Dramatic lengths: dare to choose your own expression of elegance, whether a floor-sweeping gown or a sexy mini with ruffles

Shape, August, 2004 by Moye Carlotta

Call of the Wild

Layers of tulle and wispy chiffon add life to a simple slip dress or tunic. Vera Wang ruffled and pleated tulle top, by special order, with lightweight wool cropped trouser, $990.

Opposite: Chaiken "Dusk Crush" slip dress with black and white ruffles, $198. Coach "Cyndi" suede slide, $160. Jill Platner "Large Bones" sterling-silver and crochet cord necklace, $525, and "Tailbone" sterling-silver and crochet cord bracelet, $1,800. Agatha silver-plate bangles, $19 each (throughout).

On previous spread: Armani Collezioni organza gauze jacquard strapless dress, $2,595. Jill Platner "Pirate Eye" sterling-silver and crocheted long cord belt (worn as a bracelet), $935.

Beauty note Physique Keep it Straight Lotion, $7, is a lightweight hair moisturizer that helps to tame frizz, reduce flyaways and leave hair soft and shiny.

Let it Rein

A slinky gown with a flirtatious side slit makes for an enchanting evening. Carolina Herrera matte jersey gown in cherry blossom, a pale pink, $3,290. Jill Platner "Pirate Eye" sterling-silver and crocheted long cord belt (worn as bracelet), $935.

Beauty note Give your skin a sexy sheen all over with Victoria's Secret Breathless Shimmering Body Bronzer, $12. Just roll on the convenient stick applicator wherever you want an instant glow, as well as a hint of Breathless fragrance (a mix of scents like sandalwood, neroli petals and musk).

Stealing Beauty

Feminine fabrics like delicate organza and crinkled crepe are the stuff of dreams. CH Carolina Herrera crepe strapless dress, $2,100. Colette Malouf "Anemone" sterling-silver necklace, $340.

Opposite: Chanel classic white silk blouse, $2,000. Jill Platner "Flamingo" sterling-silver and crochet cord necklace, $495.

Beauty note Refresh and perfect your complexion with water-based Magic by Prescriptives Liquid Powder, $32.50. With optical diffusers, the powder minimizes the look of lines and wrinkles; it also feels like a cooling mist upon application. See Buyer's Guide, page 240, for retail information.

FASHION DIRECTOR: KRISTINA FERRANTE COLEMAN.

HAIR: BERNHARD TAMME/CLOUTIERAGENCY.COM.

MAKEUP: JOANNE GAIR/MERCURY ARTIST GROUP.

HORSE: FLORIAN, FROM THE LORD OF THE RINGS. SHOT ON LOCATION IN NEW ZEALAND.

Photography by Carlotta Moye