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Formal and evening events

Rather than matching the bridal party exactly, modern etiquette favors selecting a design that harmonizes with the events color palette and level of formality while allowing your own personality to shine through with confidence and grace

"The key is to balance style with appropriateness of the occasion," she says

A knee-length cocktail dress is the classic and most reliable choice for an afternoon event, and a midi length is equally appropriate and feels current

The extra detail of its long sleeves with thumb holes makes it so much bolder and more eccentric than other off-the-shoulder options