So, you’ve scored a ticket to an official inaugural ball or are attending a glitzy event at the Newseum or LOVE this weekend. Don’t get your hopes up, Cinderella, because this video with the Washington Post‘s Roxanne Roberts will give you a reality check:

Though I’ve haven’t been to an inaugural ball (yet!), I think her advice is good from a style standpoint. (Passing out and/or making a fool of yourself in front of coworkers/the media because you didn’t eat dinner before the ball is indeed a style faux pas.)

I generally advocate heels in all social situations. However, this weekend, you’ll be walking (possibly a mile) in the freezing cold, to a venue packed with people who will likely stomp on and spill cheap wine on your feet. So, I won’t criticize you if you wear flats, though they should be very nice–think slim black patent or a metallic with a rosette or baubles. Or, wear your highest black heel you can tolerate–few will notice the difference between a trendy stiletto and your everyday, office heels. Or, wear fabulous Manolos and cringe for the sake of beauty. Whatever you do, leave your beat-up Tory Burch logo flats at home!

As for dress length, I shun tradition. When in doubt, go short, especially if you are under 30. Unless you’re 5’10” and walk on runways for a living and/or have a couture designer on speed dial, most women look better in a short dress–anywhere from approx. 3″ above the knee to 1″ below. (The shorter and thinner you are, the shorter your dress can be without compromising your propriety.) Besides, most long dresses are plain and dowdy and/or twice the cost of a unique and fun short dress. As Roberts said, you won’t be groovin’ with the President or sipping a Cosmo with Michelle and Jill, so leave the ballgowns to the celebrities–such as Beyonce, Anne Hathaway, Halle Berry, and Jessica Alba, among many–who will be in D.C.

Most ball attendees can make do with a clutch handbag (cab fare, Metro card, lipgloss, Band-Aids, and camera are the essentials), but don’t be afraid to carry a larger bag if you need to. In fact, I’d prefer to see you in heels, toting your flats in a larger bag. Just don’t leave it in coat check.

Changing the rules of black-tie attire is change I can really believe in!