Award Season Style in Black and White

While most of us don't live a red carpet lifestyle we may often find ourselves overwhelmed when confronted with a black-tie situation.

My two best-dressed picks for this 2009 award season are two great examples of minimalist elegance that has outstanding impact: Taraji P. Henson at the SAG Awards and Angelina Jolie at the Oscars.

At the SAG Awards Taraji P. Henson was able to add a new layer of class and elegance to a Marylin Monroe style. The classic silouhette of her Herve Leroux gown brings back memories of old hollywood glamour, but this time in a manner that is less sex-kitten and more statuesque lioness. When dressing for a black tie event, white is always a fabulous stand out option, unless you are going to a wedding and you are not the bride!

But, beware that to translate this trend properly you need to keep in mind three things:

-Choose a soft and flowing fabric to avoid a cupcake bridal look.

- Always wear proper undergarments when wearing white. Spanks are here to help, so buy a pair and make friends with them. I don't recommend a slip because they tend to ride up and bunch, which you can see through white fabric.

-Check the seams! White fabric is reflective to light, so try the dress on and check that all the seams are properly stiched and there is no crumpling. Clean lines are what make a gown like this work.

At the opposite end of the color spectrum we find Angelina Jolie in a draped black Elie Saab Couture gown with a heart shaped strapless neckline. And no, you weren't green with envy when you saw her in the arms of Brad Pitt, it was just the reflection of those 64-carat Lorraine Shwartz emeralds!

This gown brings back your childhood Barbie's fashion and transports it to the red carpet.

Here's why it works and how to work it:

- Accessorize with an impact, even if you don't have colombian emeralds. With a statement neckline like this it is best to avoid wearing a necklace and let the focal point of the dress stand out. Wear stud earings instead of chandelier earings. Drooping earings make the face seem longer while stud earings just do their job, which is to add a bit of sparkle and light to the face. Oversized pearls and diamonds give perfect contrast to this style. Vibrant colored jewels like aquamarines, topaz, and of course, emeralds also bring new life to this classic but refreshing look.

- Buy a good black strapless bra and make sure that the dress fits well and stays put while you lift your arms and move. At a black tie event, chances are that you will be dancing at some point. Sewing the bra to the inside of the dress is a good idea to avoid any wardrobe malfunctions.

So there you have it, sometimes the best policy is to KISS (keep it simple & stylish)