Most formal occasions call for a long black gown, but Hollywood's top stars are proving that white can be just as striking. Take Diane Kruger's Elie Saab dress — with its glittering sequinned bodice, it's the ultimate goddess gown. Meanwhile, Katherine Heigl goes for a sexy curve-hugging number at the Emmys, and Cat Deeley and Eva Mendes opt for timeless strapless columns. The most important rule for wearing full-length white when it's not your wedding day is to keep hair and make-up as natural as possible — let the dress do all the talking.

Next: Red clutch bags