plus size black tie dresses with sleeves Ever-Pretty Open Long Lantern Sleeve Mother of the Bride Dress The empire waist design creates a gorgeous Ever-Pretty Short Sleeves V Neck

Black slacks and blue dress shirts can alternate between formal or casual

From years of curating wardrobesand, yes, making some questionable fashion decisions along the waywe've learned one invaluable lesson: You simply can't go wrong with all-black outfits

Avoid full-volume outerwear like oversized puffer coats over maxi A-lines

What kind of music is playing

For budget options, Pink Blush and Amazon have good floor-length options that can work for semi-formal events

Liv Tyler Liv Tyler was the ultimate '90s babewho could forget her role, alongside Alicia Silverstone, in the '93 video for Aerosmith's "Crazy?" In 1992, Tyler's wardrobe was filled-t0-the-brim with edgy dresses (like this one) and long skirts