This information might be included on the event invitation. It’s important you dress for the occasion, because being under-dressed will likely make you feel uncomfortable during the event. The phrase “formal attire” is used broadly, but there are specific expectations for different levels of the formal dress code.  White tie: typically reserved for diplomatic events or prestigious award ceremonies, this level of formality calls for a tailcoat, white vest and tie, and gloves for men, and a floor-length evening gown with optional gloves for women. Black tie: for men, this means a stroller or morning dress for daytime events, and tuxedos for evening events. For women black tie means a cocktail dress or long gown, and the choice can be guided by what the event host is expected to wear. Black tie optional/preferred: for men, either a dark suit with bow tie or a tuxedo. For women, black tie optional means a cocktail dress, a long dress, or dressy separates. The host will likely wear black tie, but guests are allowed some flexibility. Creative/themed black tie: for men, colorful shirts and bow ties are encouraged, along with appropriate accessories. For women, a trendy gown would be a good option. Cocktail: for men, a dark suit and tie will suffice. For women, a short dress, including the classic Little Black Dress, is called for. Festive: this dress code usually means cocktail with holiday flair. Choose colors and accessories accordingly. Confidence in your attire will make you feel confident about yourself. Think about colors and wardrobe pieces you’ve received compliments on, and use these as a starting point for putting together your ensemble. If you have short legs, wear heeled shoes that elongate the leg. If you have excess weight around your stomach, a well-cut sports jacket can create a nice silhouette. De-emphasize the areas of your body that you feel self-conscious about by choosing cuts and styles that mask them. If you have fantastic arms, don a sleeveless dress. If your chest is trim, consider a slim-fit button-up shirt. If your eyes are an arresting deep brown, wear a color that makes them stand out. Drawing attention to the parts of your body you love will make the parts you feel uncomfortable about less noticeable, improving your overall confidence level in the process. Formal attire makes us feel powerful. The external change can create internal change. Use that positive surge to carry yourself with your head held high throughout the event.

Summary: Asses the formality of the event. Pick clothing that makes you look your best. Address your problem areas. Play up your positives. Let your clothes inspire self-confidence.


The first step with any fresh blood stain is to flush the stain with cold water. If it is a minimal amount of blood, you may be able to remove the majority of the stain with just cold water. Run the fabric under a cold tap, gently rubbing the stain with the water. Soak your fabric in cold water in your sink to loosen any remaining stain. Wash the material in cold water afterward.  Make sure you do not use hot water. This will set the blood into the fabric and make the stain harder to remove.  If you don't have access to a tap, you can also put cold water in a bowl or bucket and dunk the fabric in the water. Keep dunking, rubbing and rinsing until the stain is removed. Wash the fabric in cold water afterward. This method works on all kinds of fabrics, such as denim, cotton and linen. If your stain is too tough for cold water alone, try using dishwashing liquid. Pour 1 tablespoon of liquid directly onto the fabric. Make sure it saturates the fabric. Let the liquid sit on the stain for 15 to 30 minutes. The stain should loosen. Rub cold water over the stain to remove the soap. Wash in cold water. If the stain persists, you may need to repeat this method or try an alternative method. You can use bar soap for more concentrated stains. Rinse the fabric with cold water. Then, rub the bar of soap into the stain until the fabric lathers. Rub the fabric together to help scrub in the soap and loosen the stain. Rinse the soap and loosened blood out of the fabric. If the stain is still there, reapply the soap. Wash in cold water. You can also try hydrogen peroxide on light-colored or white fabrics. After you rinse with cold water, pour a generous amount of peroxide directly onto the fabric. Rub the peroxide into the fabric to saturate it. Let the peroxide sit on the stain for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Wash the material in cold water. If the stain persists, you can repeat the process. If the peroxide bubbles when it hits the fabric, don't be alarmed. This is a normal response. It means that the peroxide is dissolving the proteins in the blood and lifting out the stain. Instead of buying a stain remover, you can make one at home. Rinse as much blood out as you can with cold water. Next, soak the fabric in cold water for 15 minutes. Ring out the excess water from the fabric. Rub a tablespoon of table salt into the stain on the damp fabric. Pour a tablespoon of shampoo onto the salt and rub the fabric together. Once the shampoo starts to lather, add another tablespoon of salt. Rub the combination into the fabric. Rinse the fabric completely in cold water. Wash the fabric in cold water.  This works only on fabrics that do not need special care. Do not use this method on clothes that you would wash on the gentle cycle in your clothes washer. This also works on set-in stains. If you have a blood stain on a delicate garment, you need to use a different kind of stain remover. Soak the garment in cold water for 15 to 30 minutes. Pour a small amount of baking soda onto the fabric. Rub it into the stained area with a nail brush or soft toothbrush. Wash the garment on the delicate cycle in cold water.

Summary: Flush with cold water. Wash with dishwashing liquid. Use bar soap. Try hydrogen peroxide. Make a salt and shampoo stain remover. Use baking soda on delicate fabrics.


The best way to talk like Shakespeare is to use words that are unique to his plays and not found in modern English. These words were used by Shakespeare frequently in his works and stand out as being characteristic of his style. Pepper your everyday speech with words like:  "Anon," meaning right away. "Dost” or "Doth," meaning does or do. "Ere," meaning before. "Hark," meaning listen. "Hither," meaning here. "Wherefore," meaning why. "Fain," meaning gladly. In his works, Shakespeare frequently shortened words and phrases to help the flow of dialogue. This linguistic choice also allowed him to maintain iambic pentameter.  Add some of these contractions to your regular speech by saying:  "‘Tis," instead of “it is." "'Twas” instead of “it was." "Wi’" instead of “with.” "O"” instead of “of." "'T" instead of “to." When speaking to people, call them by names that Shakespeare employed in his writings. For example, when talking to someone, use the pronoun “thou” instead of “you.” Other examples include:  Men were sometimes referred to as “sirrah.” Women were referred to as “mistress.” Friends were often affectionately called “cousin.” To sound more like Shakespeare, simply amend the end of verbs in sentences. Add the suffix “eth” to verbs to instantly make them more Shakespearean. For instance, instead of saying, “He is running to the store”, say, “He runneth to the store.” Superlatives are linguistic tools used to emphasize a higher degree of something in speech. Shakespeare often used double superlatives to create dramatic emphasis. To sound like Shakespeare, amend modern inflections by:  Adding an adverb to a superlative (e.g., “most bravest” instead of just “bravest.”) Replacing the adverb “most” with the suffix “est” or “’st” (e.g., “daring’st” instead of “most daring.”)
Summary: Add distinctly Shakespearean words to your vocabulary. Use Shakespearean contractions. Address people the way Shakespeare would. Make verbs more Shakespearean. Use Shakespearean double superlatives.