How to select the perfect formal dress?
Getting the "Red Carpet" look

When you watch television and see the stars arriving for the Oscars or Emmys or any other award ceremony, you probably never imagine that you will be walking on the red carpet too some day.  And it makes sense.  Most of us never will, but we all have our "red carpet" moments.  Be it a wedding or a party or a big celebration or prom dance (How to buy a prom dress) or just a special night with a loved one (Beauty for the big day), there are moments when you need to get the "red carpet" look.  And it is good to prepare.  Jessica Alba once said that when dressing formally, "I don't want to show looking like a bride - or Jessica Rabbit."  (Related article:  Spring styles)

How to define the look for a formal occasion?

First, take a look at your persona.  Analyze who you really are.  Are you the wild girl who can dress in something totally outrageous and still feel confident?  Or are you the shy one who feels most comfortable in a conservative evening gown?  Are you comfortable showing some skin?  Or you need to be more casual rather than formal?  You better define this well because if you are not comfortable in the persona you present, you will look phony (and thus, less attractive).  (Related article:  How to be fashion conscious?)

Two, pick one (or two) public figure that you would want to like like.  This person should also be similar to you in body shape, and preferably, looks and personality.  You don't have to like this person as such, as long as you like her style.  Once you have done this, do as much research as possible, and more importantly, try to collect her photos.  The best way to find the photos is to do an image search for your favorite celebrity's name.  If it is a family member or friend, borrow some pictures in various outfits.  (Related: Designer Charlie Lapson)

Finally, determine your look for that special moment:

How to build the "red carpet" look?

Buying a formal dress can be stressful, so take a deep breath first.  It's not like you are buying a car.  Here are a few things to remember:

• Since fashion changes so fast and you are not likely to wear the formal dress more than a few times, it is best to keep the budget small.  By the time your next "red carpet" moment comes, this formal dress may be out of fashion already.
• Keep the research that you have done handy.  So as you check various websites, you know what you are looking for.
• While Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus are all-time favorites and have excellent choices on their websites (more than in their stores), you might actually find some bargains on eBay, Overstock, and other such websites. 
• The day that you wear that perfect formal dress, make sure that you take care of your hair, Shapewear, accessories, and makeup as well so that it matches with the look.  Don't forget your backless bra if you are wearing a low back dress.  And then all you need to do is to smile.  (Related article:  How to get the smoky eyes look?)

Related articles:  Evening wear fashion and style    Fashion tips for women     Office party style     Evening dress   Blonde in red

Critiques of formal dresses:  Gena Davis    Queen Latifah   Mira Sorvino   Mariah Carey    Gwyneth Paltrow  Desperate Housewives

Gwyneth Paltrow mini dress    Gossip Girls fashion   Formal outfit     Annalynne McCord dress    Shirt dress with jacket

Photo of Gena Davis © MMVI Hollywood Foreign Press Association® © HFPA and 63rd Golden Globe Awards®