UrbanWire

Face it, how many chances are there in a Singaporean girl's lifetime for her to don a gown? Not a lot really, a typical Singaporean girl will probably wear one to her school prom, sibling's wedding, boyfriend's army dinner and dance, company function and the big one - her own wedding.

But we can dream, can't we? And where else to learn about what's hot and what's not than awards shows? Well, not just any award show, but the Academy Awards (it's sad, but like everything else, we have to look to the west). After all, Stefanie Sun wore a Marc Jacobs cocktail dress to the MTV Asia Awards and the closest to a gown spotted on our television set was the silver (with a hint of blue) Chanel gown that Zoe Tay wore for the Star Awards.

The winning gowns

When it comes to choosing a gown, it's most important to know yourown body shape and narrow your choices down to those that flatter it. Colour is another consideration; high chances is that you'll be clad in one stark shade the whole night, so make sure what you are wearing is delightful and pleasing. Here's whose choices we thought looked simply radiant.

Charlize Theron's spaghetti-strapped silver beaded gown by Tom Ford for Gucci. Simple and sassy, the front slit allowed this Best Actress to strut confidently up the stage.

Accompanied by beau Heath Ledger, Naomi Watts not only dazzled with the strapless luminous Versace gown she wore, but also exuded elegance. Making a wise choice in her selection of her outfit, the pleats at the bottom of the dress also flattered her slim silhouette.

Catherine Zeta-Jones's choice of a fire engine red scope neck Versace gown screamed Sexy Mama. Also opting for a scope-neck gown, Lost in Translation newbie Scarlett Johansson wore a striking turquoise Alberta Ferretti gown, which came with curved pleats that clung onto her 19-year-old body snugly.

Don't fret if you don't possess the stars enviable figures. According to BBnGG.com, if you are full-figured, avoid spaghetti straps or clingy fabrics. Instead, opt for open necklines like V-neck and choose a full skirt to conceal a heavier bottom. Slim lasses can wear gowns with drop waistlines, flared skirts and plunging necklines to create the illusion of curves. Bare your shoulders in strapless gowns if you have broad shoulders. For those less endowed in the chest department, choose a bandeau neckline as it makes the bust area look bigger. [^top]

Every little thing she does

Having little details on your frock also adds character and says a bit about you. Take a leaf of these actresses' books and learn how to stand out from the crowd, simply by paying attention to details.

Everybody's favourite girl-next-door Sandra Bullock stole the limelight momentarily with her Oscar de la Renta ball gown. The 2 girly ribbons, which adorned the waist, and tiered feathers that lined the lower half of her gown are either a hit or miss. Lucky for her, she's Miss Congeniality, so we forgive her. It did attract attention, no?

Warrior princess turned sweet young thing Keisha Castle-Hughes managed to preserve her modesty in atranslucent cape over her baby pink Liz Mitchell gown. But what really turned heads (no pun intended) was the whale-shaped hairpin that signified a mini tribute (and plug) to the movie she was nominated for - Whale Rider. Having said that, the hairclip is also reminiscent of Drew Barrymore's daisy in her hair when she attended the Oscar eons ago, at age 13 (same as Keisha).

As we try to make head or (mermaid) tail of the mass of sequins and feathers hanging on the tail of Nicole Kidman's Chanel gown, we'll give you our 2 cents on making a statement. Opt for a gown that's put together with different materials: Be creative, daring and play the mix and match game.

Curls rule the day
Forget rebonding and pencil-straight tresses, curls are definitely in, judging from the recent Oscars. From Julia Roberts' center-parted Farrah Fawcett curls to Liv Tyler's perfectly coiffed fringe and Catherine Zeta-Jones's soft and glorious locks, all we have to say is, "Get Curly!"

However, there are also other ways to wear your hair. Take pointers from Jennifer Garner, she had a fringe parted at the side and swept across her forehead, an all-time favourite. Consider Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie and Naomi Watts who made sound choices to pull all their hair back and put their best face forward.

Another stunner was Renee Zellweger's chignon. Sleek, feminine and unobtrusive, it was pleasing on the eyes.

If you have short tresses, don't dismay, Charlize Theron, Scarlett Johansson and Keisa Castle-Hughes still managed to incorporate curls into their short tresses. Watch and learn, we speculate the use of the curl styling iron and plenty of hairspray. Good old-fashioned rollers, anybody? [^top]

1 carat or 2?
Finally, to top up the look, accessories are a must. But the key is to keep them simple. We especially love Nicole Kidman's Bvlgari diamond choker, with pale green stones of different sizes weighing in at a total of 195 carats. Did we say simple? Renee Zellweger and Scarlett Johansson also hit the jackpot with their necklaces encrusted with what else, but diamonds.

If you like to let your earrings do the talking, be sure to choose something long and dangly. The Chopard drop earrings with shooting star details on Charlize Theron are uncomplicated and drew attention subtly. Like Charlize, Liv Tyler also gave necklaces a miss and showed off her diamonds on her H.Stern earrings. [^top]

This one's for the boys
How could we forget our equally important male readers? Like gowns, tuxedos also come in many variations. The men who nearly took our breath away at the 76th Academy Awards are…

Lastly, swim against the current, the way Stuart Townsend did. He paired off his pretty boy looks in a white tux, with a Best Actress girlfriend in tow. He gets our nod.

Anyone can look good if they are willing to put in a little effort to dress up. But the most important thing is to feel good too.
While it took hours of preening, an army of stylists and designers tripping over themselves to dress them, for the stars to look the way they did at the red carpet, it also took confidence and poise to last through the night.

So, lift your head up, straighten up, like what you've chosen to wear and don't compare yourself with others. That way, you'll truly be able to have a blast at that prom, wedding or dinner and dance. [^top]

Pictures from eonline.com, hollywood.com, seattlepi.com and nzherald.com.