Style Challenge: What to wear to an inaugural ball?

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Q: ‘What is the standard for women for dressing for a black tie/evening attire event? I am going to an inauguration ball for my town’s new mayor and I have no idea what type of dress to wear. I am a plus sized woman so nothing too slinky.’ -- T.C.

Dear T.C.
When it comes to political events, the rules are fairly simple: Go easy on the cleavage and don’t try to upstage the First Lady. In this case, the mayor’s wife. A ‘black-tie ball’ calls for more than a chic cocktail dress. A few women will arrive in short dresses that fall just below their knees, but I would rather that you not be one of them. Instead, opt for a dress or gown that grazes the ankles. Even a hem that comes to mid-shin would work, but it’s not the most complimentary cut, as it bisects your legs.

Right now, metallic rules and it’s a great shade for going dramatic without wearing a vivid color. It’s also a hue that works for any age and flatters any complexion -- unlike green, yellow and a few other tricky colors. Lastly, metallic flatters any body size. (Laura Bush wore a silver sequined dress to the 2005 Commander in Chief ball. Hillary Clinton prefers gold, apparently.)

Here’s my pick for you. This Tadashi copper metallic dress in plus sizes up to 3X ($495; saks.com) is ruched around the waist to flatter and the front pleat creates a lovely, long silhouette. I also like the sexy but sophisticated neckline and three-quarter sleeves -- sometimes, our upper arms can be our worst enemies. If you’re not sold on this one, go to therosedress.com to see their extensive line of plus-size formal wear.

Be sure to get a simple clutch and a pair of high sexy sandals -- black would be great -- to complete any formal look.

If anyone else has an idea or resource for T.C., don’t be shy.

Photo credits: Smithsonian.com; Clinton, amnh.com; Tadashi dress, Saks.com