I’ve spent a fair amount of time staring at my closet before a black-tie gala or a wedding reception, wondering if my sequined top was too much. After years of trial and error, I’ve figured out that the secret to a great formal look isn’t one perfect dress. It’s a small collection of essentials that you can mix and match. You don’t need thirty gowns. You just need a few pieces that work hard.

Let’s start with the foundation. For women, a little black dress that isn’t just for cocktails is the backbone. Skip the stretchy bodycon and look for something with structure—maybe a crepe or a silk charmeuse. A sheath or an A-line cut that hits just at or below the knee works for most formal settings. It’s the canvas for accessories. For men, a well-tailored dark suit in navy or charcoal is non-negotiable. If you can, invest in a tuxedo separate—the trousers and the jacket can be worn independently for other occasions, but together they signal “I respect this event.”

Next, we have the statement piece. For women, that’s where a velvet blazer or a beaded jacket comes in. A black velvet jacket over a silk slip dress changes the energy from “I just rolled out of bed” to “I’m here to network and maybe dance.” For men, it’s the tuxedo shirt. A proper pleated front with French cuffs looks far better than a plain white shirt. The cuffs give you room for cufflinks, which are the only bit of jewelry a man can truly own at a formal event. I keep a pair of simple mother-of-pearl cufflinks in my travel bag at all times.

Footwear is where most people get tripped up. Women, don’t default to stilettos if you’ll be standing for four hours. A block heel or a structured pump with a lower pitch (a max of 3 inches) looks just as elegant and won’t ruin your evening. I have a pair of black suede pumps with a low heel that I’ve worn to two different charity galas and a friend’s rehearsal dinner. For men, a patent leather oxford is the standard. They’re shiny on purpose. That’s the point. Avoid anything with a square toe or a thick sneaker sole. Keep it classic.

Accessories are the secret sauce. For women, a single clutch that’s big enough for a phone and lipstick is all you need. Silver or gold metallic finishes work with everything. Avoid a bag with a strap that drags across your dress. For men, a good watch with a leather strap or a simple metal band is enough. And please, skip the novelty tie bar. A simple silver or gold bar that matches your cufflinks is all you need to hold the tie in place. I also always carry a small fabric sample or swatch of my tie in my pocket to check the colors in different lighting.

Finally, don’t forget the “night saver” kit. A small pouch in your clutch or inside jacket pocket with a lint roller, a spare pair of earrings (in case one breaks), and a travel-size deodorant. I’ve fixed a friend’s pulled thread with a mini sewing kit I keep in my car. These little things keep you from panicking when the inevitable happens—like a stray mustard stain or a broken heel.

The best formal outfit is the one you can forget about while you’re wearing it. You’re not there to impress the clothes. You’re there to enjoy the evening. Having these essentials on hand means you can focus on the conversation, the champagne, and the dancing. That’s what makes a formal occasion memorable.