ADVICE

It's about dressing in fabrics that feel great against your skin and adding unexpected touches and glamorous essentials. Here's how to add sizzle to your look without sacrificing your modesty.

Make it metallic.

Black may be supersexy, but gold, silver, copper and pewter are especially luminous when you're going for vavoom. Look for simple shapes (the story here is the fabric and colour, not the line of the outfit) and tones that flatter your skin colour. Pass on major jewellery and makeup to let the dress really shine.

Adopt an exotic look.

The cheongsam is a classic example of a dress with international allure. Harem pants, sarongs and embroidered items are all borrowed ethnic looks with tons of feminine charm. The mandarin-collar dress from China is flattering, chic and always intriguing.

Make a grand exit.

Sexy is all about surprises, so a deceptively simple dress from the front can be a showstopper in the back. Open backs, lace-up backs, great dress trains all make for dramatic effects.

Stay soft with touchable fabrics.

Forget everything you've ever heard about hardcore leathers or sparkly sequins being heat-inducing. Cashmere, silky satin, buttery soft suedes are the real scene-stealers. Touchable fabrics not only invite another's touch, they have the added bonus of feeling great against your skin so you feel pampered and sexy.

Do red lipstick.

Pale lips may be trendy, but nothing does the job like red. Use lipliner for a perfect appearance, choose a creamy matte in a red that best suits your skin tone (blue-reds for darker skin tones; orangey hues for olive; true reds for blondes). Use a light hand for the rest of the face because the lips should take centre stage.

Accessorize with shoulder-duster earrings.

Skip every other piece of jewellery, pull your hair back and make sure your makeup stays soft. This look goes great with bare shoulders and updos, too. Definitely an after-dark look.

Shoes matter.

Good shoes are as important as your dress. It may take some hunting to find dress shoes or sandals that feel good for dancing all night, but comfort matters as much as good looks. Hey, if your feet hurt it ruins your smile! It's wise to wear your shoes several times before prom night to be sure they'll be comfortable. A low to mid heel is likely your best choice, not really high. Be cautious about thin straps that can dig in after a few dances. If you think you have big feet, avoid white or very light-coloured shoes; look for a colour that doesn't call attention to itself. A shade that blends well with your skin and hosiery tones can be an attractive look. Some stores selling prom dresses also offer fabric shoes that can be dyed to match your dress, but consider whether a classic leather or subtle metallic look might give you more wear later. If you choose sandals, make sure your pedicure is perfect!

Wear something ordinary in an unexpected way.

It doesn't have to be a huge statement like wearing a jacket backwards; subtle alterations pack the chicest punch. For example, take a basic man's white shirt (slightly oversized), unbutton it, wrap it so that one side overlaps the over and tuck in.)

Have some fun.
Remember how much fun it used to be to play dress up as a girl? Mismatch prints. Wear a loud colour. Mix a punk bracelet with a preppy polo shirt. Shatter the myth that women of a "certain age" are supposed to be restrained.

Go long and lean.
Recapture the figure of your youth by using visual tricks to produce long, lean lines. Slim-cut jeans with a bootcut bottom, topped by a trim (not tight) top, finished off with high heel boots are a good start.

Get a lift.
Give Mother Nature a helping hand by using the right undergarments to lift, tuck and hold your way back into your high school figure.

Look after yourself, starting now! Eat good food, get plenty of rest, exercise regularly, learn to find joy in daily living. The healthier you are and the better your attitude about life, the lovelier you'll look.

Smile! You look wonderful!

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