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

—Susan Lucci, Emmy Award–winning actress

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.