A beautiful dress is the foundation of your formal look, but it's the accessories that complete the picture. The right jewellery, shoes, and bag can elevate a simple dress to stunning, while poorly chosen accessories can undermine even the most gorgeous gown. Here's how to accessorise your formal look like a pro.
The Jewellery Equation
When it comes to formal jewellery, there's one guiding principle: balance. The goal is to complement your dress, not compete with it.
For Ornate or Heavily Detailed Dresses
If your dress features sequins, beading, embroidery, or intricate detailing, let it be the star. Choose minimal jewellery that doesn't fight for attention:
- Simple stud earrings or small drops
- A delicate bracelet or bangle
- Skip the necklace entirely if the neckline is detailed
- A subtle cocktail ring as an accent
For Simple, Minimalist Dresses
A clean, unembellished dress is a canvas for statement jewellery. This is your chance to go bold:
- A dramatic statement necklace
- Chandelier earrings
- Layered bracelets or a statement cuff
- Multiple rings for a curated look
The Coco Chanel Rule
Before leaving the house, look in the mirror and remove one piece of jewellery. This classic advice prevents over-accessorising and ensures your look remains elegant rather than overwhelming.
Matching Metals
Traditional rules suggested matching all your metals - gold with gold, silver with silver. Modern styling is more relaxed, allowing for intentional mixing. However, for formal events, cohesion often looks more polished. Consider your dress's undertones:
- Warm dress colours (burgundy, gold, coral, champagne) often pair beautifully with gold or rose gold.
- Cool dress colours (navy, silver, purple, icy blue) typically look best with silver, white gold, or platinum.
- Neutral dress colours (black, grey, white) can work with either metal family.
Choosing the Perfect Evening Bag
Your evening bag needs to be both beautiful and functional - a tricky balance when formal bags are typically small.
Essential Items for Your Evening Bag
Before choosing a bag, consider what you need to carry:
- Phone and house keys
- ID and credit/debit card
- Lipstick or gloss for touch-ups
- Tissues or blotting papers
- Emergency items (safety pins, hair elastics)
Bag Styles for Formal Events
- Clutch: The classic choice for black-tie events. Choose one large enough for essentials but small enough to hold elegantly under your arm or in your hand.
- Minaudière: A hard-case evening bag, often with jewelled detailing. Particularly elegant for the most formal occasions.
- Crossbody: A practical choice for events with dancing or when you want your hands free. Choose a small, evening-appropriate style on a delicate chain.
- Envelope clutch: A sleek, flat design that's easy to tuck under your arm. Excellent for minimalist dresses.
Key Takeaway
Your bag doesn't have to match your dress exactly - in fact, a complementary or contrasting bag can be more interesting. A metallised gold or silver bag works with almost any formal outfit and is worth investing in.
Selecting Evening Shoes
Your shoes are more than just an accessory - they affect how your dress hangs, how you walk, and how comfortable you'll be throughout the event.
Heel Heights to Consider
- High heels (10cm+): Most dramatic and elongating. Best for formal events where you won't be on your feet constantly.
- Mid heels (5-8cm): A good balance of elegance and comfort. Suitable for most formal occasions.
- Kitten heels (3-5cm): Elegant but very comfortable. Perfect if you'll be standing or dancing for extended periods.
- Dressy flats: Embellished ballet flats or pointed-toe flats can work for cocktail events. For black tie, you might want more height.
Shoe Style Guidelines
- For floor-length gowns: Your shoes will barely be visible. Prioritise comfort and choose a height that allows your dress to fall properly. Your hem should just brush the floor.
- For midi and tea-length dresses: Your shoes become part of the look. Choose statement heels that complement your dress.
- For cocktail length: Your shoes are fully on display. Invest in a beautiful pair that adds to your overall look.
Practical Considerations
- Break in new shoes before the event - never wear brand-new formal shoes to an important occasion.
- Consider the venue - avoid stilettos for outdoor events on grass.
- Pack backup flats if you're worried about comfort during a long event.
- Match your shoe colour to your dress undertone for the most harmonious look.
Wraps, Shawls, and Cover-Ups
A wrap or shawl is often necessary for evening events, especially in air-conditioned venues or during cooler months.
Options to Consider
- Pashmina or cashmere shawl: Elegant and warm. Drape over shoulders or style as needed.
- Faux fur stole: Glamorous for winter events. Creates a vintage Hollywood effect.
- Embellished cape: A dramatic alternative to traditional wraps.
- Cropped formal jacket: Structured and sophisticated. Good for corporate formal events.
Styling Tip
Choose a wrap that complements but doesn't exactly match your dress. A contrasting or metallic wrap can add visual interest, while an exact match can look like you're hiding your dress.
Hair Accessories
For formal events, hair accessories can add polish and personality. Consider:
- Hair combs: Jewelled or pearl combs add elegance to updos.
- Hairpins: Scattered decorative pins create a romantic effect.
- Headbands: From subtle to statement, headbands work for various hair lengths.
- Fascinators: Essential for racing events, optional for other occasions.
Coordinate your hair accessories with your jewellery for a cohesive look. If you're wearing gold earrings, choose gold-toned hair pieces.
The Often-Forgotten Details
Hosiery
Whether to wear hosiery depends on the formality of the event, personal preference, and comfort:
- Nude hosiery creates a polished, traditional look
- Bare legs are acceptable for most modern formal events
- Avoid visible tights lines - nude-to-waist styles look most elegant
- Consider thigh-highs with a garter belt for comfortable, invisible hosiery
Undergarments
Your undergarments are invisible accessories that significantly impact how your dress looks:
- Seamless underwear prevents visible lines
- The right bra (or built-in support) is essential for proper fit
- Shapewear can smooth lines if desired, but shouldn't alter your shape dramatically
- Consider stick-on bras or cups for backless or low-cut styles
Pulling It All Together
Once you've selected all your accessories, try everything on together well before your event. Stand in front of a full-length mirror and evaluate:
- Is there a clear focal point, or are multiple elements competing for attention?
- Do all the elements feel cohesive in terms of formality and style?
- Are the proportions balanced?
- Does everything feel comfortable and secure?
Final Thought
The best accessorised looks appear effortless. If you find yourself constantly adjusting jewellery, worried about your bag, or wincing in your shoes, something needs to change. Comfort and confidence are the most important accessories of all.
Accessory Essentials for Your Collection
Building a versatile collection of formal accessories means you're always prepared. Consider investing in:
- One pair of classic nude heels that match your skin tone
- One pair of metallic heels (silver or gold, depending on your colouring)
- A black envelope clutch
- A metallic evening bag
- Simple diamond or crystal stud earrings
- One statement necklace
- A quality wrap or pashmina
With these essentials, you can accessorise almost any formal dress for any occasion. Add to your collection over time as you discover your personal style and the events you most frequently attend.