STYLE Night Shift

DALLAS DIVAS CAN BREATHE a sigh of relief. After seasons in which a slew of creative evening dressing options were bandied about, drop-dead glamour is finally back. And not a moment too soon.

While spring’s daytime dressing follows a simple formula, evening wear sports a more spellbinding touch.

To get in the mood, think 1940s Hollywood-floor-sweeping gowns with elegant trains; swirling skirts and straight-shooting sheaths; curve-hugging bodices; gossamer fabrics and just the right amount of sequins and beads.

Evening élan depends on attitude, rather than myriad accessories. The stylish know the secrets-simple hair, minimal make-up, only your most important jewels. And this season designers paint their evening wear from a palette of muted tones. Look for shades as balmy as a moon-kissed evening breeze-pale blue, dusty gray, soft rose, and pure white.