Both my husband and I have careers that require a lot of dressing up for events. We are also thrilled to be involved with numerous charitable causes that host galas as fundraisers. Fall is one of the busiest times in our event calendars with a plethora of soirees on the horizon. I love nothing more than an excuse for over-the-top glamour! I wanted to share a few tips I have for gala dressing along with links to some of my favorite dresses.

1. You do not need a ballgown.

Unless you are the honoree, a princess dress is not practical. You will probably never want to wear it again and you will likely not be comfortable. If the invitation says "Black Tie" you can wear long or short. You can even wear a sexy tuxedo! A cocktail dress that is elevated with the right accessories is perfectly acceptable! Keep the shoes sleek with a satin pump or a strappy sandal—nothing clunky. Add some sparkle with a jeweled clutch or crystal hair pins or a diamond choker.

2. You do not need to break the bank.

You can be red-carpet-chic without spending an arm and a leg. It's easy to restyle dresses from previous seasons with current accessories. New shoes or jewels are a much more practical investment than a new frock as they will get more wear. With many designers pulling inspiration from decades past, you can even revive a dress from you mom's closet!

Want to wear something new and fabulous without dropping thousands for a one-time-wear? Nova Octo has become my go-to for luxury clothing rentals. They have the most exquisite selection featuring renowned designers from Oscar de la Renta to Elie Saab to high-demand, up-and-comers like Alessandra Rich and Rasario. This service is amazing because you can have a new dress for every occasion without feeling wasteful to both your bank account and the environment. Nova Octo also believes strongly in giving back. A portion of all rentals this month will go to City Harvest, as September is Hunger Action Month. The Temperley London dress I am wearing here is from Nova Octo’s flawlessly curated closet and it’s available for rent upon request, as it’s not yet on the site.

3. Do not play it safe with beauty.

Have fun getting into character! A gala is the time to push the envelope with hair and makeup. Pull inspiration from the red carpet and dare to be different than the masses. My phone is always filled with screenshots of looks I can't wait to try from a wine-colored lip to a retro French twist. Sometimes I even choose my beauty inspiration before I select my dress! When I’m in NYC, LA, or Miami, I book Glamsquad for any occasion. Their artists and stylists are reliable and I love having the service come to my hotel room for some serious pampering. Splurging for glam is a great way to make a bold statement without overspending on wardrobe.

Shop some of my favorite gala dresses below.