The First Date
Pick a body-conscious style in a solid shade. This taupe version is slimming while also being super comfortable (thank you, jersey). Bonus? The diamond-embossed pattern is essentially wrinkle-repellant, so if you’re doing the classic dinner and a movie – read: a lot of sitting – you’ll still look polished when the time comes to say good night. Consider ruching, banding, and ribbing a date-night dress’s best friends.

The Wedding Date
No need to compete for Best Dressed (the bride’s got that covered), but you can definitely come close. Show off your shape in a figure-flattering, not-too-clingy style, and stay away anything too overtly trendy. This dress strikes that just-right balance. Romantic in a pastel shade of light pink. Flirty with shoulder-baring straps. Totally tasteful at knee length. The solid color and classic shape also allow for endless styling options. Fascinator, anyone?

The Dancing Date
Go for something fun and flirty. Short skirts are a must for ease of movement and for putting those stellar moves – and stems – on display. Fitted on the bottom and swingy on top, this punchy blue halter dress brings together the best of both worlds. Add high-heeled sandals and you’re ready to hit the dance floor in style.

Our Nicole Miller Boutique opens Tuesday, May 7, at 11AM ET.

The Total Classic: They’re called classics for a reason. LBDs, seamed sheaths, and asymmetrical silhouettes can carry you from day to night effortlessly.

The Romantic: Soft tones, sweetheart necklines, and floral prints? Just style with a simple clutch and classic flat sandal, then let date night commence.

The Modernist: Chevron prints, colorblocked minis, and bold stripes will put you on the fashion front lines.

The Queen of the Evening: Floor-length gowns, intricate detailing, and dress-up fabrics like silk and chiffon will have you red-carpet ready in no time.

The Glamour Girl: For your next night on the town, break out the fitted, the sequined, and the (oh-so-sultry) bold hues. Paint the town red.

The Free Spirit: All you need to achieve the hippie-chic look? A high-low hem, breezy maxi, or tie-dyed print.

Our It’s a Match: Dresses by Personality Boutique opens Friday, April 5, at 11AM ET.

By Lauryn Paiva, Staff Writer

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Sometimes an outfit change can be as simple as swapping out the accessories. Starting from the ground up, shoes are the perfect switch to take your favorite dress from the office to dinner or drinks in a snap.

For Party Season
Shiny, metallic, and strappy, these open-toe sandals transform a sheath into a dance-all-night number. All that’s left? Swiping on some lipstick.

For Springtime Dinners
There’s no doubt that warm weather is on the mind, and these architectural sandals are perfect for transitioning winter dresses into spring-ready outfits (or packing for that tropical getaway).

For the Office
You may not be able to get too wild with the accessories at work, but these tasteful, red pumps add just the right amount of oomph (and personality) to that 9-to-5 uniform.

Our  Perfectly Paired: Party Dresses & Flashy Pumps Boutique opens Sunday, December 30, at 11AM ET.

By Brianna Lapolla, Staff Writer

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Dressing up is a holiday must. From festive dinner parties to black-tie charity galas, the invites keep on coming. Luckily, we have a secret weapon – David Meister. Synonymous with sophisticated, body-conscious silhouettes, his fete-ready collection gives us a whole new world of dressed-up options. Yes, gone are the days of ugly Christmas sweaters (you know you own one), and here are the nights of showstopping glamour. Just keep in mind these few tips:

Don’t be afraid of color.
Avoid LBD overload this holiday season and mix up your dress routine with a few eye-catching hues. From hot pink to electric blue, a little (or okay, a lot of) color makes you the center of attention in every room.

It’s (more than) all right to wear white.
True, it’s way past Labor Day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t rock a little wintery white. In a sea of black, red, and green, you’ll be sure to stand out. Just try and swap your usual glass of Merlot for a little Pinot Grigio.

The more the merrier.
’Tis the season to go big or go home, so bring on the luxe fabrics, ornate embellishments, and rich jewel-tone hues. Just remember to have fun with it – try a feathered pin or a little velvet.

