Q. I'm attending a formal fundraising gala this winter in Cincinnati with clients and colleagues and want to make sure my attire is appropriate. I haven't been able to find a flattering long dress for my size 14 figure so I'm thinking about opting for a shorter black spaghetti strap dress with a metallic floral print. The dress has a fuller skirt and hits just below the knee. Does that seem OK or should I keep looking? If I go with this dress do I need to wear hose? What type—black sheer? What about shoes? Thanks in advance for helping a young staffer look appropriate in a sea of philanthropists.
-Formal Search
A. Stop looking and go with the black and metallic A-line dress. Put on a strapless bra for support and choose either black sheer hosiery or go bare legged. If you choose hosiery, then opt for a black satin, black patent or silver metallic pump. If you go bare legged, then you can choose a strappy heel or peep toe.
1. Via Spiga 'Dama' Pump, $225 at nordstrom.com
2. Kenneth Cole Reaction Rags to Riches, $82.95 at zappos.com
3. Steven Fanci, $113.95 at zappos.com
4. Façonnable 'Josie' Pump, $195 at nordstrom.com
I would love to know who made that dress and how I can buy it (silver & black dress that you have pictured in this post)-or even post a few curvy-figured cocktail dress options (Size 10).