Dressed-down Dress-up!

Today......'Dressed-Down Dress-Up'....sometimes your after-dark activities are low-key - but that doesn't mean you don't want to look gorgeous!  Not every evening out is a big to-do requiring hours of primping (and let's face it, who has hours to primp?)!  Most of the time, you're going to dinner with friends, out on dates, or perhaps entertaining at home.  A full-on party look may not be necessary, but you still want to look pulled-together and different from your everyday style.

So, how to look fancy but not formal?  There are a handful of looks that best reveal the sexy-casual-cool combo! From a slinky top with basic pants to a touch of shine paired with something simple, casual evening looks can be easy to pull off.

Follow these rules and ideas and you'll look just great for your evening out with friends!

• Something sparkly....a little glitz goes a long way!  A cashmere sweater, for example, tones down a sequined skirt, while a glittery top looks great with jeans.  Soft hues are the most low key.

• All black....It's the classic, slimming look that almost always passes for dressy.  Make it look more luxe by combining fabrics, like a silk blouse with wool trousers.

• Jacket and jeans....perhaps the most popular combinations (and one of my personal favorites), is a blazer and jeans.  The tailored jacket chics up everyday denims.  Wear it with a flirty camisole. Don't be afraid to mix it up with color.  A bright blazer looks great with denim or for the summer go for a bright top with white jeans.  

• De-Fancied frock....have a favorite dress that you want to wear even for a laid-back affair?  Throw a casual jacket or sweater over it, or swap your heels for flats.