Oscars 2013: The Dos and Don'ts of Dressing for the Afterparty

Robert Katrikh Photography

Marina Monroe

The Academy Awards are finally here and, as usual, red carpet fashion continues to be among the most highly anticipated aspects of the evening.

But after the red carpet has been rolled up and every last award doled out, the fun really starts with parties thrown by the likes of Vanity Fair, InStyle and Elton John. And those on the list should remember that their post-Oscar fashion is just as important -- if not more so -- than the glamorous gowns that come before.

Oscar-night afterparties give you the chance to be edgy and fun with your sartorial choices. But there's an art to getting ready for the big night. You're not going to any old outing at the club, after all.

Below, a cheat sheet of how to get the Oscars afterparty look just right.

Afterparty Dos

- Find a designer that speaks to your style. You'll know it when you see it.

- Keep things simple. The complete look is all about balance. Gold looks fabulous with warm colors, while silver works best with cooler colors. Also, make sure your jewelry doesn’t compete with itself by wearing too much. It is usually best to base your hairstyle decision on the accessories. If you decide to wear statement earrings, pull your hair up into a chic chignon or messy bun to show off the gorgeous gems, and keep your hair straight or wavy if you wear bold baubles.

- Do a test run of your hair and makeup and photograph yourself beforehand. Remember, stick to the “opposites attract” rule. If you decide to wear a simple gown that is more modern, go for a classic, romantic smoky eye and blush pink lip. The softness of the makeup will complement the more modern dress, and vice versa. A  simpler, classic gown calls for standout makeup and a bold lip.

- Carry a kit for last-minute wardrobe malfunctions. This includes double-stick tape, a safety pin, a needle and thread the color of your dress, oil-blotting sheets a Tide-to-go pen and Reviver clothing wipes.

- Check your outfit in different lighting to make sure it photographs well. Do you want your, uh, assets all over Instagram? Neither do we.

- Have your dress tailored. And don’t forget to bring your planned footwear with you when you go.

- Don't be afraid to go for bold colors, bright jewelry and leg-showing silhouettes. You are going to a party, after all.

Afterparty Don’ts

- Don’t wear anything that makes you feel self-conscious. Confidence is your biggest accessory, so if you're pulling down your hem every five seconds or making sure your cleavage isn't showing, people will notice.

- Don’t drown in your fabric. You have a body, flaunt it.

- Don’t be trashy. Play up your assets, but not in a distasteful way.

- Don’t over-accessorize. If you plan on wearing statement earrings, opt for a cocktail ring or simple bracelet instead of a necklace. You don't want to look like the Bloomingdale's accessories department.

Marina Monroe has worked in fashion over the last decade as the CEO and creative director of Stylehaus, the first-ever members-based boutique and styling service. She was recently named executive style director of The Grove in Los Angeles.