Sidney’s Style

How to go from day to evening

June 20 - 26, 2007
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Gulf Weekly How to go from day to evening

Situation 1
The phone rings. That invitation comes.
You are invited to that special event, but there’s a real problem. There will be no time to change into evening attire.

Situation 2
The office party is upon us, and we need to look good in a hurry!
Two sticky situations with six simple solutions:

Solution 1
Wear basic black dress, basic skirt and top or well-cut trouser outfit.
Carry a few well-chosen accessories and stronger make-up colours.

Solution 2
A classic white shirt can go right into evening with a frilly skirt and rhinestone accessories.

Solution 3
A well-cut pair of trousers can take on a new life with a sequined T-shirt.

Solution 4
A black mock turtleneck can be belted with a rhinestone or grosgrain belt added to a satin skirt for the last minute panache.

Solution 5
A basic suit jacket can go into the evening when paired with a satin or lace slacks.

Solution 6
Take a regular day suit and remove the blouse under the jacket. Extra skin is appropriate for the evening hours. If you are feeling just too underdressed, then add a little lace hanky at the bodice.

What does the invitation mean?
The invitation came in the mail today, and you haven’t got a clue as to what to wear.
You have never been to this kind of event, and you won’t know a soul there. Just what does the invitation mean?

The invitation reads informal
Choose a classic look as a sweater with flowing pants or a silk blouse with matching silk pants. Appropriate heels for the event would be in the two to three-inch range. Flats won’t make it here. Keep accessories toned down.
The invitation says city attire
Of course, this party or event will be taking place in or near a city.
For this event, black is always safe. A black trouser suit would be perfect. Shoes can be one to two inches in height.

If it reads business or cocktail
Here’s where the little black dress we all have in our closet comes in handy.
Add a jacket according to your comfort level. You can always take it off should you find that the look is a bit too business oriented.

The invitation reads formal
This is the invitation that drives every woman crazy! What does formal really mean?
When you receive this invitation, pull out that long dress or skirt. Mid-calf is only appropriate if the dress is very elaborate.

Short or long?
A long formal gown is limiting. When in doubt?
Go for short. And don’t forget extra glamour means extra makeup.

What to wear to that wedding
Pants. A pantsuit is now a chic choice.
Make certain that it’s a dressy fabric.

Black
Although black is acceptable, navy is much more modern.

White
Don’t wear it, I do not care what the etiquette experts say. Beige is more flattering and more respectful of the bride.

Sequins
Do not wear this not unless the wedding starts at 6pm.

Quick glamour
It shouldn’t take all day to look extra special.

Here are some quick tips for that glamorous look

Hair
Instant glamour
To give hair fullness and bounce, lift dry hair at the roots with a round brush. Pull it taut and spritz with hairspray. Then blow dry hair on the warm setting of high heat-using the warm setting makes hair flexible and allows you to restyle it. For even more fullness bend forward, so that the head is tilted down when drying. Finish styling as usual.

Eyes
Fast frames
To give the eye definition and mystery, brush brows up to accentuate the arch. Set with toothbrush sprayed with hairspray. Finish of by adding a bit of white shadow under the brow.
Mystery eyes
The Smokey eye is the
perfect look for “after five.”
The evening bag
There are two schools of thought when it comes to evening bags. There is a person who carries as little as possible, and there is that person who can’t go out for the evening without throwing in the kitchen sink. There are guidelines for both… just plan ahead.

The minimalist
Money? Enough cash to hail a cab.

Cosmetics?
A lipstick and compact.

Anything else?
Breathe mints, a comb and maybe a hanky.

The pack rat
Money? Not only a substantial amount but something like having two credit cards.

Cosmetics?
Lipstick, foundation, mascara, and eyeliner super glue to tack false lashes.

Anything else?
Mobile.
Key.







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