Fashion

Cara Delevingne, Keira Knightley, and More British Stars Show You How to Get Glammed Up for a Summer Night Out

There's so much to love about the Brits: Their charming accents; their rolling English countrysides and big, bustling cities; their royal family; their highly addictive period pieces (hello, Downton Abbey ); and their ridiculously good-looking men (I'm looking at you, Benedict Cumberbatch and Robert Pattinson). Oh, and then there's the many stylish women the country has produced — women who aren't afraid to get all dressed up for a fancy summer soiree, which is exactly what British beauties like Cara Delevingne, Keira Knightley, Alexa Chung, and more did at Tuesday evening's Serpentine Gallery Summer Party. And you should be glad that they did, because these ladies just gave you all the inspiration you need for getting glammed up for your next dressy night out. Check out nine of the most inspiring ensembles of the evening.

by Mary Avant

Cara Delevingne in Mulberry

I can’t be the only one who loves to see the paparazzi-hating, Vogue interview–sleeping wild child tone it down once in a while, and this keyhole-cutout maxi gown couldn’t be simpler (or more beautiful). Nail the look yourself by picking an easy, breezy style and matching it with a sleek ponytail, nude lip, and statement bag.

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Keira Knightley in Chanel

Summer is the time for fun prints and lots of color, which is exactly what Knightley delivered in her multihued Chanel number. Channel her look into your next night-out ensemble by picking an out-of-the-box pattern in a classic-with-a-twist silhouette for a style that's both sophisticated and daring.

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Alexa Chung in Erdem

There’s a reason the LBD will never go out of style, and that’s because — with the help of a little lace, statement shoes, and a bold lip — it’s a fail-safe ensemble for even the classiest of events.

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Naomi Campbell in Givenchy

A few sequins never hurt anybody, right? Spice up your summer ensemble this season with a red-hot hue and sparkly embellishments, but pair them with a relaxed fit to avoid looking too flashy.

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Suki Waterhouse in Burberry

A plunging neckline and full, feminine skirt like Waterhouse’s combine to create a delicate, girly look that still has a little sex appeal (though I would leave those shoes at home, or at least pair them with a different outfit).

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Lily Allen in Stella McCartney

Not only is fringe great for showing off your hippie-chic side, but it’s also guaranteed to keep you cool on even the hottest summer night. Try pairing the embellishment with a dark, neutral hue and glam bag to keep it from looking too ’70s.

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Princess Beatrice in Nicholas Oakwell Couture

Take your dainty, floral-embellished dress straight from garden party to night out with nothing but colorful accessories, a sleek updo, and a bold lip, like the princess did in her pretty, perfect ensemble.

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Gemma Arterton in Prabal Gurung

A crop top combo in a sizzling hue and luxe fabric with a sexy hemline and kick-ass heels, to boot? That’s one way to nail your night-out look.

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Samantha Barks in Lanvin

A sweet pink dress takes on a seductive edge when paired with a cleavage-boosting bustier, ruffled hemline, and stunning set of earrings.

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