FSM Guide to Dress to Impress By Aneliya Vasilieva

This summer is all about prints, pastels, and neon, bold colors. Therefore, it’s a great idea to implement splashes of color, patterns, or even some color blocking for the evening look. When mixing in summer trends for a formal look, it’s best to start with the basics.

The cocktail dress is classic and ideal for formal occasions. Cocktail dresses are shorter than evening gowns which makes the best choice for the hot weather. Most of all, cocktail dresses are made in various styles and colors so it’s easy to find the perfect one.

Tangerine, yellow, pink, white, and blue are just a few colors that would look amazing in a summer cocktail dress. Essentially, it’s the color, the fit, and style that will determine the best dress choice for the evening.

Shoes are the next important piece to consider. After all, shoes can easily make or break an outfit. The trick to picking shoes that compliment an ensemble is to try on several different styles and colors until you find the pair that’s most befitting.

For a trendy look, try a little color blocking. If the dress is a bright neon color then the shoe also needs to be a bright neon color. Or if the dress is a pastel color, then the shoe should be a pastel too. For example, a bright orange dress could look gorgeous with the right pair of hot pink shoes. It’s all about how you mix and play with the colors.

However, if the goal is to keep it a bit simpler then slip on a designer pair of nude or black shoes to go with the dress. Ultimately, the idea is for the shoes and dress to work together to create a fashionable, chic look.

Once the shoes are chosen, don’t forget to accessorize. Accessories are equally as important as the outfit and help pull the entire fashion ensemble together. When selecting jewelry, focus on pieces that are unique and eye-catching.

Summer inspires the most beautiful assortment of jewelry so indulge by adding it to your look. Turquoise, Citrine, Onyx, Sapphire, Jade, and Blue Topaz are a few examples of some colorful stones that look would look amazing for the summer.

Try a cuff bracelet and a big cocktail ring or big earrings with a colorful necklace to add to what you’re wearing. To finish off the evening look, add a clutch bag to hold essential items and a light scarf or shawl to stay warm in cool air conditioning.

To create your best outfit for the occasion, trying shopping at the following locations: Marguerite Boutique-Best Wear in West Bloomfield Township for dresses, Tender in Birmingham for designer shoes, and Nordstrom for distinctive accessories.

The Best of Detroit party will be held at MotorCity Casino Hotel’s Sound Board. Food will be provided by over 30 of the restaurants voted best of Detroit. Entertainment will include The English Beat, The Killer Flamingos, and Kenneth Thomas.