Shopping
exclusive

5 red carpet essentials every woman should own, according to a top celebrity stylist

As the stylist to A-listers including Jessica Chastain, Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett and Viola Davis (to name but a few), Elizabeth Stewart knows what looks good on a red carpet.

And the fashion pro — along with longtime client Chastain — recently opened her own wardrobe to luxury resale platform Vestiaire Collective for a special charity closet sale, with net proceeds benefiting Women for Women International.

Among the treasures up for grabs? The petite Jacquemus purse ($1,365) Roberts carried at the brand’s recent runway show and the black Cong Tri gown ($2,205) Chastain wore at her “Memory” premiere (and again at an NYC party launching her sale on Feb. 6).

But you needn’t limit yourself to designer labels to be red carpet-ready at every turn, as Stewart tells Page Six Style.

Below, the super-stylist shares five of her favorite looks that will fit seamlessly into any woman’s wardrobe and are available at a wide range of price points — each demonstrated by one of her superstar clients.

Bold color

Viola Davis Golden Globes 2023
Viola Davis wearing a Jason Wu gown Getty Images

“Color is a great way to stand out at an event,” says Stewart, who recommends investing in either a gown or a suit in a bold hue. For best results, pick pieces that are other streamlined and simple, letting the head-turning hue do all the talking.

Shop the look:

L'Agence blue blazer and slip dress
L'Agence

L’Agence Tamara Blazer and Seridie Dress


Norma Kamali Diana One-Shoulder Ruched Midi Dress
Revolve

Norma Kamala Diana Dress


Ba&sh Clea Apron Dress
Ba&sh

Ba&sh Clea Apron Dress


A perfect black dress

Jessica Chastain at a Vestiaire Collective event
Jessica Chastain wearing a Cong Tri gown Neil Rasmus/BFA.com

“A classic, perfectly fitted yet simple black dress” will never steer you wrong, per the stylist. “[They’re] great for events where you aren’t quite sure how dressy everyone will be, as they work either way.”

In terms of silhouette, sleeve length, hemline and neckline, pick whatever makes you feel the most comfortable.

Shop the look:

Reformation Woodson Dress
Reformation

Reformation Woodson Dress


Staud Wayfaring Dress
Staud

Staud Wayfaring Dress


J.Crew Long-Sleeved Button-Front Minidress
J.Crew

J.Crew Long-Sleeved Button-Front Minidress


Suits with a twist

George Clooney and Julia Roberts are seen at "Jimmy Kimmel Live" on October 13, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.
Julia Roberts wearing a Gucci x Adidas suit GC Images

“Everyone values the comfort value of wearing a suit for evening,” says Stewart, who advises investing in something more interesting than a standard pinstriped style. (This will also help you avoid looking overly corporate at a fancy function.)

“You can still make an impact with special details.”

Shop the look:

NBD pink pantsuit
Revolve

NBD Elisha Blazer and Kalila Pant


Alice + Olivia skirt suit
Alice + Olivia

Alice + Olivia Kidman Tweed Jacket and Darma Crossover Skort


Abercrombie & Fitch Sloane Jumpsuit
Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Sloane Jumpsuit


Platform heels

Amanda Seyfried attends the Los Angeles Finale Event for Hulu's "The Dropout" at Paramount Theatre on April 11, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.
Amanda Seyfried wearing Prada platforms FilmMagic

Sayonara, single-soled stilettos! “A platform shoe always gives an extra bit of height and stature, and some can even be more comfortable,” Stewart tells us.

Shop the look:

Valentino Garavani Tan-Go heels
Saks Fifth Avenue

Valentino Garavani Tan-Go Platform Pumps


Loeffler Randall Rivka Knot Platform Sandals
Revolve

Loeffler Randall Rivka Knot Platform Sandals


Sam Edelman Kori Platform Heels
Saks Fifth Avenue

Sam Edelman Kori Platform Heels


Statement accessories

Cate Blanchett attends "Sophie's Choice" 40th anniversary screening at Museum of Modern Art on February 06, 2024 in New York City.
Cate Blanchett wearing a Louis Vuitton necklace WireImage

“A standout accessory is a great way to make a look special,” the wardrobe whiz shares. Try a unique pendant, embellished clutch or a head-turning earring.

Shop the look:

Saint Laurent Pendant
Vestiaire Collective

Saint Laurent Pendant


Kate Spade New York Afterparty Crystal & Satin Handbag
Zappos

Kate Spade New York Afterparty Crystal & Satin Handbag


BaubleBar earrings
BaubleBar

BaubleBar Deirdre Earrings