Your date can only choose a tuxedo, but your black-tie options are vast. Whether you choose satin or beads, or a dress, remember that black-tie means very formal.
Remember when picking a dress for a formal affair cut and style are the two most quintessential elements. Select a style and cut that flatters your figure, highlighting your assets and minimizing any problem areas.

Look for full-length dresses; lengths that hover around the knee are usually considered semiformal.

Remember that your dress options are unlimited. Consider spaghetti straps or a jewel-neck collar; a plunging back or a revealing front neckline; or a beautiful tube dress. Some events may call for more conservative attire, so consider this when making your selection.

Choose colours that complement your complexion. Black isn't the only evening colour. Deep reds and plums, crisp pastels, and silver and gold can all look equally stunning.

If you choose to wear a long tube gown, then pull back your hair to draw attention to your collarbone and neck line. Also dust some bronzer over the exposed area, to add some extra glam.

Select earrings that complement the tones and trims in your outfit. Pearls look great with beaded ensembles; diamonds accentuate rhinestone-studded and metallic outfits.

Select a small clutch in the same material, colour family and trim as your outfit. Never ever carry a big bag to a black tie affair.

Cocktail parties are the perfect occasion for the famous little black dress. Whatever your attire, keep it dressy and elegant, but subdued at the same time.

Think about your invitation. If it came by phone or e-mail, chances are it's a more casual affair. If you received a formal invitation, and especially if the event benefits a charity or association, consider it a dressier affair.

Choose dress and skirt lengths from mini to just above the ankles. Save anything resembling a full-length sequined gown for a different occasion.

Choose fabric according to the season. Wool and wool blends are perfect for fall and winter; satin, silk, rayon and knits are great for the spring and summer months. These materials can be dressed up or down with jewelry, handbags, shoes, wraps and hairstyles.

Pair a strapless or spaghetti-strap dress with an embroidered cardigan and slingback pumps or strappy sandals for a spring or summer event.

Head to a more casual after-work gathering in a dressy-casual outfit. Pair a wool skirt with a fitted turtleneck and leather flats for winter parties. Consider a fine-knit twinset, slim satin pants and low-heeled mules in the summer.

Wear a printed A-line sundress to a cocktail party on a weekend afternoon. A party scheduled for a weekend evening warrants a more flirty or elegant ensemble. Pair a colourful satin or silk empire-waist dress with a velvet or silk shoulder wrap.

Half of looking great at a disco party is attitude. The other half is polyester. Here are a few easy steps for both men and women that will help create a fun, vintage look reminiscent of the 70s.

Wear your hair big. Afros and pompadours were the height of disco fashion for men. Long, straight hair or very tightly permed hair was the norm for women.

Make your body sparkle and shine. Cover yourself in glitter; wear makeup in bright and shiny colors; and lots of blue eyeshadow. But remember not to over do it.

Put on loud clothes in awkward combinations.

Pull on tight pants that flare at the ankles.

Slip on platform shoes, keeping in mind that white ones are ideal.

Check out some old John Travolta movies for some fashion tips ;)

Simple or elegant, bold or beautiful, the right necklace will flatter any neckline you choose.
Consider the occasion. Opt for a simple, understated piece for daytime and a more precious or extravagant piece for evening.

Accessorize strapless and off-the-shoulder necklines with a necklace that remains close to the neck. Add elegant sophistication with a short strand of pearls.

Pair a square-neck top with a pendant that dangles from a long chain. Consider lengths that fall between the collarbones.

Accent a V-neck with a drop pearl necklace or solitaire pendant.

Enhance a jewel-neck or turtleneck sweater with a long string of colourful beads. Precious stones work well with a thicker day look, while crystals bring a little glamour to an evening ensemble.

Pair an open-collar blouse with a thicker, chunkier piece of costume jewelry. Interlock chains that lie flat on the collarbone accent a dressy casual outfit.

Well not all of us can afford Jimmy Choos and Ferragamos, so what’s the best alternative, well you just need to know what to look for.

Ask a salesperson to measure both your feet, as right and left foot sizes often differ slightly.

