Wearing a substantial amount of white or accessorizing with the wintery color can often have a surprisingly dramatic effect — especially in formal occasions and especially when worn in contrast with black. Mary gets the look right by sticking to the two colors and accenting only with a simple diamond pendant around the neck. Her hair? Swept off her face in an easy, minimalist updo. She’s in charge — she’s wearing the clothes, they’re not wearing her.

When you have outerwear (a fur shrug) and accessories (gold earrings and shoes) as fabulous as Mary’s, you should strive to build your outfit around these key pieces. Basic sheath dresses are the perfect underlayer for these bold but elegant touches — look for a black or brown sheath dress that can double as office or dinnerwear as well. And go to town with the gold!