With a simple cut and color, fabric takes center stage. Experiment with otherwise hard-to-wear picks like velvet.

When it doubt, pick proper-yet-playful. This option gives plenty of coverage, but stays flirty with a sheer neck detail.

A sexy place to flash a little skin? Your shoulders. Leave ‘em bare with a halter neck.

A plunging neckline gives this simple shift a dose of sex-appeal (those legs don’t hurt, either.)

Long-sleeved black runs the risk of looking too school marm-ish. Keep the look light by using plenty of sheer, feather-weight fabrics.

Even the most classic of choices looks relaxed with some carefully placed flounces and and frills. We love the casual feel that Sandy’s neckline puts off.

Certain frocks, like the classic shirt-dress, work at the office or a cocktail party. Note Tilda’s tricks: satin adds glam and an attention-grabbing necklace kicks things up a notch.

Designer knows best. Mimic your favorite shape, like this oversized shirt look, in a luxe fabric.

Make anything as chic as a little black dress with tips for making inexpensive clothes look pricey.