Be The Belle Of The Ball With Designer Dresses

It’s inevitable for an urban professional to be invited to an elegant evening affair at least once or twice in a year. These are normally called ‘black tie events’. For men, it’s easy enough to find appropriate clothing; all they really need are a well-tailored tuxedo with a cummerbund and black tie, as well as the appropriate shoes. For women, however, it’s slightly more complicated. With limitless options to choose from in designer dresses, the lady urban professional will have a very hard time picking the perfect outfit that is not just appropriate, but one that will make a lasting impression as well. With the right guidance, however, looking your most elegant and formal in those black tie affairs should be a cinch.

It All Starts With The Dress

Possibly the first and most important thing you have to do the moment you RSVP’s to that black tie invitation is to select the perfect dress. Depending on how you look at it, the scores of designer dresses to choose from can either be a bane or a boon - it’s a bane if you just can’t make up your mind, and a boon if you can appreciate the increased odds of actually finding the ultimate dress with the numerous options available. Whichever the case may be for you, you can sift through those designer dresses better with these tips in mind:

1. Figure it out.

The most important factor to element that needs to be considered when choosing a dress is your figure. It wouldn’t matter how beautiful or expensive the dress is – if it’s wrong for your figure, it’s all wrong for you. Naturally, you want to flatter your figure. This requires an awareness of not just your assets, but your flaws as well. This way, you can go for designer dresses that highlight your assets to divert attention away from your problem areas.

2. Length Wise.

Remember that black tie affairs translate to formal events. This means that the length of your dress must be appropriate for the event. You can never go wrong with full-length designer dresses, or skirts, if you’re going for a two-piece ensemble. Hem that hover around the knee area are considered only semi-formal.

3. Materials Matter.

Your dress’ material contributes a lot to its formality, and subsequently to its appropriateness for the occasion. For formal affairs like black tie events, materials such as silk, satin, metallics, and velvet are often preferred. You can also opt for some lovely embroidery and stunning beadwork for added panache. Don’t go overboard, however. It really doesn’t pay to look too ostentatious in posh events. You want to stand out, yes, but you don’t want to look like an overdecorated Christmas tree.

4. Time for Piece.

Women’s formal attire aren’t limited to one-piece designer dresses. You can actually opt to go for a two-piece ensemble if it makes you more comfortable, or if you just want something different.

5. Be Conservative, or Not.

Consider how conservative the event is because some will require you to cover up. More often than not, however, you can definitely get away with showing a bit of skin. You can go for designer dresses with spaghetti straps or halter tops, or even go strapless. You can go for plunging necklines, or plunging backs. You can also choose to have slits. The key is not to overdo it. You can still be sexy and not look like a tart.

6. Color Your World.

Go beyond the usual black worn in evening affairs. You can go for deep colors, or bright pastels, if you dare. The important thing is to choose a color that complements your complexion.

Everything Else Counts, Too

Of course, designer dresses aren’t enough to be dazzling in black tie events. You also have to wear the right accessories, as as pay close attention to your hair, makeup, and overall grooming.

For evening affairs, strappy sandals and sexy mules go perfectly well with designer dresses. A minibag or clutch preferably in the same hue or even material as your dress is ideal; this is not the time for voluminous handbags. Your jewelry should be selected to complement and accentuate your outfit. If you’re wearing a simple dress, however, you can opt for more dazzling jewelry to enhance it.

For your makeup, you can focus on your eyes or your lips. Don’t put the two together, however, so as not to look overly made up. If you’re wearing nail polish, make sure that it matches your lip color. Also, pick a hairstyle that’s different from your usual, preferably one that enhances your dress. Do take a shower and spritz on some perfume, as well as get a manicure and a pedicure.

Indeed, with these tips to guide, you’ll certainly be the belle of the ball – dazzling, but not frazzling.