Notte, the little sister of Marchesa, is so exciting: mind-blowing red carpet looks get paired down for regular-folk formal affairs. Be prepared to be the life of the party – and envied by every other gal there – in this organza-layered ruffle crepe dress. Unlike so many dresses, this treads the line between black tie and cocktail, so you can work it for both. The length and color are cute and flirty, but the sophisticated details and fabric translate to highbrow enough for black tie. It’s also not too serious – your dress is essentially imitating a flower mid-bloom – so you can definitely wear this for nice dinners, certain parties, and yes, a special date (but please, not the first date. You will scare him with hotness). Every girl needs a dress to turn heads; just be sure you have the aplomb – and the posture – to back it up. At ShopBop for $695.
Pair with: A party dress deserves party shoes. Strappy and metallic, Diane von Furstenberg’s “Envy” heels are the classic stilettos this dress calls for. On Ssense for $350.