Our David Meister Boutique opens Thursday, November 1, at 11AM ET.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

Dream Job
Looking to stand out in an interview? Skip the scented résumé and opt for this classic pencil dress with a jewel neckline. It’s a silhouette they’ll expect in a color they’ll never forget.

Date Night
The perfect balance between modesty and mystery – this fun, flirty number brings attention to your waist and legs without showing too much skin.

LPD
Every season calls for the ever-versatile LPD (little print dress). This modern update on the polka dot is both work- and party-appropriate.

Girls’ Night
There are some looks that only our girlfriends can truly appreciate. With shoulder-to-hem ruffles and double buttons on the cuffs (this isn’t your average shirtdress), just wait for the all-approving jaws to drop.

Black Tie
First: find the perfect dress. Second: find the perfect occasion. This is the kind of floor-length gown we plan parties around.

Find these dresses (and more!) at our One-Piece Wonders: Dresses for Every Occasion Boutique, opening Tuesday, October 23 at 11AM ET.

By Julia Ivins, Staff Writer

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Fresh off the workweek with the whole weekend in front of you – what’s not to love about Saturday? Now that the weather is getting even cooler, I’m happily passing up that shopping trip in favor of a little cyber spree. For everything from dresses and fur-trimmed coats to heels and boots, our Seize the Day: The Saturday Spree Boutique is the one-stop shop for everything I could possibly want – without tripping over mall walkers along the way. If I had to choose? These three items would be the ones I’d scoop up.

1. BCBGeneration Black Shoulder Pleated Mini Dress

2. Matthew Williamson Cream Knitted Fox Fur Shrug

3. BELLE by Sigerson Morrison Suede Tall Shaft Boot

Our Seize the Day: The Saturday Spree Boutique opens Saturday, October 13, at 11AM ET.

By Brianna Lapolla, Staff Writer

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

Miguelina is known for her ultra-feminine designs: romantic textures, airy colors, and international allure. Her Fall 2010 collection (which our selection comes from) is inspired by the Spanish dancers depicted in Colombian photographer Ruven Afanador’s book, Mil Besos, and gets a shot of edge. We touched base with Miguelina herself to get her take on style, inspiration, and travel.

Rue La La: What is about the Spanish dancers that you found so enticing during design for your Fall 2010 collection?
Miguelina: The passion of the Flamenco dancers and the freedom of their expression. I responded to the way Ruven captured their spirit through his work.

Rue La La: What are other sources of inspiration for your line?
Miguelina: I usually gain a lot of inspiration from my travels, but this season was mainly influenced by Ruven Afanador’s work. It inspired me to incorporate a bit of edge to my own creative vision.

Rue La La: Boudoir-inspired pieces are still going strong – your collection includes lots of lace, lingerie details, and romantic materials like chiffons, velvets, and satins – tell us about this style.
Miguelina: I like things that are very feminine, but also comfortable. I like fabrics that are easy to pack, can travel well, and adapt to different climates. The Miguelina girl is always on the move and does not want to spend a lot of time packing.

Rue La La: What’s the best way women can pull off these lingerie-inspired pieces?
Miguelina: It is best to layer them.

Rue La La: Describe the woman you are designing for.
Miguelina: The woman I design for is ultra feminine and confident. She is effortlessly sexy and sophisticated.

Rue La La: What trend are you in love with right now?
Miguelina: Caftans layered with great jewelry!

Rue La La: What’s a bold style that you wish you saw on more women?
Miguelina: Jumpsuits.

Rue La La: Your designs have a distinctive jet-setting sensibility. Discuss!
Miguelina: I love traveling and get most of my inspiration from my trips. The Parisians are very fashionable and are never shy when it comes to how they embrace their fashion. I like the drama! My Spring 2011 collection was inspired by my trip this summer Petra in Jordan. And I just returned from Acapulco and I am full of fresh ideas!