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Fashion Fit For The Red Carpet

21 May 12

Choosing what to wear for an event like the BAFTAs is no easy job. All guests taking to the red carpet will find themselves under the scrutiny of hundreds of cameras and the watchful eyes of thousands of excited fans.

Getting the look right is all important and the stars will have been planning their outfits for months. So what fashion trends can we expect to see on the red carpet this year? Where better to turn for inspiration than to BAFTA's Official Womenswear & Menswear Partner, House of Fraser.

In this video Kate Thornton (who will be presenting for BAFTA Online at the 2012 Awards) rifles through their latest collection and gets the insider trend tips...

Get the Look

House of Fraser's Head of Press Alistair Scott predicts the looks and picks out some key pieces fit for the BAFTAs.

"This year we have seen three strong trends that we love for the red carpet and summer social season. The thigh high spilt adds a sexy, bold edge to a classic full length look and is the most dramatic way to make an entrance. Angelina’s thigh flash at the Oscars kick started the craze and we’ve seen splits become more and more daring.

"The Biba Clara dress is the secret weapon in our eveningwear armoury. This full length cowl neck gown has a built in bra and the most flattering ruching – the spilt is new for this summer for those who want to try the trend.

"Red – either chic and simple or beautifully embellished – gives a message of stylish confidence at award ceremonies. The Biba Clara or Melissa by Mary Portas can be adorned with fabulous jewels, and Anoushka G’s show stopping collections are a must for the most glamorously detailed ruby hues, in both full length and cocktail styles.

Red Biba Clara dress, £189 at House Of Fraser

Black Biba Clara dress, £189 at House Of Fraser

Biba asymmetric one shoulder maxi dress, £295 at House Of Fraser

"The Art Deco age is always a reference point for effortless, elegant red carpet dressing and with the hugely anticipated release of The Great Gatbsy later this year, it’s is an influential trend for the season across womenswear. So expect to see sparkle, sequins, gold and shimmer mixed with delicate embellishment and detail for a very classic eveningwear combination. Teamed with shift, empire or drop waist shapes, this is easy to wear elegance at its best."

Untold dress, £180 at House Of Fraser

Untold cream beaded Maxi dress, £220 at House Of Fraser

Accessorise the look...

Be prepared for the changeable english weather by wearing a luxurious stole or cape and don't let the outfit down by choosing the wrong bag. Go for a glam clutch that adds extra sophistication to your look. An event like the BAFTAs is also the perfect excuse to wear some regal jewellery, take a look at our article about how to sparkle on the red carpet for more top fashion tips.

Biba ivory stole, £115 at House of Fraser	Biba black feather cape, £59 at House of Fraser
Biba Black leopard print envelope clutch, £145	Gold tasselled Biba clutch, £150

And for the gents...

"Men are certainly being more adventurous with their eveningwear choices, so alongside the always classic black tuxedo, it’s exciting to see colour, texture and detail on the red carpet, as well as the return of the dapper three piece suit. Colour or print ties, bowties and pocket squares are all good ways to create something unusual and make a sartorial statement.

"A fitting is essential for the perfect suit. At House of Fraser we have dedicated formalwear departments and real suiting experts to advise on fit and fabrication for any and every occasion."

Getting It Right for the Red Carpet

But how do you ensure that you choose an outfit appropriate for your physic, complexion and the occasion? Take a look at our gallery of previous Television Awards dress successes and get top tips from couture fashion designer Jo Irvine on how to dress to flatter your figure:
> How to dazzle on the red carpet

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