark eye liner, fabulous creamy and thick lipstick, and a luxury mascara. You may even want to wear false lashes for extra drama, but the trick is to not have to re-apply your makeup every hour. Seek out extra long lasting cosmetics for this night.

-Wear something flattering and comfortable, without sacrificing style. If you need to have something tailored, plan ahead of time.

-Find cute but comfortable heels. I cannot stress this enough. It is bad enough you will be on your feet for hours, so why not do yourself a huge favor and wear beautiful yet sole soothing stilettos. One brand I know of that will do the job is Caparros. These are the most comfortable dressy shoes I've ever purchased. Note: Do not turn yourself into a "fashion don't" and take your shoes off during the event. This is so tacky and unattractive!

-Try your best to relax. Most guests at the event will not remember the small details you are stressing over. They will, however, remember your attitude and the time they spend with the hostess and guests of honor. Keep your cool and have fun, as best as you can.

Plan a Black Tie Event, the Right Way.

When I turned 15 years old (my quinceanera for anyone in the Latin community), I wore a formal gown for the affair, which my mother purchased for me at a Loehmann's location in Houston. The experience at that store will forever remain in my memory because the dressing room was just a wide open room, with lots of mirrors. It was a little embarrassing but exciting, especially for a young teenager.

The party was at night (which should make a guest wonder if it was formal/black tie), and sadly, I cannot remember a single person that dressed for the occasion. Maybe it was the party planner's fault (thanks mom...), or maybe the guests were just idiots. Who knows?!? I'll never do that again, and if all else fails, I'll plan the entire party myself. One can only trust oneself to get things done right. Party planners are great, but when in doubt, don't let any of your friends or family tell you what is better, or more appealing.

My 15th Birthday Party look:

The dress: Creme with beautiful beading, bugle beads, some sequins, etc. It was a long formal dress, sleeveless, and it sure was heavy! I remember not even wanting to sit down in it. I still have the dress :)

The accessories: I wore creme, semi-sheer (not opaque, but not sheer) stockings, from Victoria's Secret, and creme heels. I wanted a head to toe ethereal look, and it was not overdone. It was very elegant and feminine.

The Make Up and Hair: My hair was worn down, in long flowing, glamorous and wavy curls. I applied thick, black eye liner on my upper eye-lid, with matching black mascara, and a neutral lip. I was reminiscent of a beautiful pearl that had only recently been discovered, still glistening with moisture.

These "goddess" gowns , from thecityreview.com, remind me of my dress.

One of the first things you can do is brainstorm, on paper, your ideas, visions, colors, etc. of the way you want your dream party to be. Try to stick to a plan without changing your mind too much. This will just make things easier in the end.

Create the perfect atmosphere with soft lighting (No directly overhead lighting! It is so unflattering for everyone involved!) and fantastic music. For a sit down dinner, people are going to want to feel calm and collected, not hyper and erratic. Choose your music accordingly.

Great parties begin with expert and creative design elements, but don't worry if you are not a professional event planner. Trust your instict no matter what. You know what you want, and you can do it!