Star-inspired party style

Look festive (and stay warm) in a plush jacket over a simple sheath. Sarah Jessica Parker went monochromatic, matching her velvet blazer to her bottle green dress.

Cotton jacket, Ted Baker, $460; tedbaker-london.com.

Swap out your standard party dress for sultry separates a la Lauren Conrad. The star paired a lace bustier with a floor-sweeping maxi-skirt for a look that's formal but not stuffy.

Silk pleated top, Ann Taylor, $215; anntaylor.com. | Rayon double-slit skirt, L'Agence, $300; ronherman.com.

Sometimes a single piece is all it takes to make a look party-ready -- Katie Holmes dressed up a simple black button-down with an embellished jacquard skirt.

Jacquard skirt, Paul & Joe Sister, $270; stylebop.com.

Girl meets boy with a flowing black and white evening suit. Kate Hudson added a black bustier to her tuxedo-inspired number for a feminine twist on a masculine classic.

Viscose and wool tuxedo blazer, Mango, $120; mango.com. | Polyester palazzo pants, Mango, $70; mango.com.

This is how to work a midriff-baring ensemble! Diane Kruger wore a long-sleeved sweater with a high-waisted skirt, revealing an unexpected strip of skin.

Cotton blend cropped sweater, T by Alexander Wang, $332; farfetch.com. | Pleated faux leather skirt, Warehouse, $71; warehouse.andotherbrands.com.

Ashley Madekwe upgraded her worn-in jeans with a sophisticated brocade peplum top. Just add heels for the perfect after-dark ensemble!

Jacquard shirt, Diane von Furstenberg, $345; intermixonline.com.

Clemence Poesy added edge to her red dress with a black leather clutch complete with studded hand strap. Try a similar style to give some punk flavor to a pretty outfit.

Studded faux-leather clutch, Express, $45; express.com.

How very holiday! Zooey Deschanel cinched her sequin-embellished dress with a textured belt in bold crimson.

Calf hair belt, Gap, $30; gap.com. | Sequined boucle dress, Michael Michael Kors, $175; net-a-porter.com.

Get your dance on in a fresh LBD. Anne Hathaway opted for a version with plenty of swinging fringe.

Minidress, Topshop, $110; topshop.com.