Tuesday, October 18, 2016

5 Tips for Styling Formal Wear

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Formal wear is one of my favorite types of clothing to style. I have always been the type of person that would rather be over dressed then underdressed so any excuse to dress up, I am all over! Weather you are attending a black tie event, wedding, holiday party, or even a school dance (for our younger readers), there are a few styling tips I always follow. 

1) Bring in pops of color in your bag and/or shoes. This does not only apply to black dresses! Don't ever be afraid of mixing color. 

2) Choose jewelry that compliments your gown. If your neckline is higher, add a statement necklace. If you neckline is lower, add a simple necklace and go bigger with the earring and bracelet. A good rule to remember is less is more when the dress is busy like the one I have styled here (deep neck, cut outs, etc.).

3) Nude shoes are a great way to lengthen your legs and keep the eyes on the dress. 

4) Pull your hair back. It just really finishes the look and makes the look more formal. 

5) Choose a dress that you feel comfortable and sexy in. In the end, how you feel in the dress will be how others see you. If you are uncomfortable and not able to sit, it probably is not the right dress for you. ;)

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Dress: Mignon via Rent the Runway // Bag: Express // Earrings & Bracelet: Kate Spade via Rent the Runway // Watch: Fossil

If you end up buying your formal wear, you can get more bang for your buck by re-wearing it to a less formal event. To make it appropriate for that, you can have your dress shortened, pair it with casual shoes (hello Converse!), or even pair it under a blazer. You can also rent your dress, like I did here from Rent the Runway, or choose to donate it to one of the many great dress donation organizations (Glass Slipper Project,  Becca's Closet, Love to Know).

Shop a few of my favorite formal wear pieces below. These are all $100-$200! 



How do you style your formal wear? Do you ever re-wear your gowns to less formal events by changing the styling? 

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