How to Shop for a Special Occasion!

When dressing for any special event, dress for yourself first. If you feel beautiful, you will be beautiful!”

—Susan Lucci, Emmy Award–winning actress

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Here are some of my favorite tips from How to Shop for a Special Occasion from How to Win at Shopping (Workman):

-Pay attention to the formality listed on the invitation. Black tie means a formal short or long dress. For men, it means a tuxedo.

-Black tie preferred or optional means a formal dress, cocktail dress, or dressy separates. For men, it means a tuxedo or a dark suit.

-Semiformal means a cocktail dress or dressy separates. For men, a dark suit is appropriate.

-Festive attire means a cocktail dress, dressy separates, or your version of a LBD

(little black dress). For men, a jacket and tie will do the trick.

-Business formal means a business suit or dress. For men, a suit is appropriate.

-Business casual can be interpreted broadly, but don’t wear anything overtly sexy.

-Casual dress means wear something you wouldn’t mind being photographed in.

-When shopping for a wedding, don’t choose anything that will compete with the bride.