For inaugural balls, wear a gown but bring a coat

McClatchy Newspapers (MCT) - Between trimming trees, buying gifts and ringing in a new year, several thousand women have another big job ahead: deciding what to wear to the coming inaugural balls.

Store owners say this is the week the gown hunt usually begins in earnest now that people are finalizing plans for the presidential inauguration Jan. 20.

Some women also must prepare for their local governor's inaugural ball.

Inaugural balls are the granddaddy of all black-tie events. And the rules about what to wear don't change much, whether it's your first ball or your eighth.

Think classic and formal and a fashion faux pas is less likely. Women traditionally wear long gowns, while men usually are dressed in classic one- or two-button, notch- or shawl-lapel tuxedos.

"You just have to consider that this is a very formal affair, and it's an important formal affair," says Debbe Gardner, who owns Enchanting Moments in Fuquay-Varina, N.C. "Short is not appropriate. Your dress has to be tasteful."

And while the trend these days might be to show plenty of skin, either with cleavage or the entire back, you'll want to think twice about baring too much _ and not just for tastefulness. Remember that January, on average, is the coldest month of the year.

An inaugural ball isn't a place to show off a trendy look. Save that for holiday parties or charity balls. Instead, it's a place to be comfortable with your style yet still glamorous and elegant. Gardner says the key to the right look is wearing what makes you feel good. For some women, that means strapless gowns, while others opt for more coverage on their chest and arms. Some are comfortable in traditional full ball gowns; others want a straighter sheath look.

And if you've been looking for an excuse to pull out all the stops, this is it. "You really want to step it up for this compared to other black-tie events," says Ashley Vermillion Harris, who owns Vermillion in North Hills, N.C.

She says customers at her store are talking about wearing vintage jewelry or pulling out the fine jewelry. "They truly want to make it a special night because it represents so much about hope and change," she says. "People are really getting into it."

But for many people these days, splurging on a new or fancy gown _ especially around the holidays _ might not be an option. You won't be alone if you decide to recycle an older gown or borrow one from a friend.

To make it feel fresh, though, consider buying a short black jacket, long gloves, a new necklace or a brooch (strategically placed on the bodice or at the waist). You might update the look with a new evening bag or shoes.

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Lisa Marie Ferrell, one of the owners of the personal shopping company Polished of Raleigh, N.C., says looking fabulous for the balls doesn't have to mean spending a lot.

"In this economy, we're all conscious," she says. "We don't want to spend a ton of money, and you don't have to."

With sales going on now, it's easier than you think to find a designer gown, she says. Some department stores have gowns for less than $100.

If you're really in a bind, take a simple black gown and add a brooch or a colored pashmina. "It's a nice way to add some pizzazz," she says.

Ferrell says if you buy a new gown, consider how and where you'll wear the dress again and stay clear of dresses that are too trendy.

"Buy something that's timeless and classic," she says. "If you put some time and effort into what you buy, you'll be able to wear it again."

If you haven't already, this might be the year to start investing in separates, which have nearly taken over social occasion departments at some stores. You can easily find full, velvet, taffeta or straight skirts to mix and match with a staggering variety of long and short-sleeve evening tops with ruffles or beads.

Jenny Lamb, an owner of Cameron Clothing in North Hills, says the trend has been happening for several years. It's not only a cheaper option than a dress in the long run but also helpful for women who have different size tops and bottoms.

"It's a great way for women to stretch their wardrobe," Lamb says. "If you have a black skirt, you can come in and get a gorgeous new blouse or invest in an important piece of jewelry."

If you don't mind more of a chase, there are plenty of glamorous steals to be found at local consignment and thrift stores. And if you have a group of friends who are going to one of the balls, consider throwing a gown swap.

Finally, if you do buy a gown, ask the sales person if they keep a list of who buys what gowns for certain events. Many boutiques offer the service. It might help lessen the chance of seeing your gown on someone else at one of the balls, especially if it's a gubernatorial ball.

Don't mind a used gown? You're in luck. A number of consignment and thrift stores in the area carry a fairly wide selection of gowns, some that have never been worn, at more than half off the original cost.

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© 2008, The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.).