Happy New Year. It isn’t actually Friday, but in honor of the first day of 2009, please enjoy this special edition. And consider how spectacular you are going to look next New Year’s Eve.

Roll out the crimson carpet. Special you is going to a special event: a wedding, a gala to protect inner city garden gnomes, the premier of your personal made for TV movie. Your handshake is firm, your step is jaunty, but what my lovely friend will you use to robe your intimacies? Come and we will count up the formality spectrum, examining the prim & propriety of formalwear.

Dress to the Sevens – You’ve never dipped below a five in your existence. (Except maybe right after they extracted your wisdom teeth and you couldn’t help from dribbling masticated debris while powering White Snake monster ballads.) Therefore, it really isn’t unreasonable to rise to a fully, fabulous seven on a daily basis. Beauty and confidence should not be reserved for special occasions. Your clothing should fit and flatter diurnally.

Dress to the Eights – Cocktail
There is a dimension beyond Sunday Best, preceding Black Tie. It is the middle ground between casual and formal. It lies between the pit of social faux pas and the summit of elegance and grace. It is an area which we call the Cocktail Zone.* What was once considered merely a little black dress has now expanded into a diverse habitat for abbreviated dresses and smart separates. One can reach the Cocktail Zone through the artful application of accessories and a tendency towards dapper. Many a social invitation (weddings, fundraisers, work festivities) speaks openly of this fashion Brigadoon, but below is live footage of the illusive locale.

A rundown of Jill’s suiting follows:

All the jewerly in Jill’s ensemble was crafted by her own skilled phalanges, as a stand-in for her one-of-a-kind creations, might I suggest the quixotic Six Wing Hoops & Autumn Everlasting Necklace

The Looking Back Cardigan punctuates both your entrance and exit while keeping you cozy and covered. Pray believe us, there is nothing worse than seeing your great auntie’s decolage. Modesty keeps everyone comfortable.Buttonblossom Dress inky elegance transcends into a smoky scattering of abstract floral. For evening events keep your garb dark perchance even sparkly; daytime gives place for lighter hues and heavier fabric weight. The length and sheen of this selection abides evening tradition, but a special occasion is certainly not an invitation to abandon your signature style. Skip the pretentious uniform, and dress to your own personal prime.
La Regale Satin Pleated Bow Clutch because the prettiest frocks rarely have pockets.

Jumbled Crochet Tights & Steve Madden Imperial Ruffled T-Strap are prepared to curtsey, swagger, and fox trot. While bare legs and stilletos may trump this option on the sultry continuum, a thicker heel triumphs in versatility.

Dress to the Nines – Black Tie
Should the illustriousisses betrothe you the opportunity to take vestment to the nines, canter in without abandon. Adopt diamonds, fur, opera gloves should it suits you. Allow the rest of your circle to live vicariously through your glamorous exploits.

Below is a special bonus Fitting Room Friday. This clip showcases the bleeding edge of formalwear.