satin mini dress black SAU LEE Penny Backless Dress, the Anastasia dress is cut to a figure Black Mini Dress - Satin

#The three things every black-tie outfit must get right Three measurable variables decide whether a look lands: length, fabric and finish

If youre not planning on spending the evening worshiping Kurt Cobain, wear shoes that are pretty plain and in ugly, boring colors

A pair of tights with a minimal, geometric pattern can beautifully complement a block-coloured dress, offering a fresh take on classic office wear

I wore these black pumps with sheer tights and a red dress to the ballet a few years ago

"A silky, bias-cut, plunging dress will have very different support than a heavy-satin plunging dress with a structured bodice under the bust," says Strauss

Fashion: The Ultimate Book of Costume and Style