When buying closed shoes, make sure they are well cushioned from the inside. Good-quality shoes are fully lined from front to back, and when buying heels make sure you are comfortable in them.

Press on the shoe to locate your longest toe. You should feel at most a thumb's width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.

Walk several paces with the shoes on and feel how they fit and whether they are comfortable or not.

Make sure the shoe doesn't scrape against your anklebone or cause rashes.

Also you don’t need to spend a fortune on buying the right shoes, but still don’t compromise too much on quality even if it means spending a little more.  

Keep in mind that shoes should feel comfortable from the start; don't rely too much on 'breaking them in' over time, despite what the salesperson may say.

Accessorize one or at most two of your most visible areas: neck, wrists and shoulders.

Get real, cultured or faux pearls and wear them anywhere. Costume jewelry and faux gems; are relatively inexpensive and readily accessible at department stores and boutiques.

Raid your mom’s old jewelry box, when dressing in Indian attires, you’re sure to find something timeless and exotic

Wear a tennis bracelet - such as a single strand of diamonds - for a dramatic look. Or consider an evening watch instead of a bracelet.

Try elegant pearl or diamond studs for your ears. Vintage clip-ons or exotic dangling earrings could also work.

Put on your fancy shoes, no matter how elegant or frivolous, but be sure they are comfortable enough to dance the night away.

Choose stockings in a neutral palette. If you want hose with a design, make it subtle.

Try a lace mantilla or a vintage smoking jacket for "a look" or for warmth.

Toss a shawl around your shoulders; make sure it goes with your outfit in terms of colour and texture.

Try not to carry big bags to party; though a lot depends on the outfit, clutches always add that extra class to dresses.

Draw attention to your top by wearing tops with attractive necklines or accessorizing with scarves or bold jewellery.

Wear a long jacket that covers the hip area.

A-line skirts are flattering for most body types and legs.

Conceal large thighs with full-cut or boot-cut jeans.

Mask big hips by wearing dresses with high, empire waistlines.

If the problem is heavy calves, then team-up short skirts with long booths or wear black stockings to make your calves look thinner. And, yes off course wear high heels, they always make those legs look longer and sexier.

Wear tops whose details pull the eye down vertically; V-necks are a good choice.

Tuck shirts into pants to make your legs look longer, which will make you look taller.

Opt for clothes that fit close to your body. Bulky ones - like oversized jackets and tops - will draw the eyes out horizontally.

Try slim pants that closely follow your thighs and butt to make you look taller.

Don’t wear short skirts; avoid skirts that cut slightly below the knee or at mid-calf.

Slip into higher-heeled shoes. Letting your cuffless pant legs drape over high shoes will provide an instant look of height.

Give your bottom a lift with high-tech fabrics and underwear enhancements, or downplay its flatness with the right clothes.

Look for underwear that boosts your bottom. Slight padding enhances well and keeps everything firmly in place.

Emphasize your waist to draw an admirer's attention away from your behind. Wear jackets and dresses that are belted.

Wear bias-cut skirts and dresses with a slight drape. This creates movement, and the slight creases caused by the bias will give the illusion that your bottom has more shape.

Remember fitted skirts and pants will only draw attention to your flatness. A-line skirts, as well as loose-fitting tops and jackets, can camouflage this area.

Select pants with pockets and pleats, as they'll create the illusion of dimension. Avoid styles that hug under your cheeks. Instead, choose styles that hang from the middle of your bottom.

Women with a short busty figure are always scared about looking bigger than they are. They hide away in clothes that are too big for them, which is a big mistake. Here are a few tips on how to dress well to make the most of a figure that actually a lot of people are very envious of.

Choose the right underwear. A good supportive bra and tummy-slimming and thigh-slimming underpants are potential foundations to any outfit. Spend a bit of money. It's worth it.

Look at petite dress sections in shops, especially when looking for short pants. You'll be surprised how well cut the clothes are for your figure.

Wear pencil skirts (just below the knee and quite figure-hugging) Show off those curves!

Accentuate your assets! Choose a plunge neck line top or low cut rounded top. It will compliment your figure.

Use one solid colour head to toe to look taller and thinner.

Try wearing high heels, to look taller and more slender.