St. Louis’ premiere event, The 19th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Banquet, is fast approaching. Options abound, but for even the most fashionable finding the answer to the age-old question of what to wear can be difficult. For last minute fashionista finds turn to After Hours Formal Wear located in the St. Louis Galleria and Dillard’s. Both always have couture inspired designs to help you get the look for less. And After Hours has several group discounts and special services to help you step out in style.
Evening wear has taken a dip for the demure so neutrals are all the rage. Designers this season have opted for earth tones and neutrals with an elegant twist. Dillard’s offers dazzling champagne-colored silk floor length gown detailed with chiffon petals and sequins from Xscape by Joanna Cher. While neutrals tend to compliment the rich skin tones of women of color they lack the slimming properties of black. The key to an elegant fit is to choose a well made garment with substantial material and structure.
Although a classic black tuxedo is customary for men, After Hours offers an Oleg Cassini tuxedo with subtle geometric print vest in champagne and solid windsor tie modeled by Nolan. There’s also a three-bin diamond tuxedo with yellow champagne herringbone and solid fusion tie worn by Christiaan.
From Oscar de la Renta to Donna Karan, most fashion houses are creating skirts and dresses that are bubbled at the hemline for fall. However, the cut is not flattering for all figure types. An alternative is a Georgian puffed sleeve, which provides dainty adornment for a petite bust. LaCesha models a black Max and Cleo umpire dress with pleating at the waistline.
The decadence of Studio 54 has been summoned for fall fashion in copper, gold, silver, and bronze at Dillard’s. With metallics, almost anything goes. The trend can be as subtle as Adriana Papell Occassions’ forest green halter dress encrusted with gold Moroccan style beads modeled by Tasha or bold like Adriana’s satin silver jacket with rosette detailing worn by LaCesha.
For men, Claiborne’s created a black shadow stripe tux with platinum Nicole Miller vest and windsor tie modeled by Nolan. Christiaan models Tommy Hilfger tuxedo with gold Tuscany vest and striped windsor tie.
The little black dress is a timeless classic. Passion models the infamous little black dress with flutter sleeve and rhinestone broach by Jessica Howard. While Niki by Niki Livas offers a black full-length gown with champagne flower and sequin detail and side slit worn by LaCesha.
The most important accessory for a woman short of her date is a clutch purse and Dillard’s has the most chic selection by far. BCBG MaxAzria’s silver clutch and Kate Landry’s gold clutch add a touch of the contemporary metallic trend with sequins. For a more opulent look, Mary Frances offers a champagne clutch with petal appliqué and rhinestone, sequin and pearl beading. Preston and York provide a pop of color with their hot pink clutch with bowed flap.
