Look your best for a special occasion

Perhaps you have a class reunion looming on the horizon. Maybe it's a wedding, especially one that you have been asked to participate in. Or it may be a daughter's recital or a son's award banquet. Perhaps it's your husband's retirement dinner.

Whatever the occasion, you may be looking forward to the opportunity of dazzling others with an attractive appearance. You are willing to put forth extra effort and maybe even spend a little money to make this a truly special occasion. Wondering where to start? Here are a few suggestions.

1. Get your hair done. Experiment with a few different styles well in advance of your special event. Color, length, curl, and arrangement are the main points for consideration. Do you want to wear your hair up or down? Highlighted or tinted? Colored or natural? Straightened or permed? The main thing is not to make a dramatic change right before you need to look great. No one can predict how a new look will turn out, so don't take chances. Practice first so you will know what to ask for when the time comes. Get a few opinions rather than rely solely on your own judgment.

2. Go shopping for an outfit. Determining the dress code ahead of time is crucial. You don't want to wear a cocktail dress when everyone else is in evening gowns, or a tuxedo with other guests in sports jackets. After you find out what to wear, try on several different colors and styles to see what brings out your best features. It may be helpful to take a friend who can check your back and hemline for a skirt or slacks.

3. Plan accessories. Choose a tie, belt, scarf, and shoes shortly after buying or renting the main outfit. You want everything to coordinate, and you don't want to make decisions at the last minute, especially if you can't find the right color or style. Select jewelry that accents rather than overwhelms.

4. Women should get a makeup makeover. Visit a cosmetics section of your favorite department store and make an appointment for a consultation. You may need to return for a second demonstration if the first one doesn't turn out especially well. Makeup should enhance your features rather than reshape them, unless you hope to disguise a flaw, such as a pesky mole or residual scar. Coordinate cosmetic colors with clothing fabric.

5. Try on the entire ensemble ahead of time. This will give you time to make adjustments or changes if needed. You also can begin to enjoy your newfound sense of confidence when you see how well everything goes together to redefine your new look.

6. Adjust expectations. Despite all these preparations, you may still feel a tiny bit of self-consciousness about your balding temples or lined brow. Age happens. Don't try to cover it up with an extreme technique. Age brings character, maturity, and wisdom. A recent study showed that middle-aged men were attracted to women with traits like humor, wit, and intelligence over those who were merely pretty.

Finally, go and have fun, knowing you look wonderful. You have put a lot of effort into this occasion, so enjoy it and take a few pictures or a video to savor your special look later as well.