elegant black cocktail dress simple neckline Wear the Kos Couture Midi Lace Formal Black Cocktail Dress and make a statement Black One Shoulder Floral Appliqué

The Dark Shirt Exception A dark shirt - charcoal, deep navy, or black - with black jeans only works if the shirt has enough texture or sheen to distinguish it from the pants

This is because the image is bistable, similar to the famous Rubin vase illusion

The absence of cling below the waist is the silhouettes most practical structural advantage

Black maxi dresses are the more traditional formal attire, however, find elegant black mini dresses that exude confidence and allure

For the latter, look for updated takes on the classic eyelet sundress like this one, which has an on-trend drop waist and stylish minidress silhouette