10 Ways to Look 'Hollywood Glam'

5. Let statement earrings or a wow necklace power up your look

This is no time for discretion. Pick one major target zone — ears or neck — and then don't hold back on size or sparkle. A multistrand necklace of jumbo pearls or even a paired “set” of dazzlers at neck and lobes can work, but dangly earrings are truly your best bet to light up your face, especially if you're wearing a high-neck dress. And for those who do love a low-neckline dress but worry about showing a sun-damaged chest, know that a bold bib necklace covers all perfectly.

Sheryl Crow, Angela Bassett and Isabelle Huppert

Jim Spellman/WireImage; JC Olivera/WireImage; Dominique Charriau/Getty Images

6. Add lashes, liner and lipstick

The days of dramatic makeup, layers of powder and exaggerated smoky eyes are over. Just line your upper lids and add lashes. This combo makes all the difference in opening, defining, enlarging and emphasizing your eyes without having to mess around with eye shadows. False eyelashes are available at drugstores (the cheapie kinds are fine — you don't need to spend more), and they make mature eyes pop for day, night or the camera. Pair them with your “signature” lip shade of red or a neutral “nude,” or try a soft blue-based pink, rose or berry shade to make teeth appear whiter and your smile brighter.

Thandie Newton, Renée Zellweger and Sandra Bullock

Amanda Edwards/WireImage; Frazer Harrison/Getty Images; Steve Granitz/WireImage

7. Stick to your typical hairdo

Be realistic here. First, book whatever salon services you need to look polished and feel confidant, like a root touch-up, highlights, a trim or a blowout. Wearing your hair — whether straight, wavy, textured — loose and casually styled pairs well with dressier clothes. It also helps soften facial lines and under-eye shadows and looks contemporary. If you do opt for an updo, keep that loose and casual, too, with some undone pieces around the face. This isn't the time to debut a brand-new look, so skip the curls if your usual look is straight, and avoid extreme extensions.

8. Give body skin a glow

Remember when a self-tan, spray tan, sheer hosiery or body makeup were the thing to do? Not anymore. Any visible body skin (along with cheeks) needs a healthy, hydrated luminous finish. Be sure to use a nongreasy moisturizer or dry body oil, followed by a touch of bronzer or highlighter to all. A sheer golden or pearly eyeshadow or a shimmery eye corrector makes a good last-minute stand-in for liquid or cream glow. Blend it on anywhere there is a “ledge,” like cheekbones, collarbones, shins and shoulders, as a highlight.

Platform sandals worn by Patricia Arquette (left) and metallic platforms worn by Salma Hayek

Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images; Raymond Hall/GC Images

9. Stretch and pose with heels and Spanx

This is not the moment for flats, jiggles or checking your texts. You're on! Heels, even a kitten-heel shoe, will stretch your legs and firm your calves. This is why many vertically challenged celebs always wear platform pumps (whether they're in or out of style — but FYI they are in!) under their gowns. They really elongate the body and help balance proportions.

Patricia Arquette, Salma Hayek, Jamie Lee Curtis and Bette Midler

Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images; Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for National Board of Review; Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for dcp; Lars Niki/Getty Images for WSJ. Magazine Innovators Awards

Let shapewear do the smoothing of the belly, thighs, hips and booty, for a firm shape so you can relax for photos. And for an alternative to the three-quarter pose with hand on hand on hip and elbow out, try standing head-on but cross your legs at the ankle to look taller and slimmer. Remember the afterlife of social media, where your party image will last and replay forever.

(Left to right) H&M Fitted Sequined Dress, ASOS DESIGN Curve Kimono Pleated Maxi Dress, H&M Draped Dress and ASOS DESIGN Curve Lace and Pleat Long Sleeve Midi Dress

H&M (2); ASOS (2)

10. Know the tricks to finding a fabulous dress for under $100

Celebs have an inside track to designers and stylists, and often receive loaners or get gifted for the red carpet PR. We don't. If you're watching your wallet, don't let the ooh and ahh factor of a pricey dress woo you away from your budget. Even fast-fashion sites are good sources for women 50-plus if you stick to simple silhouettes (ones that don't scream “prom” or millennial) in a grownup knee or midi length. Choose a style with up-to-date details (like statement sleeves, pleats and lace), like the H&M Fitted Sequined Dress ($80, hm.com/us), Asos Design Curve Kimono Pleated Maxi Dress ($64, asos.com/us), H&M Draped Dress in Black ($50, hm.com/us) and Asos Design Curve Lace and Pleat Long Sleeve Midi Dress ($87, asos.com/us). Opt for black since this rich-looking neutral keeps low-cost fabrics and iffy workmanship your secret.