With fall comes cool fresh air, children going back to school, and for the philanthropic world, it’s the start of the event season!

Not only is it a great time to give back to our favorite organizations and charities, but it’s a great time to dress up and attend fabulous parties- might as well kill two birds with one stone!

Charity events are attended by supporters of all ages, most organizations  have started including younger generations by offering a varied level ticket prices-very smart of them!  Most of these events require black tie or cocktail attire, men have it easy in this department and have the luxury of throwing on a suit or tux and heading out the door knowing they will be on target.  For women, it’s a bit more tricky.  As women, we should be considering a few things, the current style, the weather, the events of the evening, our body style and most importantly, our age.  As I have stated before, I don’t believe in a lot of rules when it comes to fashion and style, but I do believe in being appropriate!

Just the basics:

Black tie = a dress below the knee, usually to the floor, but always below the knee.

Cocktail = can equally be a nice style that includes pants, but a dress is always on the mark.

Always include evening shoes and an evening bag.  Nothing is worse than a great looking gown or dress and a handbag that is average or is intended to be carried during the day.  Clutches and evening bags can be found everywhere and at all price points, I prefer to invest in a few great ones (black, gold, and silver) and then rotate them as you need.   If there is a remote chance that the weather will become cool, don’t forget your wrap, just make sure it’s a coordinating color and an evening fabric- you can never go wrong with a classic cashmere pashmina.

Now that the basics are covered, let’s think about dressing for your decade.  A lot of women get caught in the wheel of fashion and are drawn (or convinced) to wear a certain style just because it is “in style” or was seen on a runway- this is a huge mistake!  Know that you will look much sexier in something that works on you, not on a mannequin in the store or an 18 year old model on a runway.  The most common mistake is giving away the store, you never want to show too much of anything after the age of 30.  Pick a focal point of the body (legs, cleavage, or back) and highlight it.  Wearing a short skirt with a plunging neckline is just way too much!  Designers today have done a wonderful job of showing a woman’s figure without showing too much, built in corsets give an hour glass shape, beautiful necklines are excellent at highlighting a décolletage or the yoga arms you have worked so hard for.  Backless is another favorite. If you are feeling young at heart the best way to express yourself is with color and print.  Go with a bright youthful color or fun print to show off your young wild side!

Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera are masters at tastefully highlighting the best parts of a woman!

Last, but certainly not least, don’t forget the proper undergarments!  It doesn’t matter what your age I strongly believe every woman should have the following items in her arsenal; Spanx (in various styles), breast petals, fashion tape, and stick on bras.  I don’t know a woman alive of any shape or size that can’t benefit from Spanx! Spanx will hide lumps, bumps, and anything else you need to smooth out, and as a bonus, they suck you in and give you confidence!

Ps. Know that these mistakes can go both ways, I am a true believer if the old saying- if you got it flaunt it!  Just remember to be tasteful and when in doubt ask an expert!