News Awards & Events Michelle Monaghan's Weekend Diary: The White House Correspondents' Dinner By Kim Peiffer Kim Peiffer Kim Peiffer is a New York-based editor, writer, digital media expert, and on-camera talent who covers beauty, wellness, travel, fashion, and women's lifestyle topics. She was previously a Senior Editor for InStyle, and is currently the Lifestyle Executive Editor for Forbes. InStyle's editorial guidelines Published on April 27, 2015 @ 03:50PM Pin Share Tweet Email Trending Videos Photo: Instagram/realmonaghan This past weekend, actress Michelle Monaghan scored one of the toughest tickets in town—a seat at the annual star-studded White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, D.C., and she took InStyle along for the ride. “I am so proud to go to the White House Correspondents' Dinner and to have the opportunity to speak on a panel about how we can empower our nation's veterans,” Monaghan tells InStyle. “Veterans’ issues are a cause near and dear to my heart as a result of my work in Fort Bliss! Hooah!!” For the fancy fête, Monoghan chose a red and black combo garnet bustier gown from the Prabal Gurung fall 2015 collection. “Who let us backstage?! #WHCD” she wrote while snapping a quick pic with models Hannah Davis and Chrissy Teigen (photoabove). From the outfits she took on her trip to the stars she posed with backstage, we’ve got all the details on her stylish weekend (and see more from the weekend on Twitter, @RealMonaghan). PHOTOS: See Monaghan Get Ready for the White House Correspondents' Dinner 01 of 14 Michelle Monaghan Boards Her Flight to D.C. Instagram/realmonaghan The next adventure begins now. I found this keychain in a bookstore. It's dorky, but true! Here I come, D.C.! #WHCD 02 of 14 Monaghan Arrives to D.C. In A Chic Coat Instagram/realmonaghan Chanel goes with everything. 03 of 14 She made sure not to forget her favorite accessories. Instagram/realmonaghan These Christian Louboutin shoes are everything and I love this Tiffany & Co. clutch. 04 of 14 Monaghan's Beauty Secret? Lipstick. Instagram/realmonaghan This Tom Ford lipstick (Wild Ginger, if you're curious, paired with a Giambattista Valli gown) never fails to make me happy. Now it's party time! 05 of 14 Monaghan Stops to Pose With Close Friend Katie Couric Instagram/realmonaghan I love this woman! Katie is beautiful, smart, fun, and funny! I've known her for years and we always have a giggle! 06 of 14 Day 2: power breakfast Instagram/realmonaghan First stop, a panel on veterans and women in the military with The Atlantic. Second stop, the White House Correspondents' Dinner! 07 of 14 Monaghan in her Capitol-ready frock. Instagram/realmonaghan This is my Mary Tyler Moore goes to Washington look. The dress is Calvin Klein, shoes are Kurt Geiger, and my jewelry is from Tiffany & Co. and Jennifer Fisher. 08 of 14 Before Dinner, Monaghan Dons Her Favorite Scent Instagram/realmonaghan My favorite perfume is Tom Ford Lavender Palm, but I only use it sparingly since it's discontinued. Don't you hate when that happens? 09 of 14 Ready to Slip on Baubles. Instagram/realmonaghan I'm in jewelry heaven! Thank you, Tiffany & Co! 10 of 14 Monaghan Finally Met Dana Bash Instagram/realmonaghan I got to meet her! Dana Bash from CNN. Respect. 11 of 14 Celebrating with Veep's Timothy Simons Instagram/realmonaghan True Detective meets Veep! 12 of 14 in good company Instagram/realmonaghan Gabourey Sidibe, Darby Stanchfield, Connie Nielsen and I! I love meeting so many inspiring, smart, beautiful, and fun women. 13 of 14 backstage at the dinner Instagram/realmonaghan Who let us backstage? Here I am with Hannah Davis and Chrissy Teigen. 14 of 14 That's A Wrap! Instagram/realmonaghan Peace out, D.C.! A marvelous evening. See you next year.