shirley maclaine what a way to go backless dress in Go! (1964) costumes by Edith Head Shirley Maclaine What a Way

The right silhouette is not just about length

Look for a dress with interesting sleeve detailslike flutter sleeves or subtle ruchingand a hemline that hits right around the knee

Pair with stilettos and a sparkly mini bag for a chic look

Gwyneth Paltrow Paltrow went on to win the Oscar for Best Actress for her role in Shakespeare in Love while wearing this classic bubblegum pink Ralph Lauren gown way back in 1999and it still remains a classic to this day

Not my fave outfit but it really shows how pumps, with the low topline showing the instep, makes your legs look longer

Unlike a wedding where the focus is on the couple, or a gala where the dress code is set by the host, your milestone birthday is yours to define