column dress Carmen Thoughtful draping at the bodice extends up from the waist seam Alexandra Silk and Wool Column

Midi and maxi dresses are better suited for resort evenings, cruise excursions, or days when you want more sun protection without sacrificing style

Length is the defining qualifier: tea-length qualifies for formal in select contexts but never for strict black-tie

stop renting Own Your Essentials Dont rely on ill-fitting rentals

Looking at the vast appeal and usage of this piece of footwear, we thought of telling you all 7 trendy ways of wearing formal brown shoes with your outfits

(Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage) 5 Kate Bosworth attends the fifth annual Whitney Contemporaries Art Party and Auction benefiting the Whitney Museum of American Arts Independent Study Program held at Skylight Studio on June 6, 2007 in New York City