More on Fergie with Ponytail and Pompadour

Hayden Panettiere

She is wearing a pretty shade of purple in this dress with a boat neck front and plunging back.

More on Hayden Panettiere with Loose Updo

Kim Kardashian

A long ponytail with a black shiny dress is a great way to dress up for a special occasion. Bangs are pulled straight back and some heavy back combing and hairspray help to get the height on top. Her dark hair and eyes compliment her olive skin tone her pale pink lip gloss gives a youthful glow.

More on Kim Kardashian with Formal Ponytail

retro updo

More on Large Bun Updo

elaborate updo

More on Elaborate Bridal Updo (Rear View)

Blake Lively

More on Blake Lively Low Ponytail

Liz McClarnon

More on Liz McClarnon with Side Swept Hairstyle

short formal hairstyle

This almost resembles a Hollywood glamor look for a 1940s male but this 'do is very feminine and sexy with slicked back sides and one large curl on the top front with a delicate strand of beads placed there.

More on Short and Formal Hair

Formal Edge on a Ponytail

This woman shows us that this easy hairstyle can look chic. A side part with a low and long pony with a piece of fringe pulled out in the front can look plenty sexy. This is just the ticket for the hectic Holiday season when one may not want to spend a lot of time on hair.

More on Simple Formal Ponytail

Formal Straight and Curly in One

More on Straight and Curly Formal Hairstyle

Formal Hair and Dress

The bangs are pulled straight back and pushed up to add height and secured in place with a second hump behind the first with the sides pinned up. The back is left down to form S shapes which can be created with a double barrel curling iron.

More on Formal Long Partial Updo

Photograph by PR Photos / Albert L. Ortega

Hayden Panettiere is looking all grown up with this classy yet sexy updo that shouts formal yet fun. She looks very poised and mature here black and sequins as she poses for a photo at Declare Yourself's "Domino Effect" Hollywood Party at The Green Door on September 24th. This would be a great look for any special or evening event and is nothing more than a knot that is assembled low at the back of the neck with chin length bangs that are parted in the middle and left out to be curled into relaxed spirals that frame the face.

More on Hayden Panettiere with Sexy Updo

Photograph by PR Photos / PRN

Sometimes something simple and easy can be the most attractive and this is what Lauren Conrad has chosen for her formal hairstyle while she hosts at evening at Christian Audigier The Nightclub at Treasure Island Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. With an off-center part, locks are pulled back to brush over the ears and then secured in a low ponytail and cascades over one shoulder into soft and lovely waves. This is a nice accent to a strapless dress along with a dainty necklace not to be over-powering. This would be a great look for a special event like Homecoming.

More on Lauren Conrad with Side Swept Ponytail

Photograph by PR Photos / Glenn Harris

Carrie Underwood looks beautiful here with this formal side swept ponytail that flows over one shoulder and looks beautiful with her strapless dress. Her bangs are straightened with a flat iron and are arranged to each side while the rest of her mane is full of lovely waves with one side is pinned up.

More on Carrie Underwood with Side Swept Ponytail

Photograph by PR Photos / A. Gilbert

Adriana Fonseca has a beautiful formal edge to a casual loose wave hairstyle that is long and lovely. She has medium brown locks with streaks of copper and light brown highlights that add oodles of depth to what otherwise could be a boring hair color. She has pulled back a section of her mane from the top and pulled it back to be secured at the back of the crown with bobby pins or a fashion clip. This opens things up so we can see her pretty features such as her eyes and especially her lashes which is a trend for fall which will be less emphasis on the shadow and so forth. She is wearing a halter dress with shiny silver fringe on the plunging neckline. Her suntan skin is really highlighted here. Adriana is a Mexican actress and to copy her style would be easy with a diffuser, some curl enhancing product, and scrunching while drying with the fingers.

More on Adriana Fonseca with Pretty Formal Loose Waves

Photograph by PR Photos / Chris Hatcher

Aimee Teegarden is one popular teenager from Friday Nights Lights and here she is sporting a partial ponytail. This photo of Aimee was taken at "Prom Night" World Premiere in Hollywood on April 9th 2008. This girl has a fresh youthful glow about her. Her long hair with bangs that are cut straight across and is sprinkled with golden highlights that are worked in nicely with her dark blonde color. The locks are pulled back into a low ponytail which can be secured with a barrette but the underneath layers are left to hang down the back. A few fringes are left out around the face for softness. The top is very smooth while the lower section has little twists and bends which add texture. The contrasting colors add depth. She is wearing a cute black party dress with wide bright pink sash around the waist.

More on Aimee Teegarden with Formal Long Hairstyle

photograph by PR Photos / Ken McCoy

Alicia Keys wore her locks in their full and naturally curly state to the BET Awards 2008 – Press Room in Los Angeles. Hair is pulled straight back on top in a smooth fashion and secured high on the back of the head and then the strands are left to do what they do best. This is a beautiful and feminine look perfect for many special occasions when you may be opting for something a little less conservative than most formal hairstyles.

More on Alicia Keys with Formal Curls

photograph by PR Photos / Glenn Harris

If you are looking for a simple yet elegant updo, take a look at Tara Reid. She has pulled her locks straight back and gathered them low at the nape of the neck and twisted them into a tight little knot. Covered bobby pins can be used to secure it or a pony tie. The advantage of this easy look is the fact that her face and features are accentuated and so are her drop dangle earrings.

