It was Cinderella time last night for the actresses in Hollywood.  Getting the chance to pull out all the stops and dress up head to toe in designer gowns and jewels.  When it comes to special event dressing, we can all learn a lot from looking at what when right and what went wrong with the lovely ladies that grace the red carpet during this year’s Academy Awards Show.

Unless you are a movie star or jet setter, many of us will only have a few times in our lives to look and feel like a princess.  When that day comes you will want to be ready!

It’s not an easy task, getting all the little details just right to make sure that when you appear at your event, you are looking picture perfect!

Whether young or mature, let’s take a look at last night’s best dressed and see what tips and tricks they used to make our jaws drop!

Our Pick for Best Dressed: Mila Jovovich in Elie Saab Couture. This one shoulder style is updated with just the right amount of sparkle and draping! Notice she kept her accessories simple (no need for a necklace).
“O” yes, to Octavia Spencer in her Tadashi Shoji gown!  Notice the way this gown nips in her waist and plays down her full bust. Her arms are skimmed by simple short sleeves. The neckline not too high, not too low.This beautiful gown subtly shimmers while letting Octavia do all the shining!
Penelope brings back old Hollywood glamor! This dress reminded us of a throw back to the early days of the Oscars. This subdued periwinkle, Armani Prive was both classic and classy!
Fit must Flatter: Here’s a tip to remember, make sure the style of the dress flatters your figure. Why Sandra picked this ill- fitted frock puzzles us? Her beautiful shape is hidden in this baggy, blousy dress by Marchesa.
Picture Perfect! Once again we say stay simple, stay classic when you want to look elegant! No need for a lot of fuss and froo froo when you want to look fab! Take a lesson from Gwyneth who always manages to rock the red carpet! Here her sleek hair matched her gorgeous Grecian gown.  Her jeweled cuff was all the sparkle she needed to set off her dress.
Just say “No” to green!This dress was just too much and a drab color to boot! Glen Close, while we loved her hair and make up, just did not hit the mark with this dress. The mermaid fish tail is better left to the younger gals. Moreover, ladies take note that the color green does not usually photograph that well (unless you have dark skin and it is a brighter green)

So here is a recap of how to look gorgeous at your next formal event:

• Don’t overdo the dress.Keep it simple and elegant.
• Fit is key.  Make sure your gown draws the eye up to your face rather than to some detail on the dress.
• Stay away from certain colors.  As you know, black can be too harsh and green can make you look sickly!
• Keep the accessories to a minimum.  You need to be the one that shines.  Don’t count on all the do-dads to do that for you.
• Anyone, any size, any age, can look Age-mazing™!  It just takes doing some homework and knowing what to look for!

If you like these tips and have an important event coming up, pick up a copy of our e-book, Tweak Your Chic~ How to Dress The Mother of the Bride!