Night Life

Night Life

Let’s face it — evening gowns can look a little frumpy. Not so at a recent Neiman Marcus style show in advance of last month’s Miracle Babies’ “Moonlight in Casablanca” gala. Style advisor Alex Yanez showed off nightlife looks influenced by sports-and-street-wear for a more casual, cool vibe. “Evening separates are a huge trend,” says Yanez. “That’s one of the big inspirations translated from the runway for the real life, everyday woman.” Take, for instance, a beaded sweatshirt by Equipment paired with a long silk skirt by St. John. Or how about a rose gold metallic moto jacket from McQ, Alexander McQueen’s diffusion line, worn over a blush silk gown by Theia, for a youthful, modern, monochromatic look? Jumpsuits were also on-trend, from a dark grey Brunello Cucinelli version with a chiffon overlay worn with a fur vest, to an Alice + Olivia black jumpsuit with a silver sequined bodice, topped with a Theory duster-length vest. The real showstopper was a pair of Manolo Blahnik beaded and embellished black suede booties. Like many of the evening pieces, wear them with jeans for even more versatility.

Printed gowns are also prevalent this season, including a standout by Gucci worn with a fur gilet, and a crystal print skirt from Nicole Miller with “a sheer organza overlay giving it a lot of movement,” says Yanez. He paired the skirt with a purple Zac Posen silk blouse and an Alice + Olivia beaded jacket tossed casually over the shoulders.  Accessorize eveningwear with statement earrings, layers of pearls (some with tassels), or an exaggerated choker. Finish the look with a fringed or beaded bag, and you’re ready to step out in style. (619.692.9100, www.neimanmarcus.com)   ANDREA NAVERSEN