turquoise dress Women's Green Maxi Turquoise Sequin Lace-Up Mermaid Long

Dont Be Afraid to Clarify As mentioned above, there are differences between black tie and formal black tie optional events, so it can be useful to clarify with the hosts before you dig yourself in a hole

Brides & Tailor: Black and colorful gothic-styled dresses with plus size options from Michigan

If you dress a bit more preppy + feminine, the gold hardware and light taupe color of these keds may be right up your alley

I was so smitten with and inspired by this pairing by one of my guitar heroes, that I dedicated a lot of time to finding a similar blazer

Or, opt for a look with one large statement floral splashed across the front, rather than the more common repeating pattern

Add height with a vase or lamp To give some balance to a dresser, it helps to use something taller like a vase or lamp