Top Formal Dress Styles

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One-Shoulder

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An asymmetrical style showcases the upper body, while providing the perfect backdrop for statement earrings.

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One-Shoulder

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Diane Kruger in Valentino

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One-Shoulder

Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Miley Cyrus in custom Max Azria

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Printed Strapless

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Patterns are a playful addition to an after-dark ensemble; keep the look formal by choosing luxurious fabrics embellished with ruffles and fringe details.

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Printed Strapless

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Eva Mendes in Bill Blass

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Printed Strapless

Kerry Washington, Oscar de la Renta, Prom Dresses

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Kerry Washington in Oscar de la Renta

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Column

Sophia Bush, Monique Lhuillier, Prom Dresses

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Sleek and understated, the column silhouette subtly sets off the shoulders and decolletage.

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Column

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Joy Bryant in Missoni

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Column

Ashley Olsen, Calvin Klein Collection, Prom Dresses

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Ashley Olsen in Calvin Klein Collection

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Rosettes

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Feminine flowers make for a romantic look that requires few extra accessories.

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Rosettes

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Vanessa Hudgens in Moschino

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Rosettes

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Zooey Deschanel in Luella

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Ethereal

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For a fairy princess effect, nothing beats light-as-air layers of flowing chiffon.

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Ethereal

Eva Mendes, Christian Dior, Prom Dresses

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Eva Mendes in Christian Dior

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Ethereal

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Freida Pinto in Marchesa

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Primary Colors

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Gowns in bold hues of red, blue, and yellow pack a punch-choose a simple silhouette to let the shade shine.

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Primary Colors

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Taylor Momsen in Marchesa

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Primary Colors

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Malin Akerman in Jason Wu

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Embellished Necklines

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A dramatic neckline acts as a built-in necklace.

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Embellished Neckline

Molly Sims, Monique Lhuillier, Prom Dresses

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Molly Sims in Monique Lhuillier

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Embellished Necklines

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Anne Hathaway in Azzaro

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Mini

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Got great legs? Show them off with a short hemline-choose a dress with couture-quality details for a formal effect.

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Mini

Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Rihanna in Zac Posen

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Mini

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Freida Pinto in Zac Posen

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Floral

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Bring the outside in with blossom-bedecked prints that hint of spring.

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Floral

Carrie Underwood, Naeem Khan, Prom Dresses

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Carrie Underwood in Naeem Khan

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Floral

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JoAnna Garcia in Blumarine

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Metallic Beads

Carrie Underwood, Zuhair Murad, Prom Dresses

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Double your sparkle with embellished gowns in gold, silver and bronze.

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Metallic Beads

Jessica Biel, Oscar de la Renta, Prom Dresses

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Jessica Biel in Oscar de la Renta

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Metallic Beads

Elizabeth Banks, Kaufman Franco, Prom Dresses

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Elizabeth Banks in Kaufman Franco

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Retro

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Channel '50s chic with a wasp-waist design in a cocktail length.

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Retro

Scarlett Johansson, Bill Blass, Prom Dresses

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Scarlett Johansson in Bill Blass

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Retro

Keira Knightley, Alexis Mabille, Prom Dresses

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Keira Knightley in Alexis Mabille

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Mermaid

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Play up your curves (or create them) with a fitted gown that flares out at the knee.

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Mermaid

Olga Kurylenko, Dolce & Gabbana, Prom Dresses

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Olga Kuylenko in Dolce & Gabbana

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Mermaid

Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage

Molly Sims in J. Mendel

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Pink

Dave J Hogan

Nothing says pretty like rosy hues! To avoid the girly-girl associations, pick a dress with an avant-garde shape.

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Pink

Kerry Washington, Jason Wu, Prom Dresses

Imagine Photography

Kerry Washington in Jason Wu

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Pink

Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Katy Perry in Basil Soda

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Top Formal Dress Styles

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One-Shoulder

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One-Shoulder

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One-Shoulder

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Printed Strapless

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Printed Strapless

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Printed Strapless

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Column

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Column

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Column

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Rosettes

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Rosettes

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Rosettes

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Ethereal

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Ethereal

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Ethereal

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Primary Colors

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Primary Colors

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Primary Colors

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Embellished Necklines

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Embellished Neckline

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Embellished Necklines

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Mini

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Mini

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Mini

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Floral

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Floral

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Floral

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Metallic Beads

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Metallic Beads

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Metallic Beads

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Retro

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Retro

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Retro

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Mermaid

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Mermaid

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Mermaid

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Pink

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Pink

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