Will it make you feel any better if you know that most of us are afraid of being embarrassed by wearing inappropriate attire to a formal occasion? This is one of many reasons women takes a long time to get dressed - the process of choosing the correct dress, shoes, bag and accessories to match is an act not science and it takes a lot of practice and know-how to do a great job.

You may think that you will never need formal wear but there are many occasions when formalwear is required, such as: weddings, proms, cocktail parties, and dinner parties. Choosing the right attire is a must if you want to be comfortable in a social setting and avoid feeling self-conscious; hiding in the back of the room so no one sees you - It happens to the best of us.

Weddings, wedding rehearsal dinners, and wedding receptions are the special occasions that most men and women need to choose formal attire. The decision on the proper formal wear depends upon the time of the wedding and the season in which it is taking place. The bridal colors are also a consideration when you choose special occasion dresses and men's attire for your wedding attendants.

The bride and bridal attendants usually shop together and select bridal party dresses in the colors the bride has chosen. All the wedding accessories and wedding formal wear will be coordinated with the bride's wedding colors. If you are the maid of honor, your dress is usually a slightly different shade from the bridesmaid's dresses.

The mother-of-the-bride often accompanies the bride and bridal party to the dress shop. This is a good idea because the formal dress for the mother-of- the-bride is traditionally a different color from that of the bridal party. A white dress is not appropriate for the mother-of-the-bride or the mother-of-the-groom. The bride should be the only person at the wedding wearing white. Remember, this is her special day. At one time, black was considered bad luck to wear to a wedding, but this is no longer the case. Many of the guests, including the mother-of-the-bride or mother-of-the-groom dresses are black. The mother-of-the-bride and the mother-of-the-groom give each other a call before the wedding to choose their dress colors. Imagine the embarrassment if both mothers wore the same color on the day of the wedding.

It is traditional for the father and mother-of-the-groom to host a rehearsal dinner for the bridal party and the parents. At this time, the bride and groom usually present the wedding attendants and parents with gifts, thanking everyone for participating in the joyous occasion. The rehearsal dinner is another special occasion to wear dresses and suits or men's blazers. Everything about a wedding is a special time and you don't want to be seen as disrespectful to the couple by showing up at the rehearsal dinner in jeans and sneakers.

The day of the wedding is your chance to get dressed up in tantalizing formal wear. It is a treat to put on your favorite formal dress in the latest style and dazzle the other guests at the wedding. Wearing a suit or man's blazer is always acceptable for the men. Women normally wear formal dresses or gowns. Imagine all eyes on you as you enter the reception hall wearing a contemporary, single breasted suit in navy or charcoal with a crisp white shirt and silk tie. Another option for a man is a three piece suit in royal blue for an elegant and sleek look. Keep the colors and accessories simple for a classy, formal style.

For the most part, wear a tea length dress to a daytime wedding while formal gowns are worn to evening weddings. Want to look slim and hot? Go with solid colors for a slimming effect. Avoid stripes or heavy patterns that accentuate the curves you are trying to conceal. Keeping a simple color and style is always best when planning to wear jewelry or matching hat to prevent the accessories clashing with your dress.

Would you like to create a rich look? Check out our tips on how you can create a WOW look on a budget...

** Choose a stunning gold, sleeveless gown and matching shawl or a burgundy tea dress with a shawl, draping across your shoulders. Either of these dresses are gorgeous choices for the mother-of-the-bride or a wedding guest. Add matching beads, or crystal earrings and a necklace for an elegant finishing touch.

** Three piece ensembles and formal gowns are also ideal for evening wear.

** If you would like a look of sophistication for the wedding reception or special occasion, choose a champagne colored suit with a contrasting collar and cuffs and a matching hat for style and elegance in formalwear.

There are many designer dresses that are available for special occasions that you can find within your budget. You don't have to empty your bank account to find quality, special occasion attire. The Chancelle or Annabelle dress line has some wonderful, formal wear appropriate for all special occasions and evening dinners also there are great designer suits for men that are economical and classy too - all you need to do is shop at the right place.

Copyright (c) 2008 Abby Lawal