THE CHIC LIST: The secret dress codes of the world’s most stylish cities revealed, plus clever ways to add instant glamor to your look.

I love to wear my gay rags; Any little excuse to shine and you can count on me.

The joy of dressing up is why I enjoy awards season so much – I love seeing what celebrities like our cover girl Margot Robbie and other stylish stars like Jennifer Aniston and Zendaya choose to wear – each look presents a tantalizing vision of their personalities and tastes.

Every trendy city you visit has a secret evening dress code that requires a few dinners to properly decipher. In Paris, for example, it is frowned upon to be overdressed. You’re expected to look elegant and effortless, like you just threw your outfit together at the last minute, and the more classic your style, the better.

New York isn’t too fancy either, but you can get away with a little more expressive and daring flair. Meanwhile, in London and Dublin very obvious efforts to increase glamor will be applauded.

I remember very well my first days dressing up. Some have even left scars. My first black tie dance in college, for example. A boy I didn’t like invited me, but he really wanted to wear an evening dress, so I accepted.

Maybe it was karma, but one of the straps on my black velvet maxi broke and I spent the rest of the night trying to keep the dress from falling around my ankles. I’m sure I showed too much to my date’s horrible best friend, who kept leering at me on the dance floor.

After boobgate, of course, I ran into him on campus at every turn, leaving me mortified again.

But thankfully my love for dressing up hasn’t waned and this week I’ve compiled a carefully curated list of essentials you can mix and match for glamorous nights out…

★ Instead of shoes that are too high, try a pair of pointy, slip-on mules with a small heel. Toteme’s patent leather offering, for example, is a more modern take.

★ A good jacket will accompany you to any dinner and provides instant shine. If you are petite, avoid long blazers and keep the length just below the waist.

★ There is nothing better than a pantsuit: stylish and great to wear with different items in your wardrobe.

★ A high waist midi or maxi dress suits many body shapes. Simply pair it with a t-shirt or, my favorite, a vest, for a contemporary and confident look.

★ Simple but effective jewelry – I prefer a less-is-more look with thoughtful pieces. I’m currently coveting the Bottega Veneta pendant ring.

Hello soft yellow

Nothing says spring like soft yellow. This long vest from Aligne is the ideal option for a night out. Pair it with white or black pants.

Fairer treatment

Now is the perfect time of year to introduce a white shoe to your closet. This square toe Mary Jane will refresh your look and add instant prestige to pants and dresses.

Ahead of the curve

These chunky earrings are a modern alternative to classic hoops and look much more expensive than they are. Crafted from recycled gold-tone brass polished to a high shine, their curved shape elegantly hugs the earlobe.

@the stylist and the wardrobe

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