Formal Attire: Tips and Trends for the Gala and Holiday Seasons

With Fall officially upon us, black tie events, fundraising galas, and glam holiday parties are suddenly on everyone’s calendar.

While there are trends in formal attire, chic and simple make a timelessly elegant statement, so don’t let a formal event intimidate you. One rule still exists – if it says black tie, wear a long dress. Basic colors like black, red, navy blue, and pewter will always be in style and classic for formal events. This season is showing many gowns in emerald green and deep purple. But, it is more than the dress that defines elegance.

Often the best way to view these styles is on the pros – celebrities! They do this all the time and have a team of people to dress them for each event. Here are a few favorites.

The men, they have it easy – and can’t go wrong in a fabulous well-cut tuxedo. This is Tom Cruise’s signature black tie look – modern, young, and fresh. DC men, if you want some special pampering on the day of the big event – head over to the Grooming Lounge for a beer and a professional shave.

And now, for the ladies.

1. Get a professional to do your hair and make up.

Formal events mean showing your very best in everything – it’s not just about the dress! It pays to spend a bit of extra money and time to get your hair and face done. Some salons charge as little as $30 for a blow dry, and many department stores and beauty boutiques like Sephora,  Blue Mercury, and Beauty 360 will give complimentary makeovers. It is worth scouting this out well in advance. Natalie Portman’s makeup and hair are perfection at the 2009 Oscars.

2. Think comfort.

It is important to try to wear comfortable shoes. You will have more fun, and there is nothing worse than being that poor women at the end of the night hobbling around in pain. Those spikey heels look fab but not if you are standing in them all night and certainly not if you are walking the cobblestone streets of Georgetown. These heels get major raves, and they are super comfortable! If you must wear shoes that are killing your feet even before you leave the house, consider investing in a pair of shoe slippers that easily fit into your purse to change into at the end of evening or the ride home.

This brings us to the topic of outerwear – it gets cold in Washington, especially if you are outside waiting to hail a cab with the rest of the party goers! If you are going to a state dinner at the White House, invest in an exquisite jacket to match your dress, or invest in a vintage opera cloak.

If you are like the rest of us, don’t waste your money! This faux fur jacket looks gorgeous with a formal gown and stunning with a pair of jeans. Coat check lines are infamously long and not all that reliable. Those regularly on the circuit (who double and triple book events and have to maneuver quickly from one to the next), often tuck their jackets away under one of the cocktail tables…

3. Lay the right foundations.

Too many women spend money on the dress, shoes, hair, and makeup and then realize the night of the event they don’t have the right bra or Spanx to work with the dress. Do your research and shop for these well in advance! A local favorite with personal service is downtown DC’s Coup de Foudre. Bring in your dress and ask for Valerie, the store’s owner, she will personally find you the perfect undergarment(s).

On a side note, two essential undergarment items that should be in every woman’s closet are Hollywood Fashion Tape and Nubra. Great for formals and everyday use!

4. Work with what you’ve got.

There are so many options in formal wear that can flatter any body type – Kate Winslet, known for her lovely curves, gets it right every time.

Another style that works for a wide range of figures is the halter dress – because it draws attention to the upper half of the body – the face, shoulders, and bust. No need for a necklace, but don some fabulous earrings and lift the hair off the face to draw attention away from the lower half of the body. Eva Mendes is often seen wearing them.

Now, go be beautiful and have fun!