Evening Wear Essentials

A few days ago there was a good fashion show in Dubai and a friend of mine had been given special tickets to enjoy it with her husband. She declined to go as she said that she did not have anything appropraite to wear for the occasion.

I felt sorry for her and all those women who think of these things at the nth moment!

So if I ask you women to come with me for a special evening how many of you would jump at it! Many would say No! Because, like the my friend who missed out on the fashion show, most women have gapping holes in their wardrobes that prevent them from going to certain places appropriately dressed. They funnel the majority of their clothing budgets into their primary activity, like work or taking care of kids, and are caught like a deer in the headlines when something out-of-the-ordinary comes along. They're either forced to decline a last-minute invitation, or go with what they have and spend the whole time feeling inappropriately dressed.

All this is so unnecessary! Because with just a little bit of planning, they could be ready for ANYTHING - even a last minute invitation to a touring Broadway show. So let's take a few minutes to discuss an appropriate evening wear wardrobe.

So what are the 5 top evening wear pieces you should have?

A Dark Dress

This can be a little black dress, if black looks good on you, or navy, brown, red, or even plum. For maximum durability, it should have simple lines and some sort of sleeve. That way, you can add a splash of jewelry and wear it to semi-formal functions like cocktail parties, nice dinners, and the theater, and to more solemn affairs like weddings also.

An Evening Top

This can be anything that smacks of evening, from a satin or sequined camisole to a beautiful lace blouse. Pair it with a skirt or pants, wear it under a suit, or mix it with your other evening pieces for an elegant, classic look.

An Evening Skirt or Pair of Pants

A simple skirt or pair of pants in an evening material can take you to a variety of functions for years. Pair them with your evening top, atrendy blouse, a simple top with knockout jewelry - the possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

Evening Shoes

Sandals, pumps, or slingbacks in metallic, lace, or satin will upgrade almost anything else you're wearing to a more formal status. Pair them with a suit, an evening gown, a simple sheath, or whatever, for a glamorous evening look.

An Evening Bag

An evening bag like evening shoes, instantly upgrades your attire to a more formal status. Since you can only carry your lipstick, a key, a credit card, or folded currency in such a small bag, it says that you're there for the evening's festivities with nothing more important to do