corset party dress Purple Sweetheart A Line With Applique Lavender / 10 1x Women Dress Purple Sweetheart A-Line Corset Midi

Accessories, jewelry, hair, makeup and shoes all contribute to your final look, so if you fall in love with a cocktail dress rather than a gown, you can always dress it up

Wraps and Shawls A pashmina, cashmere wrap, or silk shawl provides warmth without bulk

Fellas, consider going with a tux in a less traditional color or fabric such as velvet, and keep in mind that fabric, color, embellishments and accessories if opting for a less traditional black-tie look, says Padilla

Avoid jeans unless they are very dark, well-fitted, and paired with a dressier top

Last night, the duchess arrived at the London landmark wearing a black long-sleeved Givenchy dress - which featured sheer panels, a calf-length skirt, billowy sleeves and a darker panel on the torso