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You probably don't want to be carrying anything too big and bulky, as it'll swamp your outfit and be a nuisance to carry around, so you'll only end up handing it to the coat check anyway

While a sleek, minimalist sheath dress featuring a high side-slit might be perfectly celebrated at a black tie gala, it would likely feel entirely underdressed and overly modern at a white tie ball

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Pinstripes, checks, or subtle textures add visual interest without overwhelming the overall look

Grey chino pants, with their lighter shade, match incredibly with a black shirt

Meanwhile, the right handbag or clutch should be small enough to maintain an elegant silhouette but large enough to hold your essentials