velvet dress women Blondie Nites Sweetheart Neck Lace Up Party Homecoming Dress, Womens, 13, Sapphire Features internal boning and deep Zapakasa Women Brown Velvet Long

Done right, it's a sophisticated evening look that reads dressed-up without the formality of a suit

One of the most powerful statements in contemporary womens fashion is the inclusion of striking, unexpected alternatives

A classic white graduation dress with trendy details (like puff sleeves or a high slit) gives you the best of both worlds

In the summer, you can look for sleeveless dresses with a deep V-neckline to create more shape in the front or a halter neckline to keep it safe yet fashionable

Consider this your guide to decoding the black-tie dress code once and for all on your party invites this season: What does black tie actually mean

Posen used 70 pieces of individual boning to create the bodice