A Girl's Guide to Dressing to the Inaugural Balls

Dress Warm - There could be rain, mud or snow, but best believe it will be freezing.  Light, flimsy wraps and shawls won’t cut it. Don’t try to be cute. Be warm. You will be standing in very long lines almost everywhere. A short or long dress, a long overcoat <i>(hat and gloves, too)</i> will do the job.  And relax, there will be a coat check.

1 / 10

Dress Warm - There could be rain, mud or snow, but best believe it will be freezing. Light, flimsy wraps and shawls won’t cut it. Don’t try to be cute. Be warm. You will be standing in very long lines almost everywhere. A short or long dress, a long overcoat <i>(hat and gloves, too)</i> will do the job. And relax, there will be a coat check.

Sport Comfy Shoes - Every girl wants to look their best. But at what cost? There will be lots of standing and lots of hiking. Save yourself the torture of the super-high stilettos. The crowd won't have the time or room for shoe-gazing.

2 / 10

Sport Comfy Shoes - Every girl wants to look their best. But at what cost? There will be lots of standing and lots of hiking. Save yourself the torture of the super-high stilettos. The crowd won't have the time or room for shoe-gazing.

Say No To Black - Black will be the color of choice on Inauguration night. So don't make it yours. Bright colors are sure to get you the attention you're looking for.

3 / 10

Say No To Black - Black will be the color of choice on Inauguration night. So don't make it yours. Bright colors are sure to get you the attention you're looking for.

Buy A Practical Dress - Don't spend megabucks on the most extravagant ball attire.  It's not the type of party where the cost or name brand of your dress will matter.  Buy what you want and what you will wear again.

4 / 10

Buy A Practical Dress - Don't spend megabucks on the most extravagant ball attire. It's not the type of party where the cost or name brand of your dress will matter. Buy what you want and what you will wear again.

Say No To White - Puddles, large crowds and lots of red wine sounds like a disaster waiting to happen for anything white. Save yourself the frustration and anger and wear a dress with color.  It can camouflage some of the most embarrassing stains.

5 / 10

Say No To White - Puddles, large crowds and lots of red wine sounds like a disaster waiting to happen for anything white. Save yourself the frustration and anger and wear a dress with color. It can camouflage some of the most embarrassing stains.

ADVERTISEMENT
Couple Pointers - For the lucky ladies who have a date for the evening, keep one thing in mind: This is not prom night!  His and hers evening themes are cheesy. You can still look great together without the matching.

6 / 10

Couple Pointers - For the lucky ladies who have a date for the evening, keep one thing in mind: This is not prom night! His and hers evening themes are cheesy. You can still look great together without the matching.

Add Stockings - If you must wear a short number and can bear the cold, go for it! But, go for it with stockings - nude, patterned, sheer or opaque black!

7 / 10

Add Stockings - If you must wear a short number and can bear the cold, go for it! But, go for it with stockings - nude, patterned, sheer or opaque black!

Don't Be A Hooch - Of course, we want you to let loose and enjoy yourself, but remember that you are not at the club. Super mini dresses that show too much of everything are not appropriate for the event.  You can still show off your curves and be sexy with some class.

8 / 10

Don't Be A Hooch - Of course, we want you to let loose and enjoy yourself, but remember that you are not at the club. Super mini dresses that show too much of everything are not appropriate for the event. You can still show off your curves and be sexy with some class.

Hang On To Your Purse - How much do you really think you’ll need for the night? A small clutch, with or without a strap will hold your lip gloss, ID, feminine products &lt;i&gt;(a-hem)&lt;/i&gt;, and a few bucks. Leave your new bucket bag at home.

9 / 10

Hang On To Your Purse - How much do you really think you’ll need for the night? A small clutch, with or without a strap will hold your lip gloss, ID, feminine products <i>(a-hem)</i>, and a few bucks. Leave your new bucket bag at home.

Have Fun - It’s a big celebration. Don't spoil the fun by talking about work. Leave the stiff formal business attire on the rack and let loose with a dress that screams &quot;Party!&quot;

10 / 10

Have Fun - It’s a big celebration. Don't spoil the fun by talking about work. Leave the stiff formal business attire on the rack and let loose with a dress that screams "Party!"