black velvet cocktail dresses Mirage | Halter-Neck Mini Dress With Skater-Skirt style yours with some sparkling earrings like Prosper Black Velvet Dress L

William Travilla (known professionally by his last name) designed costumes for eight Monroe films, and as the creator of her pink satin "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" gown and her swishy white cocktail dress in The Seven Year Itch , he's responsible for some of the most famous looks of all time

While there are so many styles of black boots to choose from, I am partial to this pair of mid-calf boots

(With Ecco etc I just hope others will not notice my shoes, which takes away some joy from the experience.) Lots of black sneakers, which I know you have recommended against, Simon

A navy dress is generally paired with neutral color shoes but if youre up for a bold look, you can go for bright colors like red, maroon, or wine