Black Tie Event
Fashion Advice: How to Dress for a Conservative Evening Event and Still Have a Little Style
Dear Budget Fashionista,
I’m the female dinner speaker for an evening black tie military event (I’m not military). The soldiers will be dressed in blues and I need to be comfortable. What do you suggest?
Answer: The key to situations like this, when you’re speaking to a more conservative and traditional audience, is simple elegance. As the speaker, you want people to pay attention to what you say, rather than what you wear. However, as a stylista, you want to add a little of your own style. In this situation, start with a very simple foundation—like a simple black or dark blue shirt dress (like the one here at Silhoulettes) or a simple black or blue pants suit. Now, if you’re a hot mama like me, and have a little extra dough, you might even consider a red dress with a more conservative, but still feminine, cut like this like the hot little number shown above from Ann Taylor. Next, use this trick I use whenever I speak in public—wear a fabulous, but simple, necklace (make sure it’s doesn’t reflect light, you don’t want to blind your audience) or scarf close to your neck/face. Why? The placement of a scarf or necklace close to your face draws the audience’s attention towards your mouth, and of course, your words.
Fashion Advice: Plus Size Evening Dress
“THESE PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
Dear Budget Fashionista-
I am a plus-sized woman and was just invited to a black-tie optional event in early December. I’m 28 and don’t want to look 58. On top of that, I’d like to cover my arms (or at least the tops- I hate them!) and disguise my huge belly.
Any suggestions?
Answer: Girl believe it or not, you’ve got options. Look for dresses gather to the side (think wrap dress) and/or so a bit of cleavage. Believe it or not, the more skin you show, the thinner you look, plus everyone will be too busy looking at your fabulous cleavage to notice any “figure” issues.
One of the best shops for fashion forward plus size evening dresses is the site igigi.com. The site offers tasteful evening wear for those who want to be a bit more covered for around the $100 mark. The Novelle evening dress shown above (available in black and red) covers your arms, has the side gathering, and shows some skin, for around $150.
You can also try the more traditional department stores. Macys sometimes has a fairly good selection of trendy plus size evening wear in select stores (check online as well), but stay away from Lane Bryant (which tends to be way too casual) and Torrid
(which tends to be more prom-like).
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