How to Over-Dress

This evening I went to an event, and on the invite it said 'smart dress please.'
Because of the location I had no idea what I should wear, so I asked around.
'just don't wear jeans.'
'yeah, a pretty dress will be fine.'
'I'm wearing a top and my black skirt.'

WHAT DO I WEAR????????????????????????????


Nobody could tell me a definite answer.
For guys this is easier - jeans and a shirt, or black pants and a shirt. Not too much to go wrong there.

Not owning a nice halfway option, (for a fashion blogger, my wardrobe is pitiful.) I opted for an ARK red dress with off-white polka dots, with nude tights and brown wedge sandles.

my dress (in sleeveless form)

Mistake. I think.

Walked into the auditorium to find that the row in front of me were all wearing Converse. Awkward!

It was then that I learnt my lesson,  and thought of these rules : How to Over-Dress.

• Own roll up pumps. And take them everywhere. People will care less about the fancy dress if it has been dressed down with  a pair of plain black pumps.
• Bring a brush. I quickly slipped out the half-up-do that had been adorning my head as i walked in. Hair can take an outfit up a notch - or down.
• Take make up remover (and cotton wool pads). When your face is OTT, nobody cares what you are wearing, because your face is so fabulous. But when you are just attending a garden party, try removing the heavy eyeliner/blusher/false eyelashes. Bring it back to daytime.

I learnt my lesson - and thought I would share it to the rest of the world! 

Good luck with your over-dressing!