blue dress long Sleeve Draped Back Maxi Turn heads with this dazzling light blue mermaid gown Royal blue tulle long prom

Whether it's your first time attending a formal event or you're a seasoned pro, it's equally tricky landing on a gown that is equal parts dressy and trendy, but after all of the recent award show red carpets (the Met Gala, the Oscars, the BAFTAs to name a few), we've been taking notes from some of our favourite celebs on how to make occasionwear cool again

With a statement soft velvet bow at the sweetheart neckline, this midi black special-occasion dress is an eye-catching choice for weddings, prom, and other formal events

And because black is such a neutral backdrop, it offers endless flexibility with accessories, shoes, wraps, and jewelry

Blue Sapphire Lets start with the obvious MVP: blue sapphire

Let that sultry front cut-out speak for itself by ditching the wedding necklace and opting for these sophisticated wedding earrings instead