Top Formal Dress Styles

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

Diane Kruger

in Valentino

Miley Cyrus

in custom Max Azria

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

Eva Mendes

in Bill Blass

Kerry Washington

in Oscar de la Renta

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

Joy Bryant

in Missoni

Ashley Olsen

in Calvin Klein Collection

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

Vanessa Hudgens

in Moschino

Zooey Deschanel

in Luella

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

Eva Mendes

in Christian Dior

Freida Pinto

in Marchesa

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

Taylor Momsen

in Marchesa

Malin Akerman

in Jason Wu

A dramatic neckline acts as a built-in necklace.

Molly Sims

in Monique Lhuillier

Anne Hathaway

in Azzaro

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

Rihanna

in Zac Posen

Freida Pinto

in Zac Posen

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

Carrie Underwood

in Naeem Khan

JoAnna Garcia

in Blumarine

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

Jessica Biel

in Oscar de la Renta

Elizabeth Banks

in Kaufman Franco

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

Scarlett Johansson

in Bill Blass

Keira Knightley

in Alexis Mabille

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

Olga Kuylenko

in Dolce & Gabbana

Molly Sims

in J. Mendel

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

Kerry Washington

in Jason Wu

Katy Perry

in Basil Soda