Style story: Red carpet-ready gowns

We know it's meant to be about the movies, but let's be realistic for a moment - Oscar night is all about the dresses, right girls?

Regardless of whether or not Hollywood's leading ladies win an award, it's the gown, not the golden statuette, that can make or break a career in less time than it takes to slip on a pair of Spanx.

And with so much at stake, it's no wonder the Academy Awards' red carpet is the most glamorous in the world.

With wall-to-wall couture and more rocks than you'd find in Liz Taylor's biggest jewellery box, a night at the Oscars is Tinseltown's ultimate fashion fairytale - and the stuff of silver screen style legend.

Style notes: How to do red carpet glam

 - Think three things when choosing your gown - fit, fabric and functionality. If you can't breathe in it, get touchy-feely with it, or feel fabulous in it, put it back on the rail.

 - If in doubt, choose a gown in a classic shade - red, black, gold or cream work on every age and skin tone.

 - Unless you're Amazonian in stature, don't even consider wearing flat shoes - heels are a Hollywood-glamourpuss must.

 - On a budget? Buy your dress first and accessorise later to avoid costly ‘this doesn't go with my look' meltdowns.

 - The right foundation-garments are essential for creating perfect Hollywood poise. Red carpet veterans rely on Spanx, strapless bras and supportive underwear for those sensational silhouettes, and so should you!

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