Weatherproofing Your Red Carpet Look
Beat Rain, Sleet, Snow and Sweat
The idea is to be prepared for any type of weather. The phrase 'caught in the rain' should not apply to you.
— Jacqui Stafford, style expert
As we enter another exciting red-carpet award season, allow Hollywood celebrities and fashion icons to inspire your own upcoming formal affairs. Whether you're heading to an actual red carpet event, prepping for an elegant gala or planning for another formal function, it's important that the elements don't catch you by surprise.
"The idea is to be prepared for any type of weather," noted style expert
Jacqui Stafford. "The phrase 'caught in the rain' should not apply to you."
From chilly rain to hazardous snow to muggy climates, let Mother Nature know you plan to vanquish any and every complication she sends your way.
Wet and Rainy
Don't let a dreary horizon get you down when donning the classiest of red carpet attire. Thankfully, the fashion lords have you covered with a few quick fixes that will keep you dry without spoiling your chic visage.
First and foremost, if the forecast calls for even the slightest chance of rain, don't leave your house without an umbrella. Salvador Camarena, fashion expert and stylist for celebs such as Whitney Cummings, Heather McDonald and Sara Rue, suggests carrying a clear umbrella with a wooden handle.
"The umbrella will protect you from the rain without distracting from your formal attire," he said. Look to Catherine Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, for inspiration. She's often seen carrying an umbrella, or "brolly" as the British say, amid the gloomy weather of England.
Another way to beat wet and rainy weather while donning formal apparel is by wearing a classic trench coat.
"I always recommend a fabulous trench that cinches in at the waistline," said Stafford. "Go for an evening-appropriate coat, like a metallic or an animal print. They're dressier than the traditional cotton gabardine classic."
If your hair is prone to frizzing, you'll want protection beyond an umbrella and trench. Smoothing serums or light hair oil will help smooth down the hair cuticle, explained Stafford. Also, consider styling your hair in an updo or sleek ponytail to avoid a disheveled looking mane.
Cold and Snowy
Old Man Winter is a force to be reckoned with, but don't let him stop you from looking dapper in your fancy attire.
Start with a Hollywood standard: fur. Whether you prefer faux or the real deal, winter is the most appropriate time of year to showcase your fur. Not only does fur make a statement, it keeps you warm and adds instant glamour to your red-carpet look.
Another option, of course, is a sophisticated coat that pairs well with your dress.
"There are plenty of beautifully chic dress coats available," said Liz Welle, style guru and editor at CollegeFashionista.com. "The key is making sure (the coat) covers the skirt or dress underneath."
Also choose a waterproof fabric for your coat and your dress to keep you toasty warm and stylish.
To keep your toes from turning blue, Stafford insists that "nothing looks sillier than stepping out in a snowstorm in a pair of dainty Manolos." She suggests investing in a great pair of knee-high rain boots and leaving them at the coat check when you get to the door.
Hot and Humid
Though hot weather doesn't seem as much of a threat to your red-carpet look compared with raindrops and snowbanks, muggy air and sweat are no laughing matter. Not only does hot and sticky weather lead to fashion no-nos such as dreaded armpit stains and melting makeup, high temps can also make you feel downright uncomfortable. Obviously, your ultimate goal is to remain cool, calm and sophisticated.
"Growing up in a hot climate myself, (I know that) sweat can be an issue," noted Camarena. "One way to keep yourself from becoming a sweaty mess is to choose a weather-appropriate gown."
He suggests choosing a dress that's either sleeveless, strapless or one-shoulder. You can also opt for a gown with a plunging back or neckline. Baring a little extra skin will help your body stay cool. Also choose a natural fabric that can breathe and skip extra layers.
As for that unflattering, sweat-induced glisten, there's a solution for that, too.
"God bless whoever made blotting papers," said Welle. "Often they come in a compact case that can easily slip right into your purse or clutch."
When you feel sweat beads encroaching, excuse yourself to a private location -- such as the bathroom -- and blot away.
Another way to help keep sweat from showing on your face and to prevent makeup from melting is to begin with a good primer. It'll give you a smooth canvas to start with and keep oil under control. Welle suggests keeping makeup layers, like clothing layers, to a minimum during the hot months.
"A good foolproof formula would be a tinted moisturizer, cheek stain or cream blush, waterproof mascara and waterproof eyeliner," she said.
PS. Don't forget to lather up any exposed skin with SPF. A sunburn clashes with any outfit.
- Photo Credit Getty Images
