Color

• Cooler colors tend to work best for formal attire. Black, blues, dark reds, and other shades are always good options.
  
  

Jewelry

• Jewelry is always a good option to accessorize a formal outfit. However, if possible, coordinate the jewelry with the outfit and keep it subtle. Diamond-chip earrings with a small diamond ring would work well, for instance.
  
  

Accessories

• Accessories should accentuate both your body type and general outfit. A woman with wide hips could easily wear a dark belt with a maroon dress, especially if the buckle is also a cool color like faded bronze. The key is that accessories should re-enforce the outfit, not take away from it.
  
  

Outerwear

• While the basic outfit is important, what you intend on wearing over it is also a matter for consideration. Colors should blend well for any coats, scarves, gloves, or other items that will be added to a formal outfit. Think of outerwear as a part of the whole when picking it out.
  
  

Personal Style

• The last thing that a person should take note of is his or her appearance and style. Does your hairstyle, nail length, body shape, and even choice of perfume suit your formal outfit? If not, then either change your personal style or the outfit---whichever is easier.