black cocktail dress for women Midi-Length Designer by La Femme and twirl Terani Cocktail 251C4165 Chic Boutique

You probably don't want to be carrying anything too big and bulky, as it'll swamp your outfit and be a nuisance to carry around, so you'll only end up handing it to the coat check anyway

5 brands that defined the 90s beyond Calvin Klein: No 1

Risk-takers Taylor, a winner for One Battle After Another, and Jenna Ortega went with whale tails, aka the tops of thongs, peeking out the backs of their black gowns

Meanwhile, the right handbag or clutch should be small enough to maintain an elegant silhouette but large enough to hold your essentials

While a sleek, minimalist sheath dress featuring a high side-slit might be perfectly celebrated at a black tie gala, it would likely feel entirely underdressed and overly modern at a white tie ball