Ask the Image Expert Sherry Maysonave is the founder and president of Empowerment Enterprises, one of America's leading communication-image firms. Sherry conducts corporate seminars and coaches executives, professionals, and politicians in achieving excellence in communication and image. She is also the author of Casual Power: How to Power Up your Nonverbal Communication and Dress Down for Success Formal attire Question: I was invited to a debut that needed formal attire. I know that other people would be wearing gowns and dresses. I don't particularly like wearing dresses or skirts. Is there a way for me to wear a formal attire wearing pants/slacks? Grace Answer: Absolutely yes, there are many evening-pants outfits that are appropriate for formal occasions. The tuxedo style pantsuit is one prime example. It’s classic and the preferred style of dress for many elegant women and many Hollywood stars. If its extremely tailored, somewhat mannish, style bothers you, mix it with a beaded or lace top to feminize it and jazz it up even more. As a side note, it would be a mistake to attempt creating a formal outfit using typical dress trousers worn for daytime business. They are simply not dressy enough. You could do this for a semi-formal occasion but not for a formal event. Chiffon and satin pants are also popular evening styles. In most cases, pants constructed from these fabrics flaunt a fuller leg design, less tailored than the tuxedo styles. If available as a separate, other than part of a specific outfit, you can pair chiffon, silk, or satin pants with a beaded jacket or any other dressy top (one appropriate for formal wear) that coordinates well with the pants. Check with a store that specializes in formal/evening wear, and hopefully you will be pleasantly surprised at the number of dressy pants available. Wear sparkly jewelry, dressy evening shoes (no kid leather styles) and carry a small elegant evening bag and you will look just as formal as those who are wearing evening gowns. Best of luck to you, Sherry Maysonave Also see: The law firm I work for just adopted business casual dress policy. What should I wear? Should I buy new post-pregnancy clothes? Ask your image questions Personal Power: A case study from 'Casual Power'