Judging the Best Dressed Couple

Expect a glamorous and fun evening at the Lowe’s Pride Awards hosted by Pride magazine. The formal dinner and awards ceremony starts at 6 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Westin, 601 S. College St.

This year’s gala puts the spotlight on the impact of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) in our city. One of the interesting elements will be dancers from Charlotte Ballet demonstrating the science of ballet.

Tickets are $225.61. Details: www.prideawards.net.

The evening is known for its fashionable attendees. Some of that has to do with the stylish tone that the evening's host, Pride Communications CEO Dee Dixon, sets for the evening. This photo by Daniel Coston of Dee at last year's event shows her in a gold strapless gown with a sequined bodice and tulle overlay purchased online from Rissy Roo's; earrings and bracelets from Dots on South Boulevard; a clutch from CC's Accessories; and a wrap from Belk at SouthPark mall.

And I’ll be there again as a judge picking out the Best Dressed Couple. Last year was the first time I was asked to take on that fun duty and I'm so looking forward to having an excuse to check out what everyone is wearing. It has its challenges though because there are hundreds of people there. Plus, couples don't always stay next to each other. Sometimes I would see a potential Best Dressed candidate, but the person was attending the event solo or with friends and co-workers.

The main thing I'll be looking for is a couple that looks fabulous together and on their own. Last year I picked Nick and Regina Wharton. This photo of the couple was taken by Daniel Coston.

Nick accessorized his Baroni tuxedo with a Hugo Boss shirt, silver studs, an ascot he chose to match his wife's dress, a David Yurman bracelet mixed with bracelets he bought on a trip to Puerto Rico, and Johnston & Murphy shoes. 

Regina's Tadashi Shoji gown is from Neiman Marcus at SouthPark mall, which she paired with a bracelet and earrings from Lia Sophia, a David Yurman watch, and a crystal necklace from Tuesday Morning. 

I loved that Nick was confident enough in his personal style to break the rules by wearing an ascot instead of a tie with his tuxedo. And Regina’s black gown with white lace detail was flattering and on trend.

Follow Olivia on Twitter @oliviafortson