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Tips on dressing for special occasions

It's 7:36 PM and you still haven't done your hair, your make-up, or even picked out jewelry. Why? Because, just like any other woman with a function to attend you have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO WEAR!
Sure you had a dress picked out two months ago, but the shoes you bought don't look as good as they did last week and your new hair cut has completely change your whole look. DON'T PANIC. Just breathe.


Most women (and some men) have experience what I like to call "fashion anxiety" before an important event, however this stress is usually unnecessary. Bellow is a list of tips to help calm your pre-event panic.

1.Don't look for the perfect dress-
The perfect dress is rarely what you have in mind. Ask any bride if her dress is what she originally planned and most of the answers will be "No, but it's better!"
Besides if you are shopping for one particular kind of dress you will most likely pay too much and miss out on dresses that probably even look better on your body. Keep an open mind; explore more than just one color, length, or style.

2.Color it up-
If you normally wear black, choose a vibrant color. Most women tend to find a look and get comfortable in it, without ever exploring other styles. You will be shocked at how different colors can affect your mood. For instance if you are timid wear yellow to boost your confidence. If you are usually casual in earthy colors try an electric color like pink, bright blue, or jade. If your style is flamboyant or young, try a classic tea length dress in black or navy silk.

3.Don't over-do it-
A common mistake made when getting ready is over dressing, particularly the hair and make-up. The best advice I ever heard is from Fashion Icon and Designer, Isaac Mizrahi, He advises if you do lots of make-up do simple hair and vice-versa. This advice is absolutely indispensable. Love dark liner? Go for it, but put your hair in a simple ponytail (wrap a little bit of hair around the base of the ponytail and pin underneath to hide the hair band)

4.Proportion, proportion, proportion!-
This is the key factor in dressing well. No matter what the occasion, dressing for the body you have is the best strategy for looking great! Your body shape can look completely different if you know how to dress it. If you're short wear a higher waist dress and high heels with a pointed toe to elongate the legs. If you are wide in the tummy wear v-neck tops and a-line skirts at the knee to create a hour glass shape.
If you have a small chest, wear things with rooching, detailing, or horizontal lines around the bust. If you are pear shaped, wear an off the shoulder dress with a stiffer fabric.
If you are really busty, wear structured pieces with lots of detailing at the bottom.

5.Always accessorize-
Celebrity Stylist, Rachael Zoe says you should never leave the house without a piece of jewelry. Don't get a whole set, keep it simple and only wear 2 matching pieces like diamond studs and a matching tennis bracelet.
When carrying a bag, don't try to match the color of your shoes as much as the style. Generally if something looks like it could come from the same era, store, or designer it's a safe bet.

Learn more about this author, Judea Jackson.
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