Style Tips: Dress up

Gone are the days of dressing in gowns to go to the theatre or wearing long black satin gloves to a ball. We've become casual. When we receive a ball, race day or cocktail invitation, we should be overcome by an instant pang of excitement about dressing up. More often than not, however, many of us groan at the prospect, only glancing with raised eyebrows at the "Black Tie" dress code instruction on the invitation. It doesn't have to be hard, it shouldn't be fun - as long as you know the rules. Here's our quick guide.
Black Tie
This is as formal as it gets and life's too short to be a shrinking violet. Ladies should be in full-length gowns and gentlemen in bow ties (oh, how easy it is for men to look dapper!). Shorter dresses should only ever really been worn at school balls or on younger women - at a stretch. If you wear black, then expect to melt into the background. Colour is best and there's an array of it out there in stores at the moment.

Cocktail
The correct time for a cocktail event is 6pm to 8pm and although there are fewer of these than there used to be, they are still around. If you're going straight from work, make sure you take your killer heels and some sparkly jewellery to add to your outfit. Sophistication or flirty are the key looks. And cocktail doesn't just have to mean a short dress - a sexy jumpsuit with the right accessories, or tailored pants with a silky top are also options.
Wedding
Take your cue from the invitation. If this is a church wedding, then a more formal look is the order of the day. Go for a hat, of course, but make sure you wait for the mother of bride to take hers off before you do. If it's a beach wedding, then you can be more relaxed. Avoid black - this is a celebration of a new beginning, not a funeral. This is the occasion to be playful, fun and quirky.
Race Day
Yes indeed, the season is upon us again. No other occasion beckons a completely head-to-toe matching outfit than race day, so embrace it with open arms. Every element should be co-ordinated, from the gloves, to the hat, handbag and shoes. That doesn't mean matching colours and fabrics necessarily, but make sure you consider the entire outfit. Accessories are king. Don't mix this look up with cocktail; it's more formal and tailored. Don't even think about arriving without a hat or fascinator. If your outfit is simple, go for a flamboyant hat, otherwise a delicate fascinator will let you show off your newly salon-blow-dried hair
Makeup
Take the time to visit a makeup counter before your big event for some refreshing new style tips and tricks to create a beautiful makeup look. All of the high-end beauty counters have experts on hand to show you the latest makeup colour trends and how to apply them. A good foundation that looks natural, but stays put (and there are some amazing ones out there), ensuring you look fresh all day. Take along a beautiful compact in your handbag, too, so that you can easily touch up throughout the event.

Got a fashion or style topic you'd like us to cover? Email Natalie at editor@simplyyou.co.nz