Jessica Alba Gives Us A Lesson On How To Do Ladylike Chic

Posted: 11/11/11

Libby Banks

Follow: Armani, Armani Hotel, Fashion, Jessica Alba, Ladylike

If, like us, your thoughts are turning to the party season ahead - and specifically the array of razzle dazzle sequinned frocks required to see you through, then we suggest that you take a moment and look at what Jessica Alba is wearing. Aside from the fact that we're struggling to comprehend how this woman gave birth just a couple of months ago, she also offers some helpful pointers on how to master party get-up without dousing yourself in an inordinate amount of glitter.

Jessica-alba-armani-milan-hotel Jessica Alba stuns in Armani. Photo: Getty

Instead of eye-frazzling sequins and crystals, Jessica aced ladylike chic with this ensemble, which she sported for the opening of the Armani hotel in Milan last night.

Unsurprisingly the dress is Armani, but let's take a moment to consider just why this ensemble works:

1. The length of the dress. Mid-calf is always chic when teamed with a delicate heel.

2. The sheer inserts and the spaghetti straps add the right amount of sexy without revealing too much. TOWIE ladies please take note.

3. The relatively simply cut of the dress is lifted by the addition of some well chosen bling. The cocktail ring, the statement earring and the embellished clutch make this dress work.

4. A loose chignon is always flattering. Always.

5. Dramatic eyes are balanced by nude lips. Never ever do double drama.

And that's it. So before you let yourself loose in Topshop's party section we recommend that you take this image and surgically attach it to your brain.

And for more Jessica Alba style inspiration take a look at our gallery below:

The Perfect 10: Jessica Alba

15 July 2007
 Versace for Versace. Jessica wears the label to attend a ballet at La Scala Theatre, Italy commemorating the death of Gianni Versace.
6 September 2007
 A backless slinky black dress with chain detailing by Versace took Jessica to Fashion Rocks at Radio City Music Hall.
29 January 2008
 A satin off-the-shoulder Gold Hawk dress concealed Jessica's baby bump at MTV's Total Request Live.
17 August 2008
 This Narcisco Rodriguez was perfect for showing off Jessica's post-pregnancy physique at the 2008 Alma Awards in California - revealing at the back but flowing at the front.
4 May 2009
 Jessica dazzles in Jason Wu at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Gala, in NY. Matching her clutch to her pink pout keeps the look together.  We'll say no more about the black tights.
12 November 2010
 Slicked-back hair and a statement one-shoulder cushnie et Ochs dress take Jessica into Scarlett Johansson territory at the 2010 American Music Awards.
15 December 2010
 Jessica brought some glamour to the world premiere of Little Fockers, at Ziegfeld Theatre, in New York thanks to this fringed Valentino dress worn with silver Louboutins. We love the simple hair style too.
13 February 2011
 Jessica sparked a lot of  pregnancy speculation in the MyDaily office with this bump-friendly Atelier Versace dress at the <a href="http://www.mydaily.co.uk/2011/02/13/the-baftas-red-carpet/" target="_self">2011 Orange Baftas</a>. Only days later did she confirm our suspicions and <a href="http://www.mydaily.co.uk/2011/02/16/jessica-alba-pregnancy/" target="_self">announce that she was expecting a second child</a>.
2 May 2011
 The postergirl for red carpet pregnancy, Jessica wore strapless Ralph Lauren for the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala, in NY. A jewelled necklace worn as a hair accessory, Ralph Lauren clutch and Casadei heels concealed beneath the gown completed the look.
6 March 2006
 Jessica plays to her style strengths (and possibly pays homage to the little golden Oscars statue) in this gold embellished Versace gown at the 78th Annual Academy Awards.