When a special occasion arises and you are coordinating your makeup to your attire, it is important to follow a couple guidelines when going for an elegant, yet somewhat bolder look than your daily makeup wear.
First, make sure your eye color is coordinating with your clothing. It does not have to be the same color as your clothing, but should not clash with the color of dress you have chosen. Example: If you are wearing a blue dress, choose a brown or a coordinating blue shadow (or both together).
Second, your lip color should be in contrast to your dress and eye color, but must coordinate at the same time. Example: Blue dress, blue eyeshadow, a more neutral with a touch of pink lipstick would contrast, yet coordinate.
Third, one area of the face needs to overpower another. If you do a bold shadow, down play your lips with a more neutral or calmer tone. If you go for a bolder, brighter lip, soften the eyes with lighter tones.