More on Tara Reid Updo

photograph by PR Photos / Solapix

If you love Paris Hilton and her hairstyles, you must see her with white hat and hair accessories as we see her here in this picture taken at her "Can Can" Perfume Photocall at Selfridges in London on May 15th 2008. Her medium length straight blonde locks hit just past the shoulders and one side is clipped back with a jeweled bow while the other side is adorned with a fashion hat and netting. She almost looks like a bride in her white dress and all.

More on Paris Hilton with Hat and Hair Accessories

photograph by PR Photos / Mark Dye

Natasha Bedingfield has a messy updo and a cute new look for formal or dressy occasions. Her locks are pulled back to a spot low behind her head and rolled under and secured with a pony tie that has a red bow. Lately we have seen celebrities wearing accessories that don't necessarily match color wise and therefor it is easier than ever to accessorize. This singer is wearing a dark purple shiny dress with a plunging back line and she has a cute silver necklace that has the dangle hanging clear down to almost her waist.

More on Natasha Bedingfield with Messy Updo

photograph by PR Photos / Sylvain Gaboury

Sometimes a simple ponytail that is secured low toward the neck can be very elegant as we see Alicia Keys wearing here in this picture taken of her at the "We are Together" Premiere in New York on June 12th 2008. Strands are brushed straight back (bang-less) and have  a wet look that can be accomplished with the right product. Locks that are not freshly washed work the best for this type of style. It is much easier to work with second-day hair on a project like this one (as if hairstyling were a project). This would be a great idea if you had worked all day and had to get ready in a hurry for a special evening event. It is quick and easy and looks beautiful. Alicia's make-up looks young and fresh and love the light pink lipstick on her. Her earrings are very cool: several hoops inside of each other that dangle down past the shoulders. No necklace would be a good idea with this look as the ear jewelry is enough.

More on Alicia Keys with Simple Elegant Ponytail

photograph by PR Photos / Chris Hatcher

This is a beautiful and formal vintage inspired hairstyle worn by Natasha Bedingfield in the picture of her taken at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards in Las Angeles, Ca in Feb. 2008. Her medium length blonde locks are softly curled and styled just like we may have seen on Hollywood stars back in the 1940s. If you are looking for something other than an updo for a special event, then this one is certainly worth considering. Hair is parted on the side with one side being tucked behind the ear while the other has a spiral roll across the forehead. A large barrel curling iron can be used on completely dry strands to get this look. Rather than brushing through them, use fingers to style and gently brush from underneath if necessary.

More on Natasha Bedingfield with Formal Curls

So, here is a dash of sexy party style for those who like to go out in slinky short dresses and feminine curls. This woman has it all, long and lean legs, and beautiful long and full hair. Her strapless purple dress is paired up with gold high heels and a matching gold belt that is worn around her neck like a choker. This is a perfect look for summer 2008 and has a hint of retro.

More on Sexy Party Style

photograph by PR Photos / Solarpix

It's none other than Geri Halliwell here with a bit of a twist to the ever so popular long and wavy locks. She has french braids that make a frame around her forehead that add a bit of a playful twist to a formal overall look. Her dark golden hair looks lovely with her blue-grey eyes and dress. Geri became famous as a member of the girl group: The Spice Girls in the late 1990s. She is still a British pop singer.

More on Geri Halliwell with a Twist to Long and Wavy

A big front flip makes this updo perfect for a glamour shot. This beautiful woman has peaches and cream skin, bright red lipstick, and a sleek formal hairstyle that features a big roll up front and center.

More on Big Roll Updo

What a cute idea for a young girl's hairstyle for a special event such as a wedding or holiday party. This little lady has long light brown spiral curls that cascade down her back and look pretty with ribbons of two different colors intertwined through the strands. Hair is pulled up into a partial updo here. This would be perfect for a flower girl.

More on Cute Girl's Partial Updo

If you are looking for a lovely long formal hairstyle that can be worn down, take a look at this one. This young woman has a straight feathered hairdo that is reminiscent of decades gone by (late 70s) and looks glamorous with this simple style. Using a large round brush and blow-dryer it would be easy to create this look as you would point the dryer in a downward motion as you run the brush under the sections. Next, direct the air toward the back while brushing the side in the same direction. Having some layers cut into locks is important to help achieve that feathered appearance.

More on Long Formal Hairstyle Worn Down

Now, here we have something for those who like to be a little more conservative, sleek,  and polished. This lovely bride has a short hairstyle that is made to look glamorous and formal with the use of hair products to slick back the locks as the men used to do back in the 30s and 40s. The addition of a jeweled accessory on top of the head polishes off the look. This wedding gown is a little different with white on the bodice and pale pink for the skirt and a darker shade for the tie in the back.

More on Short and Sleek Bridal Hairstyle

If you like something a little different, messy, and fun for a formal hairstyle, take a look at this one. This woman is dressed in a gown for a special event, yet she looks like she enjoys life and has a good time which is reflected in this funky big hairdo. Something like this would be easy to create by taking sections of hair and winding it around and then securing it to the head leaving big loops. Leave some pieces out and wind them around the outside of a large barrel curling iron to add interest. This is one of those that might attract those who like to live on the wild side.

More on Wild and Messy Updo

Photograph by PR Photos / Chris Hatcher

Hayden Panettiere has the best hairstyles for formal events like we see here in this picture of her taken at the 22nd Genesis Awards in the Spring of 2008. She has a beautiful updo that shows off her lovely blonde hair in a full and messy bun at the base of neck. Her dress is a midnight blue color that is form fitting, short, and full of pizazz. The shoes she chose to wear with this outfit are a matching high heel pump of the same color and really look sharp.

More on Hayden Panettiere with Messy Bun