Dresses For Party

Stylists’ Party Dressing Tips

STYLISTS' PARTY DRESSING TIPS

Ilaria Urbinati, Nina Dobrev

"I love bright colors," says Ilaria Urbinati, who works with Nina Dobrev and Krysten Ritter. "You can't ever go wrong with red, but bright punches of unexpected colors like royal blue, kelly green, fuchsia or orange really stand out too. You wanna get kissed under that mistletoe, so don't cower in the corner in an LBD."

ILARIA URBINATI, KRYSTEN RITTER

"Skip the office heel and go for adventurous shoes-details like spikes or cut-outs are always sexy and add a little edge," says Urbinati. "I love me a strappy or pointy shoe, and when in doubt, you can't go wrong with metallics-they are flattering on the skin and go with almost everything."

RACHEL ZOE, EVA MENDES

"It's no mystery, I always love a little sparkle: sequins, adorned buttons, a low back or an exaggerated shoulder-anything for an extra dose of glam," says super-stylist Rachel Zoe, who works with Eva Mendes and Jennifer Garner.

RACHEL ZOE, JENNIFER GARNER

When it comes to the perfect holiday ensemble, Zoe "loves mixing textures like sequins with velvet, brocade or leather; there’s just something so luxurious and rich about that."

PENNY LOVELL, ROSE BYRNE

"I think it's really important to feel good and also comfortable in a party look," says Penny Lovell, who dresses Rose Byrne and Mary Elizabeth Winstead. "After all, it's the holidays. You are supposed to look great and, more important, have fun. Make sure your outfit isn't too tight; if need be, buy a dress in a size up and find an inexpensive tailor to alter it for you."

CHER COULTER, KATE BOSWORTH

"If your dress, jewelry and shoes are standout, keep the hair sleek and the make up pretty and not too heavy," says Cher Coulter, who works with Kate Bosworth and Elizabeth Olsen. "If you decide on more understated holiday attire then make a statement with a strong red lip and maybe a more interesting blowout or up-do. The holiday season is no time to be a wallflower."

CHER COULTER, ELIZABETH OLSEN

"Chose something fun, whether it be a metallic floral or a sparkle lame-it has to be fun and celebratory!" says Coulter. "The holidays are the most sociable time of the year and one needs to look her best!"

WENDI AND NICOLE, ELIZABETH BANKS

"For the daring, try a jumpsuit," say styling duo (and sisters!) Wendi and Nicole, who work with Elizabeth Banks and Octavia Spencer. "Height is a must for shoes, but make sure they are comfortable so you can dance the night away."

WENDI AND NICOLE, OCTAVIA SPENCER

When it comes to choosing a party dress, Wendi and Nicole "love special details like brocade to give a little sparkle, pretty lace, lush velvet, and this is the time of year to rock that satin dress. Change up your dress with different accessories in case you have to go to more than one party."

JOEY TIERNEY, ASHLEY MADEKWE

"While choosing a party look always keep in mind less is more," says Joey Tierney, who works with Ashley Madekwe and Julie Benz. "Balance your look. For instance, if you choose a mini, long sleeves or a high neck line ensure a classy, chic silhouette-if you show off one part of your body, cover it up in another part." Just like Madekwe's low-dipping (but otherwise covered-up) evening suit!