|
|
 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.
Overview
Steps:
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.
Tips:
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.
Jewelry
Steps:
5. Choose a matching bracelet and
necklace.
6. Get real, cultured or faux pearls and
wear them anywhere.
7. Wear a tennis bracelet - such as a
single strand of diamonds - for a dramatic look.
Or consider an evening watch instead of a
bracelet.
8. Try elegant pearl or diamond studs for
your ears. Vintage clip-ons or exotic dangling
earrings could also work.
9. Adorn your hair with sparkling clips,
tortoiseshell barrettes, a diamond tiara or even
a fresh gardenia.
10. Find a ring that complements your
other jewelry.
Tips:
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.
Shoes, Shawls and Silk
Purses
Steps:
11. Put on your fancy shoes, no matter
how elegant or frivolous, but be sure they are
comfortable enough to dance the night away.
12. Choose stockings in a neutral
palette. If you want hose with a design, make it
subtle.
13. Go with gloves to the opera, a
debutante ball or the Ascot races.
14. Toss a shawl around your shoulders;
make sure it goes with your outfit in terms of
color and texture.
15. Try a lace mantilla or a vintage
smoking jacket for "a look" or for warmth.
16. Carry an evening purse or a beaded
bag large enough to hold business cards, keys,
cash and lip gloss.
|
