The Black Dress

If you only own one dress, it should probably be a dark color, such as black.

I found this mesh sleeve dress with ruching at the waistline at Chico's earlier this year. This might be my go-to party dress for awhile. I do not wear skimpy cocktail dresses to parties (or anywhere for that matter!), so the hint of skin showing through the mesh is just sexy enough for me.

STYLING TIPS: Balance the top and the bottom. If you are wearing a sleeveless dress, do not wear dark hose. When you do wear dark hose, always wear dark shoes. When I see someone wearing gold shoes with black hose, I always think of Minnie Mouse.

I wore the dress out to dinner on Saturday night for the first time. Mr. Mickey loved it!

I topped it off with a black faux leather-trimmed ruana from Carlisle Per Se and old silver and crystal necklaces. The suede heels are from Saks. The gray clutch is old by Kenneth Cole Reaction.