An asymmetrical style showcases the upper body, while providing the perfect backdrop for statement jewelry. Kate Beckinsale added sweeping Amrapali earrings to an elegant gown from Derek Lam.
John Shearer/WireImage
Diane Kruger in Valentino
Daniele Venturelli/WireImage
Miley Cyrus in custom Max Azria
Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Patterns are a playful addition to an after-dark ensemble; keep the look formal by choosing luxurious fabrics embellished with metallic threads and beading. Jessica Biel selected a global-inspired Oscar de la Renta gown in multi-hued brocade.
David Livingston/WireImage
Eva Mendes in Bill Blass
Gregg DeGuire/WireImage
Kerry Washington in Oscar de la Renta
Jim Spellman/WireImage
Sleek and understated, the column silhouette subtly sets off the shoulders and decolletage. Sophia Bush showed off her shape in a minimalist Monique Lhuillier design.
Jeff Vespa/WireImage
Joy Bryant in Missoni
Jean Baptiste Lacroix/WireImage
Ashley Olsen in Calvin Klein Collection
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Feminine flowers make for a romantic look that requires few extra accessories. Mischa Barton chose an Elie Saab gown with a rosette-embellished bodice.
KCSPresse/SplashNewsOnline.com
Vanessa Hudgens in Moschino
Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images
Zooey Deschanel in Luella
Lester Cohen/WireImage
For a fairy princess effect, nothing beats light-as-air layers of flowing chiffon. Olivia Wilde floated across the red carpet in a Reem Acra design.
Mathew Imaging/WireImage
Eva Mendes in Christian Dior
Jean Baptiste Lacroix/WireImage
Freida Pinto in Marchesa
Jeff Vespa/WireImage
Gowns in bold hues of red, blue and yellow pack a punch-choose a simple silhouette to let the shade shine. Anne Hathaway was a standout in a vibrant Zac Posen dress in shades of cobalt.
Eamonn McCormack/WireImage
Taylor Momsen in Marchesa
Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage
Malin Akerman in Jason Wu
Tsuni/Gamma
A bejeweled bodice acts as built-in bling in an after-dark design. January Jones doubled up in a halter dress with an Egyptian feel from Andrew Gn.
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Molly Sims in Monique Lhuillier
Todd Williamson/WireImage
Anne Hathaway in Azzaro
Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage
Got great legs? Show them off with a short hemline-choose a dress with couture-quality details like tiers and draping for a formal effect. Kristen Stewart made the most of her long legs in a graphic striped dress from Camilla and Marc.
Dominique Charriau/WireImage
Rihanna in Zac Posen
Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Freida Pinto in Zac Posen
Janet Gough/Celebrity Photo
Bring the outside in with blossom-bedecked prints that hint of spring. Scarlett Johansson accented her brilliant Oscar de la Renta gown with a flower-shaped cocktail ring from Zorab.
Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic
Carrie Underwood in Naeem Khan
Mark Davis/Landov
JoAnna Garcia in Blumarine
Lester Cohen/WireImage
Double your sparkle with embellished gowns in gold, silver and bronze. Carrie Underwood glittered in a floor-length sheath from Zuhair Murad.
Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Jessica Biel in Oscar de la Renta
Ciao Hollywood/SplashNewsOnline.com
Elizabeth Banks in Kaufman Franco
Jon Furniss/WireImage
Channel '50s chic with a wasp-waist design in a cocktail length. When choosing a vintage dress, like that worn by Eva Mendes, look for a simple silhouette that will stand the test of time.
Tony Barson/WireImage
Scarlett Johansson in Bill Blass
Tony Barson/WireImage
Keira Knightley in Alexis Mabille
Dave M. Benett/Getty Images
Play up your curves (or create them) with a fitted gown that flares out at the knee. Kate Beckinsale often accents her perfect form with fishtail gowns like this one from J. Mendel.
Steve Granitz/WireImage
Olga Kuylenko in Dolce & Gabbana
Elisabetta Villa/Getty Images
Molly Sims in J. Mendel
Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage
Nothing says pretty like rosy hues! To avoid the girly-girl associations, pick a dress with an avant-garde shape, like the draped Chanel gown worn by Cameron Diaz.
Steve Granitz/WireImage
Kerry Washington in Jason Wu
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Katy Perry in Basil Soda
Kevin Mazur/WireImage
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One-Shoulder
An asymmetrical style showcases the upper body, while providing the perfect backdrop for statement jewelry. Kate Beckinsale added sweeping Amrapali earrings to an elegant gown from Derek Lam.
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Printed Strapless
Patterns are a playful addition to an after-dark ensemble; keep the look formal by choosing luxurious fabrics embellished with metallic threads and beading. Jessica Biel selected a global-inspired Oscar de la Renta gown in multi-hued brocade.
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Column
Sleek and understated, the column silhouette subtly sets off the shoulders and decolletage. Sophia Bush showed off her shape in a minimalist Monique Lhuillier design.
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Rosettes
Feminine flowers make for a romantic look that requires few extra accessories. Mischa Barton chose an Elie Saab gown with a rosette-embellished bodice.
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Ethereal
For a fairy princess effect, nothing beats light-as-air layers of flowing chiffon. Olivia Wilde floated across the red carpet in a Reem Acra design.
Advertisement
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Primary Colors
Gowns in bold hues of red, blue and yellow pack a punch-choose a simple silhouette to let the shade shine. Anne Hathaway was a standout in a vibrant Zac Posen dress in shades of cobalt.
Advertisement
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Embellished Necklines
A bejeweled bodice acts as built-in bling in an after-dark design. January Jones doubled up in a halter dress with an Egyptian feel from Andrew Gn.
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Mini
Got great legs? Show them off with a short hemline-choose a dress with couture-quality details like tiers and draping for a formal effect. Kristen Stewart made the most of her long legs in a graphic striped dress from Camilla and Marc.
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Floral
Bring the outside in with blossom-bedecked prints that hint of spring. Scarlett Johansson accented her brilliant Oscar de la Renta gown with a flower-shaped cocktail ring from Zorab.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Metallic Beads
Double your sparkle with embellished gowns in gold, silver and bronze. Carrie Underwood glittered in a floor-length sheath from Zuhair Murad.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Retro
Channel '50s chic with a wasp-waist design in a cocktail length. When choosing a vintage dress, like that worn by Eva Mendes, look for a simple silhouette that will stand the test of time.
Advertisement
Advertisement
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Mermaid
Play up your curves (or create them) with a fitted gown that flares out at the knee. Kate Beckinsale often accents her perfect form with fishtail gowns like this one from J. Mendel.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Pink
Nothing says pretty like rosy hues! To avoid the girly-girl associations, pick a dress with an avant-garde shape, like the draped Chanel gown worn by Cameron Diaz.
Advertisement
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