{"id":36807,"date":"2011-06-20T07:00:23","date_gmt":"2011-06-20T12:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/?p=36807"},"modified":"2025-10-18T09:40:30","modified_gmt":"2025-10-18T15:40:30","slug":"black-tie-dress","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/fashion-trends\/black-tie-dress\/","title":{"rendered":"Black tie dress code on a budget!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Feeling high anxiety because you have a black tie event on your calendar but a low balance in your checking account? Treat yourself to a deep, relaxing breath–because we have the answers you need. Read on to learn the dos and does for living up to a black tie dress code on a budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

How to follow the black tie dress code<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do Choose a Solid Color, Floor Length Gown<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The black tie dress code calls for floor length skirts, so any cocktail dress is out of the question. But the fact that a dress reaches the ground still doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s appropriate. To make sure your look is elegant, select a gown in a solid color– no stripes, no animal print, no polka dots, etc. Rhinestones, sequins<\/a> and other embellishments are a great way to stand out, but stay away from florals and tie dye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong>JS Boutique Jersey Gown, $178, Nordstrom<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t wear a cocktail dress<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/strong>Dusk Stretch Satin Dress, $98, Nordstrom\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n <\/g>\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n <\/clipPath>\r\n <\/defs><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t overdo bling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you get dolled up to head out for a night on the town, you\u2019re all about the baubles: a dozen bangles, cocktail rings half the size of your hand, huge statement necklaces<\/a> and earrings that reach your shoulders. We hate to bust your bubble, but none of these will work for a black tie affair. Dainty chandelier earrings are great, as are a pair of studs or drop earrings, and a single-strand bracelet, pendant or single-stone ring work great as accents to your dress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do pick the right accessories<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/strong>Betsey Johnson<\/a> Earrings, $30, Dillard\u2019s<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A fabulous formal ensemble can be ruined with by the wrong shoes or handbag. A mistake many women make is to talk into a ballroom with a big, bulky tote bag. Yes, we understand that for such an important event, you want to have your camera, hairbrush, makeup and other essentials close at hand, but all these items defeat their purpose if you\u2019re carrying them in a garish purse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong>Glenladale Clutch, $17.49, Aldo<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t carry a casual, garish purse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/strong>Cantfield Handbag, $34.98, Aldo<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a hint: Pack an extra purse full of less-imperative essentials and leave it in the car just in case. Take the items you know you\u2019ll need– lip gloss, cell phone and powder– in a small clutch or wristlet. Narrowed it down and they still don\u2019t fit? That\u2019s where your dates pockets come in. Also, make sure you\u2019re wearing heels. Formal gowns are made to be worn with heels, so your look won\u2019t look quite right if you don\u2019t have them on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do show some skin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

And by little, we do mean little. A woman can feel drowned in a floor-length dress, so it\u2019s more than acceptable to show off a little leg with a slit that goes to just above the knee. Moderate cleavage and exposed back are fine, too. When in doubt about how much to show, just ask yourself if you\u2019d be comfortable wearing the dress in front of your boss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong>JS Boutique Jersey Gown, $93, Nordstrom<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t have to show a lot of skin to look sexy (remember Anne Hathaway at the Golden Globes?) so never underestimate the appeal of collar bones or shoulders. Find a dress that flatters your figure and you\u2019ll look hot, even if you\u2019re mostly covered up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t show a lot of skin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/strong>Embellished One-Shoulder Gown, $149, Arden B<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hair and makeup<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A fabulous ensemble deserves a fabulous face… and hair… and nails. For a polished look, match your lip color with your nail color. A french manicure or nude color are perfect as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For makeup, this is your chance to go bold. Start with asking yourself, \u201cWhat\u2019s my best feature?\u201d If it\u2019s your eyes, go smoky with a liquid liner, a little shimmer and even false eyelashes. If it\u2019s your lips, try a red or berry lipstick. Stay away from glitter, but give yourself a sexy glow by applying bronzer to your cheeks and collar bones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t go too tan, too bold<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/strong>A too-tan Kim Kardashian overdoes it with bold eyes and lips<\/use><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When deciding how do to your hair, take your dress into account. For a strapless or one-shouldered dress, you\u2019ll want to put up your hair, which you can do easily by creating a simple bun. Blow-dry hair straight, part it to one side, then make a low ponytail. Coil the length of the pony around the base and secure the knot with pins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What’s hot right now with down-do\u2019s are big, silky spirals. Start with a shine-enhancing cream, then wrap sections of hair from the ears down around a large curling iron. Once your hair cools down, gently run a brush through the curls. Voila! You\u2019re ready to wow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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