The holidays are just around the corner and before you know– so are formals! Whether you’ve been invited to your sorority’s formal dance, your sister’s wedding, an awards ceremony, or even a fundraising event on campus, every collegiette™ should have at least one evening gown in their wardrobe. That being said, obviously your go-to Saturday night outfit of a black bandage mini and a top is not going to cut it. Still, from cute chiffon cocktail dresses to feathered frocks, and long, flowing gowns to bedazzled LBDs, there are so many choices to choose from, which do you choose? We’ve taken five of the best celebrity gowns spotted at galas and red carpet catwalks across the country this month and scoured the virtual racks to find their dresses for a fraction of the cost!
Lauren Conrad
If you are looking to add a little sparkle to the dreary winter months ahead, splurge on Lauren Conrad’s BCBG Max Azria shimmery sequined dress from the 2nd Annual Autumn Part and Fashion Show last Wednesday. This lemon-hued coquettish v-neck paillette dress, along with her nude Aldo peep-toe pumps andtan snakeskin envelope bag, is chic and totally girly! Look no further for that perfect holiday party dress, it’s here!
How to Copycat Lauren’s Look
Elba Draped-Tulle Sequined Dress, $197 – bcbg.com
Croners, $49.98 – aldoshoes.com
Corrine Clutch, $25 – macys.com
Shine 10 Bracelet Set, $4.80 – forever21.com
9-10mm Cultured Freshwater Pearl Necklace, $150 – jcpenney.com
[pagebreak]
Emma Stone
If you’re looking to put an edge in your step at that next cocktail party, take this look from Emma Stone. She hosted the Giorgio Armani/Vanity Fair dinner in L.A. donning one of the designer’s numbers from his Spring 2012 collection. She altered this metallic striped ombre dress by shortening the hemline from the runway version. Keep accessories to a minimum, like Emma with her taupe Brian Atwood pumps and nude lips, to let your dress shine!
How to Copycat Emma’s Look
Gabriella Rocha Giovanna, $35 – zappos.com
[pagebreak]
Miranda Kerr
When Victoria’s Secret angel Miranda Kerr modeled the gem-encrusted VS Treasure Fantasy Bra earlier this month – valued at $2.5 million – she also wowed style-watchers with her flowing fuchsia pink evening gown. She nearly upstaged the unveiling of the heavily jewel-encrusted bra with her Michael Kors fuchsia chiffon gown by letting her leg peek out from a thigh-high slit. She paired her gown with Michael Kors gold strapped sandals. It’s perfectly feminine and chic as an evening gown.
How to Copycat Miranda’s Look
Coast Gracie Maxi Dress, Pink, $260 – johnlewis.com
Kelly & Katie Venice Sandal – Gold, $45 – dsw.com
[pagebreak]
Michelle Obama
The First Lady looked absolutely glamorous in this one shouldered and sleekly belted purple gown by Korean-American designer Doo-Ri Chung. Michelle Obama rocked a regal shade of purple for the White House State Dinner on Oct. 13, where they dined with their guests, the President and First Lady of South Korea. Her look is a style lesson in regality and diplomacy.
How to Copycat Michelle’s Look
Nikita One-Shoulder Dress, $348 – bcbg.com
Rakefete, $20 – aldoshoes.com
Tribal Concave Cuff, $4.80 – forever21.com
Filigree Chandelier Earrings, $2.80 – forever21.com
[pagebreak]
Katherine Heigl
It was a star-studded event at Elle’s 18th Annual Women in Hollywood Tribute last week with the likes of Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, and Evan Rachel Wood. Every collegiette™ knows that the LBD or little black dress is a wardrobe staple, but Katherine Heigl turned a lot of heads with her drop-dead-gorgeous take on the LBD. The actress took her dress with a Grecian-inspired scoop neckline and bejeweled detailing from Amanda Wakeley’s Fall 2010 collection. She accentuated the dress with onyx and gold stud earrings by Tacori, and David Yurman gems including a black hematite ring and bangles.
How to Copycat Katherine’s Look
Jessica Howard Black Cocktail Dress, Beaded Tier, $67 – jcpenney.com
MAXSTUDIO ‘Esthera’ Sandal Dark Silver Satin, $129 – nordstrom.com
Colin Studded Clutch in Black, $40 – mimiboutique.com
Mixed-Gleaming Bangle Set, $6 – charlotterusse.com
Black Gem Zebra Ring, $6.50 – charlotterusse.com
For this season of fall formals, take a tip in style from some of these celebs– don’t be afraid to break out of your LBD and take a risk. Try jazzing up your accessories or donning a whole new outfit altogether. Hopefully these tips have given you some style inspiration. What are some of your favorite celeb styles, collegiettes™? Share your personal style inspirations in the comments box below!