Celebrity style often sets the tone for fashion trends, and short formal dresses are no exception. Whether it’s a red carpet event, a gala, or a high-profile celebration, celebrities frequently wear stunning short dresses that effortlessly blend sophistication and style. If you’re looking to channel your inner celebrity for your next event, we’ve rounded up some iconic short formal dresses that you can easily recreate for a look that’s glamorous and red carpet-worthy.
1. The Classic Little Black Dress: Inspired by Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn’s iconic look in Breakfast at Tiffany’s has become synonymous with elegance and timeless beauty. The little black dress (LBD) is a staple in every woman’s wardrobe, and for a good reason. Its simplicity, paired with just the right accessories, makes it versatile for almost any formal event.
How to Recreate the Look:
- Dress: Choose a simple yet elegant knee-length black dress with a sleek silhouette. A fitted sheath or a flared A-line style works best.
- Accessories: Pair the dress with pearl earrings, a statement clutch, and ballet flats or classic pumps for a refined finish.
- Hair and Makeup: Keep the hair chic and simple with a bun or soft waves, and go for a classic cat-eye makeup look with red lipstick for added glamour.
2. The Bold Sequin Dress: Inspired by Zendaya
Zendaya is known for her bold and fashion-forward choices on the red carpet, often sporting dazzling, statement-making dresses. Her sequin mini dresses are perfect for those who want to shine at their next event.
How to Recreate the Look:
- Dress: Opt for a figure-hugging short dress adorned with sequins or sparkles. A one-shoulder design or a deep V-neckline can add an extra touch of drama.
- Accessories: Keep accessories minimal, as the dress itself will be the main focus. Go for sleek heels and a delicate bracelet or ring.
- Hair and Makeup: Go for voluminous curls or a sleek ponytail, paired with a bold, metallic eye makeup look and a nude lip for balance.
3. The Feminine Lace Dress: Inspired by Meghan Markle
Meghan Markle’s sophisticated and feminine style is often a mix of classic and modern touches. Her lace dresses have become a go-to choice for many formal occasions, offering elegance without being overly flashy.
How to Recreate the Look:
- Dress: A knee-length lace dress with a fitted bodice and flared skirt will give you that graceful, romantic vibe. Opt for neutral shades like white, cream, or pastel hues for a soft and elegant appearance.
- Accessories: Pair with pointed-toe pumps or strappy sandals, and opt for simple gold or silver jewelry, such as small hoop earrings and a dainty bracelet.
- Hair and Makeup: Go for a soft updo or loose waves, keeping your makeup natural with a glowing complexion, soft eyeshadow, and a light pink lipstick for a fresh look.
4. The Chic Structured Dress: Inspired by Blake Lively
Blake Lively is known for her impeccable fashion sense, often choosing dresses that are both chic and structured. Her short formal dresses with sharp tailoring and bold silhouettes make a striking statement without needing to be overly flashy.
How to Recreate the Look:
- Dress: Opt for a structured dress that cinches at the waist and flares slightly. Think about geometric shapes, sharp angles, or an asymmetrical neckline to add visual interest.
- Accessories: Pair with metallic heels or a sleek clutch to add sophistication, and don’t forget a bold pair of earrings to draw attention to your face.
- Hair and Makeup: Go for soft, voluminous curls or a sophisticated straight hairstyle, and enhance your makeup with a bold lip color like deep red or plum to complement the sharpness of the dress.
5. The Glamorous Tulle Dress: Inspired by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift often brings whimsical and fairytale-like elements to her red carpet style. One of her signature looks includes tulle dresses that give off a dreamy, princess-like aura, perfect for weddings or formal evening events.
How to Recreate the Look:
- Dress: Go for a knee-length tulle dress with layers for added volume. Choose a pastel or soft pink color for a feminine touch or a deeper tone for a more dramatic effect.
- Accessories: Pair with delicate heels or ballet flats and a matching clutch. Keep jewelry understated with a simple pair of earrings or a thin bracelet.
- Hair and Makeup: Opt for soft curls or a delicate braid, and go for a soft, romantic makeup look with a touch of highlighter and a nude lip.
6. The Bold Color Block Dress: Inspired by Rihanna
Rihanna’s style is always edgy, and she’s known for her fearless use of color. A color-blocked short formal dress can be both fun and stylish while still being formal enough for a chic event.
How to Recreate the Look:
- Dress: Choose a short dress with two or three contrasting colors. A structured design with color-blocking in bold shades like red, black, and white will evoke Rihanna’s daring fashion sense.
- Accessories: Keep accessories simple with a minimal clutch and sleek heels. Add a chunky bracelet or watch to bring in an element of boldness.
- Hair and Makeup: Consider a bold hairstyle, like a sleek bob or a high ponytail. Your makeup can be bold as well with smoky eyes and a nude lip to let the colors of the dress pop.
7. The Modern Jumpsuit: Inspired by Gigi Hadid
Gigi Hadid frequently swaps traditional dresses for modern jumpsuits on the red carpet. A short formal jumpsuit is the perfect option for someone looking to make a bold statement while maintaining a sleek, stylish vibe.
How to Recreate the Look:
- Dress: Choose a tailored short jumpsuit with clean lines and a sophisticated cut. A plunging neckline or an off-the-shoulder design can add drama without going overboard.
- Accessories: Pair with heeled ankle boots or strappy sandals and a geometric clutch for a modern, fashion-forward touch.
- Hair and Makeup: Keep the hair sleek and simple with a high ponytail or a smooth blowout, and go for bold makeup with a defined cat-eye and a nude lip.
8. The Edgy Leather Dress: Inspired by Kylie Jenner
Kylie Jenner is known for her bold, edgy, and sometimes daring style, and her leather short dresses have become a signature look. A leather dress can be both fierce and elegant, depending on how you style it.
How to Recreate the Look:
- Dress: Choose a short leather dress that fits snugly to the body. Opt for classic black or dark brown for an edgy yet sophisticated look. A fitted dress with minimal details or a structured design will keep it elegant.
- Accessories: Pair with pointed-toe heels or chunky boots, and add a metallic clutch to add a touch of luxury.
- Hair and Makeup: Go for sleek, straight hair or a tousled, edgy look. Bold makeup with a deep lip color and strong brows will complement the fierceness of the leather dress.
Conclusion
Celebrity-inspired short formal dresses offer a perfect balance of glamour, sophistication, and individuality. From timeless classics like Audrey Hepburn’s LBD to more modern, edgy looks from stars like Kylie Jenner and Gigi Hadid, there are plenty of styles to help you channel your favorite celebrity’s fashion sense. By choosing a dress that complements your personality and accessorizing thoughtfully, you can recreate these stunning looks and make a statement at your next special event.