Basic Rules of Women's Formal Wear
An invitation to a formal event is exciting. What may not be exciting is trying to figure out what to wear. There are basic rules that govern how to dress at a formal event. Aside from these guidelines, women should express their own style and creativity in their outfits. Formal does not have to mean stiff, classic or boring.
Keep It Classy
Formal wear should not show too much skin. Women should wear long dresses (pants are unacceptable, including a tuxedo) that come past the knee. Dresses can either be sleeveless, backless or have a plunging neckline. Do not wear something with more than one of these features. Avoid dresses with cutouts or slits past the knee.
If the dress has a print, make sure it is not loud or overbearing. Ensure the accessories are also tasteful. Avoid feather boas, which can be associated with showgirls. When considering jewelry, do not wear anything obviously plastic. Costume jewelry is completely acceptable. Have your hair professionally styled the day of the event, especially if your hair color is growing out and the roots are showing.
Know What Is Flattering
When choosing formal wear, decide on an outfit that flatters your best assets or disguises problem areas. If you are very fit and want to show off toned shoulders, wear a strapless dress. To hide a large waist, choose a dress with corseting or one with paneling along the ribs. If you have a petite frame, do not wear large prints or dresses with a lot of ruffles or pleats because they make you look smaller.
Pay attention to which colors look best on you. It is not necessary to follow old-fashioned rules; for example, redheads can certainly wear pink. Just know what shades make you look tired or washed-out. Dingy grays and light browns most often are unflattering. Jewel tones look fantastic on any skin tone. Black is slimming, and metallics can make a plus-sized woman look larger than she really is.
Wear the Right Undergarments
Formal wear tends to require a whole new set of undergarments. Evening gowns tend to be form fitting, so buy a tummy shaper, also known as a girdle. While the concept is old-fashioned, the execution is totally modern. These undergarments are made with comfortable material that will not shift throughout the night.
If your dress is strapless, get a combination tummy shaper and corset. These one-piece undergarments eliminate visible panty lines, support your bust and tighten your silhouette. If your dress has a plunging neckline, make sure to use flesh tape. This double-sided garment tape will keep your dress in place to prevent any wardrobe malfunctions.
Don't forget your shoes. Buy some rubber soles for the bottom of your heels to keep you from slipping. If you plan on dancing, try some gel insoles to keep you comfortable. There are inserts designed specifically for open-toed shoes and pumps.
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