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Formal, what do I do?!? Some Couture Guidelines to Live by

Color. This is the absolute basic of any outfit. Depending on how formal the occaision you're attending is, this could significantly vary. When in doubt, go for black. Black and white will match with absolutely anything and are the essence of class. Red is also a pretty safe choice. Whatever the occaision though, patterns are a very risky choice and are generally left alone; even very simple patterns can distract from an ingenious design.

Situation. We can all agree that your bestfriend's late night coctail party is significantly different than your grandmother's funeral, right? For serious occasions don't even bother for sexy, it's inappropriate and unappealing. This means on serious occasions no cut-out backs, no suffocatingly tight pieces,and definitely no 'please stare at my boobs' low cut tops. However, the dinner/coctail party is an absolutely different matter. Flirty trims, alluring little black dress, sensual cut-outs? Yes, please! As a side note, the 'little black dress' is absolutely classic for coctail parties and the like. My advice? If you see one that you love, get it! Don't wait for an invitation for that party, get it Now!

Hair and Make up. Are you attending a serious occasion (wedding, funeral, graduation, etc.)? Keep the cosmetics low key. And please, don't spend an hour trying and elaborate hair-do. Keep it classy, not flashy. This event is not about you, so let the person in the spotlight worry about putting on a show. However, if the 'spotlight' is non-specified, go for it. And, when in doubt, go for the classic 'smoky eye.' As for hair, in either context, up-do's are versatile and ever classy.

Some extra notes

never hesitate to ask for a second opinion
day is much less formal than night
if in doubt of the level of formality, go ahead and call the host/hostess
the oufit isn't everything, you have to act classy too

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