How many times have invitations arrived bearing the blithe and ever-challenging mention “Black Tie”, sending you immediately into the dark, dusty depths of the closet never lands where you’re sure you stashed that gown from the early nineties, only to put it on and find out that clothes seem to shrink when they wither away, forgotten over time? But wait, what of last season’s four-figure Cavalli mini dress, the one you simply had to have, then never wore, still in its plastic wrap, tags still on? Could I wear that?

Phone up your favorite fashionista and pose the question, “Can I wear short to a black tie affair?” and the answer will almost assuredly be a resounding “No.”  But just a minute: those torchbearers of taste and refinement – the French – have a saying, “Chic is born when something’s amiss.” And, on this night, you’re feeling daring, wanting to test out the theory. Keep in mind, rules truly are made to be broken. Don’t tell anyone, but there really isn’t such a thing as the fashion police (except when it comes to celebrities during awards season).

Here are some short steps to follow when preparing for your black tie event:

1. That sexy, slinky, shimmery black dress is just begging to be worn, and yes, it is above the knee. Who knew that hose would be its savior? The era of the bare leg really is getting somewhat tired, so remember: when wearing a short dress to a black tie affair, the addition of hose changes everything. Your legs are dressed, they look better, you feel secure but somehow unspeakably naughty. Remember not to limit yourself to nude – the simpler the dress, the more elaborate the hose. A demure LBD (little black dress) looks smashing with tiny fishnets or tulle, even lace stockings. A brightly colored, embroidered, embellished or otherwise voluminous short dress is where nude hose come in, provided they’re the appropriate shade and quality of nude.

2. By many accounts, nothing is more intoxicating than stockings, bare, opaque, laced, netted or otherwise, coupled with outrageously high heels or any staunch evening shoe that could be considered daringly erotic. What’s more, these put you in that party mood so fast you’ll forget you’re the only one in a mini mere minutes after arrival.

3. Assuming your dress is sleeveless, leave the jacket or bolero home and bust out that entrance-making stole, full length: organzas, duchess satins, taffetas, opulent furs, embroideries, feathers, beads, fringes. Let the dress dictate the flavor, but don’t hesitate to go mega in size and length.

4. When wearing a cocktail dress to a black tie affair, only the tiniest, most delicate, exquisite evening bag will do. Even a small leather clutch could ruin the entire effect, so stick with the high glamour of those nothing-fits sparklers, where anything short of a single key, some plastic and a few 100s is out of the question.

5. Be ready! You won’t believe the fun you will have, and the charming unknowns you’ll meet, all thanks to the dress. Best of all, the next time your crowd convenes for a black tie affair, you’ll thrill to see just how many women, most probably the very ones that raised their brows and whispered to their friends, show up short on black tie.

Now that’s what’s called trendsetting.