Photo: Peter Rosa/Studio D


How to Find the Right LBD for You
Choose simple shapes in seasonless fabrics like ponte and jersey for a blank canvas you can dress up or down. Try sequins or lace for a drop-dead evening look.

When in doubt, a scoopneck, three-quarter sleeves and a knee-length hemline are universally flattering. Want some extra slimming action? Look for dresses with built-in shapewear.

It's worth investing in high quality. The payoff: a dress that will make you look amazing for years.

Dress, BB Dakota, $125, Nordstorm.com. Earrings, $55, LydellNYC.com. Boa, AdrienneLandau.com.

Photo: Peter Rosa/Studio D


Dress, Mossimo for Target, $40; Target.com. Cardigan, BodenUSA.com. Earrings, White House Black Market, $40; WHBM.com.

Photo: Peter Rosa/Studio D


Dress, $395; ProjectGravitas.com. Headpiece, HouseofLafayette.com. Earrings, Sheila Fajl Jewelry; SheilaFajl.com. Belt, BCBG Max Azria, $78; BCBG.com. Clutch, Emm Kuo; EKRDesigns.com.

Photo: Peter Rosa/Studio D


Dress, Milly, $675, Saks Fifth Avenue; 212-753-4000. Headband, HouseofLafayette.com. Earrings, nOirNYC.com. Cuff, LisaFreede.com. Shoe, René Caovilla; NeimanMarcus.com.

Next: See my favorite ways to style an LBD

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D


Old Hollywood
Dark florals, faux fur and glamorous accessories combine for a camera-ready look. Feeling bold? Layer a button-down under the dress, red-carpet-style.

From top left, clockwise. Bodysuit, Bradamant, $116; Bradamant.MyShopify.com. Dress, 424 Fifth, $248; LordandTaylor.com. Necklace, Oasis, $52; Oasis-Stores.com. Watch, Oscar de la Renta Made by Shinola, $2,700; OscardelaRenta.com. Faux-fur jacket, Donna Salyers' Fabulous-Furs, $199; FabulousFurs.com. Belt, BCBG Max Azria, $58; BCBG.com. Shoe, Madison, $40; ShoeDazzle.com. Clutch, $48; Asos.com

Wear the trend with...a bold, classic red lipstick

modern deco

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D


Modern Deco
Everything old is new again when vintage-inspired jewelry and velvet update a sleek sheath.

From top left, clockwise. Shoe, SJP, $385; Nordstrom.com/SJP. Dress, Kardashian Kollection, $79; Sears.com. Blazer, $129; Talbots.com. Brooch, $125; Swarovski.com. Necklace, $385; LuluFrost.com. Cardigan, G.I.L.I. for QVC, $62; QVC.com. Clutch, $75; ShiraLeah.com. Earrings, $225; LuluFrost.com

Wear the trend with...a sultry bordeaux lipstick

glam

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D


Edgy Glam
Rocker meets girly for a style that mixes leather, sequins and pearls. Don't forget to pile on the rings.

From top left, clockwise. Bracelets, $95 each; LisaFreede.com. Dress, $228; AnnTaylor.com. Clutch, $60; Nila-Anthony.com. Jacket, $700; SchottNYC.com. Scarf, Elizabeth Gillett, $125; DeviFrere.com. Shoe, Bettye Muller, $270; NeimanMarcus.com. Black Ring, Glam Noir, $40; ArtisanGemsBoutique.com. Silver Ring, $85; RJGraziano.com.

Wear the trend with...an understated neutral lipstick

From the November 2014 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine