black and white dresses formal Elegant Spaghetti-Straps Prom Dress Long With Slit Full Length Sleeve Style Maxi Long Black&White Prom Gown

For example, if youre wearing a pale pink knit dress like this one, and you dont want to wear dark tights, opt for a softer-hued over-the-knee boot

For Shopping Downtown Take your LBD to the streets with chunky sneakers, oversized sunglasses, and a baseball cap

For semi-formal contexts, deep navy or burgundy socks add a subtle note of colour without clashing

Expert Interview Daley Polner

Flats: Ballet flats or stylish loafers can make a black dress more casual

What to Avoid Full-length gowns: While formal, black tie and white tie are the only wedding dress codes that require floor-length gowns, Kostis says a longer dress is okay for a semi-formal wedding as long as it's not overly formal and feels right for the occasion