“It’s everything,” Dale said. “I learned so much about myself through that dress. I learned how to pleat, gather and line a garment, and I wore it myself to a lot of events.”

The dress is one of several garments Dale will display at (SCENE) Metrospace, 110 Charles St., as part of Girls’ Day Out. Brought by the City of East Lansing and the Downtown Management Board, Girls’ Day Out offers an afternoon of shopping, dining and fashion in downtown East Lansing. It also includes a fashion show at the East Lansing Marriott at University Place, 300 M.A.C Ave.

Along with many others, the event is sponsored by VIM Magazine, MSU’s fashion-based publication. Brittany Ricca, the event coordinator for VIM Magazine and Spanish senior, said Girls’ Day Out gives students the opportunity to get to know more about the city of East Lansing.

“It’s a good opportunity for students to see stores they have down here and get a better feel for East Lansing,” Ricca said. “We all live in East Lansing, but I don’t think we really utilize it.”

Tim Lane, director and curator of (SCENE) Metrospace, said the gallery has been involved with Girls’ Day Out since the program kicked off last year. After seeing the success, he said he decided to take the initiative to be a part of it once again.

“It’s a way of being involved with creative things the city is doing and giving back to the city’s support,” Lane said. “(SCENE) is all about trying to present a variety of work with different media and preserve the voice of the community.”

After seeing the space, Dale said it would be perfect for her showcase, which will include both live models and mannequins modeling her past designs, makeup tutorials and the launch of the spring issue of VIM Magazine, where Dale is the co-editor-in-chief.

“It’s an intimate location with lots of window space,” she said. “It’s open, so people can walk around and mingle.”

Among the other elements of the event, Dale said the fashion show and shopping will help women build their confidence through fashion.

“It just makes you feel good, whether it’s that little black dress or that go-to garment that makes you stand up taller. I love that it provides a sense of confidence and well-being,” she said.

Notable Girls’ Day Out promotions:

Free massages at Douglas J. Aveda Institute, 331 E. Grand River Ave.

Beer tasting event, 3-7 p.m., at Harper’s Restaurant and Brewpub, 131 Albert Ave.

Wine tasting event, 4-6 p.m., Beggar’s Banquet, 218 Abbot Road.