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Pleats, Please; Peplum, Please; Perspex,Please (Three Trendy Red Dresses on Celebrities)

Kate Middleton,Emma Stone and Charlize Theron all chose red

On Catherine Middleton:

Dress: Alexander McQueen (adore this version)

Shoes: L.K. Bennett (classic Christian Louboutin version)

Clutch: Launer of London (great style here and here)

Hat: Sylvia Fletcher

On Emma Stone:

Dress:Monique Lhuillier(like this one shoulder version from the brand)

Shoes: Christian Louboutin (Yellow version here)

On Charlize Theron:

Dress: Lanvin (slightly peplumed version here)

Shoes: Jimmy Choo (silver pair here)

Bracelet: Cartier (great style by Alexander McQueen)

Runway looks from Alexander McQueen(pre-fall 2011),Monique Lhuillier(fall 2012) and Lanvin(fall 2012)

I just received an invitation to attend a graduation party. The first dress that came to my mind was my twill red dress. Born in Asia, I deeply adore the color red, so I have to post it when I saw so many stylish celebrities chose red in the past week.

First is Kate Middleton, feted Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee in red. In Asian countries, especially China, red carries countless positive connotation: success, fortune, happiness, passion, loyalty, honor, even fertility. Red is definitely the first choice in major events.

But for Kate, I think she was also using this bright dress to fete Queen’s talent. Queen Elizabeth is an astutely dresser–her outfits are always sensitive to time and place. I think the diplomatic wardrobe helps her a lot during the past half-century. She really knows the power of colors and always lifts our spirits by using brights. At this time, nothing is better than a vivid red dress to celebrate her 60-year-reign.

Another trend we can see on Kate is pleat. Retro and girly, romantic and versatile pleated pieces are so popular, especially in spring and summer. When all the beautiful flowers are blooming, the folds of fabric fan out with every girl’s fantasy.

Besides the paper fans I made in my earliest days, pleat also reminds me of Origami. This Japanese craft art can easily and magically transform flat pieces of paper into intricate three-dimensional sculptures. I think fashion designers are using fabric to play this art.

Details of Kate Middleton's outfit

Recreate Kate Middleton’s look for less:

 Ladylike dress from Rise or Esley

Pointy toe platform pumps from Nine West or Michael Antonio

Clutch: This one from F21 or this one by Troy Burch

Earrings: Classic drop earrings or this pair from Kenneth Jay Lane

Brooch: Dragonfly brooch or this pearl pin 

Alexander McQueen red dress from pre-fall 2011 collection

 

For such a stunning piece, Kate is certainly not the only wearer. Kim Kardashian and Tulisa Contostavlos were spotted in it last year when the collection first came out. By choosing different accessories, they gave the dress an edgy cool-girl vibe.

Kim Kardashian and Tulisa Contostavlos wore the same dress in 2011 (photo credit: celebitchy.com)

Recreate Kim’s look:

Kate Spade clutchJimmy Choo pumps (or this pair);Papillon Ring, studded necklace; wicked nail polish

Recreate Tulisa’s look:

Suede sandals by Rachel Zoe or this pair by BURAK UYANMarc by Marc Jacobs Earrings

Pleat element is also on Emma stone. The girly pleat design really balanced her tough leather dress. Emma was also telling us another hot trend this season by wearing her clear cap toe shoes. Representing futurism, sheer delight perspex is having a moment, especially see-through accessories, like clutches(I just shared this one on my last post) and shoes.

Details of Emma Stone's outfit

Recreate Emma Stone’s look for less:

Dress: This one from River Island or this lace version

Shoes: Bass or this timeless Christian Louboutin version

Accessories: Logo stud earrings and heart stacking ring from Marc by Marc Jacobs

Last star I featured–and certainly not the least–is Charlize Theron. Her red dress shows us the hottest trend this season–peplum. Designer Alber Elbaz really knows the “pain” of dieting. He added one more piece of fabric on women’s waists so we can have one more bite. Now peplum is everywhere. I don’t know which reason contributes–the extra fabric really works or the silhouette itself is so attractive and feminine.

Details of Charlize Theron's outfit

Recreate Charlize Theron’s look for less

Dress: Asos peplum dress or this one from Steady

Shoes: Dorothy Perkins or Nina (also like this flat version by Guess)

Bag: Navy box clutch from Franchi

Accessories: Cross bangle from Asoslogo stud earrings by Marc by Marc Jacobs

 What do you think of their dresses? For me, red dress is a wardrobe staple, the one with clean silhouette and unique details really makes us stand out. Have you scored any red dress with trendy details? How do you style it?

By Helen Hou

I'm Helen. In the huge fashion world, what attracts me the most is the way different people accessorize themselves. Our daily outfit choices are not just about the pieces we pick, they relate to something lurking deeply within our hearts: how we feel about ourselves, how we express ourselves to the rest of the world, what kind of people do we want to be and what kind of life do we want to live. Following my passion for fashion, I immerse myself in this bizarre world and try my best to share what I learned with you!