Ever spot an extremely stylish woman strolling down Michigan Avenue and wonder how she manages to look so pulled together? Me too. And then I stumbled upon Ask Clinton, a weekly advice column from fashion expert Clinton Kelly in RedEye's Weekend Edition. Read on for a recent spot-on style diagnosis below, and sign up here to get the RedEye Weekend Edition delivered straight to your door every Saturday for free!

Dear Clinton,
My boyfriend's company is having an after-work party at Chicago Union Station. It's an evening event with dinner and dancing, but the invite calls for "business casual" attire. What is an appropriate outfit to wear for this event? I had purchased a cocktail dress, but I'm afraid I will be overdressed.

- Lindsay, 23, Loop

Hey Lindsay,
I'm thrilled to help you figure out what to wear to this event, but I'd really love to do so while administering a vigorous spanking 'round the buttocks to the CEO of your boyfriend's company. "Business casual" for an evening of food and music in a beautiful setting? Gross, gross and gross. Just what the world needs: more businessmen in khakis and blue button-front shirts.

Your inclination toward cocktail attire was an honorable one. However, I'm going to advise you not to wear the pretty little number you've already purchased, as you'll probably feel overdressed.

When a dress code is suggested, you should adhere to it—even if it's wrong! But that doesn't mean you can't be the most fabulous person in the room. I have some options for you:

1. A black pencil skirt, pumps and silk blouse. As anyone who watches What Not to Wear knows, I love me a little sexy secretary look—and it seems appropriate here. Just be sure to add some shine, either in the blouse or in your accessories to make it more appropriate for nighttime.

2. A floral day dress worn with hot boots and topped with a cropped jacket. I can't believe I'm recommending a day dress for evening, but because everyone's coming after work, you don't want to stick out as "the girl who went home to change." And not something pink or yellow. I'm thinking a darker print with color thrown in, such as navy with splashes of white and orange. Get my drift?

3. A classic pair of gray or black wide-leg trousers and a tunic. Add a big necklace and bracelet to make a statement. Perhaps the statement can be: "Let's not do business casual next year."

Fashion expert Clinton Kelly is the star of TLC's What Not To Wear. He answers questions every week in RedEye's Weekend Edition, which is free and available only through home delivery. Not a subscriber? Go to redeyechicago.com/genart to sign up and e-mail your fashion questions to Clinton at redeyeclinton@tribune.com.

- Caroline Stanley

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