As much as I love watching Parks and Recreation and The Office on repeat, I equally love dressing up…like formally.  Holiday formals are a great escape from my Office (self inflicted) prison.

The trick to a great gown is knowing what shape flatters your figure.  I personally love trumpet and mermaid silhouettes because they enhance my petite figure.  Actually, those silhouettes create curves 😏 and I love putting my clients in mermaid, column and sheath silhouettes for enhancing and/or slimming the figure.

With it being the holidays, everyone flocks towards reds, greens and glitter. While great colors, everyone is wearing them.  I chose this stunning dark fuchsia gown and paired it with minimal accessories and a matching rose gold/plum make up look and wore shoes already in my collection.

In keeping the look formal and elegant, I did a pin up look on my natural hair, but also will be showing you different elegant hairstyles.

Keeping the look for less:

• Consider renting a gown
• Revisit a gown in your closet, but switch the accessories, different hairstyle, shoes or shawl
• Wear your own heels! You probably have something that matches
• Thrift and/or consign your accessories for a one of a kind look

Seen on me:

Jay Godfrey Plum Gown $595 retail, rent HERE |Heels, Via Spiga $30 Travel + Thrift | Wristlet, $1 Goodwill

Find yourself a gala or end of the year party to go too! Someone is selling tickets!!!!