Cushnie et Ochs

While flashing too much can make an entire outfit (well, to put it politely) totally tacky, the art of revealing just enough skin can make something seriously sexy, as evidenced by Jamie Chung in a cutout Cushnie et Ochs cocktail dress. The actress was the standout at last night's Premium Rush premiere in NYC, opting for one of the label's Fall '12 dresses — the kind of appearance that makes us wish we saw the up-and-comer hitting the red carpet more often. Feeling inspired? These are the must-know tricks to getting sexy just right and having the same knockout effect at your next cocktail fete.

• For Jamie, it all starts with a killer dress that highlights her svelte frame with a cutout right at the midriff. You don't have to select the same tummy-baring cut; the key is finding the right cutout to flatter your figure. Show off your shoulders with a cutout back, bare your arms and your neckline with a one-shoulder, or reveal a slim middle with side cutouts. Just be sure that, like Jamie, you balance your own skin-baring with a longer hemline to keep the look from getting too risqué.
• Don't overwhelm a brilliant hue and statement silhouette with over-the-top details. Jamie lets her dress take the focus, adding only a pair of simple drop earrings and a couple of minimalist bangles so that all eyes are on that gorgeous dress (just like you'll want them to be).
• Lastly, we love that Jamie juxtaposed a playful, sexy cutout dress with ladylike pumps. Her Zara heels ($90) lend sophistication, but still speak to the dress's modern feel with their cool, metallic cap-toes.

If you haven't dabbled with the color orange, get on it, as Summer is the ideal time to work the beautifully bold shade. Here are two examples — Reese Witherspoon in a short orange v-neck Vanessa Bruno dress and Malin Akerman in a hot coral cutout Cushnie et Ochs maxi with two-tone Tibi sandals— of how to wear the hue for day and night. For day, look to Reese by matching up an orange minidress with gold accessories — like her Irene Neuwirth gold chain necklace — Jimmy Choo round sunglasses, and her exact tan Fendi satchel ($2,260). For night, draw inspiration from Malin by sporting an equally sexy orange gown with a matching clutch and minimalistic ankle-strap sandals. To get in on Reese and Malin's looks, shop similar pieces in the widgets below.

To shop Malin's look, read more

Those stories and more in our daily news roundup.

• Alber Elbaz cast real people — and not models — between the ages of 18 and 80 for Lanvin's Fall 2012 campaign. [Styleite]
  

• How much do the editors at Condé Nast really make? [Fashion Etc]
  

• Fern Mallis says the government's outrage over Ralph Lauren's Olympic uniforms being manufactured in China wouldn't happen if it were possible to manufacture cost-efficient clothing in America. "If the government really wants to control [where the USA uniforms are made], then pay for the uniforms," she says. [Fashionista]
  

• Nina Garcia is adding another highlight to her résumé: today JC Penney announced that it has hired Garcia as its new style voice. Garcia will advise the company on upcoming trends and give shoppers tips on how to wear the retailer's merchandise. [Nina Garcia]
  

• Jessica Stam's best travel tip is to wear a comfortable dress when you're on an airplane. "Flying in jeans overnight is uncomfortable," Stam says. [Modelinia]
  

• Jewelry designer Roberto Coin can last up to five days on no sleep — and when he does get some shut-eye, he only needs four or five hours to feel rested. "It's all about mind power," he says. "I have a lot of mind power." [Daily Front Row]
  

• Charlotte Gainsbourg says the difference between London style and Parisian chic is that Londoners are freer and more eccentric. "Parisians are a little too serious and self conscious," she says. [Elle UK]
  

• The CFDA has a new feature that offers an exclusive look inside the design studios of its members. First up: Cushnie et Ochs. [CFDA]

There are so many outstanding things about the ensemble Kerry Washington wore to the Essence Black Women in Hollywood event yesterday. First, her fabulous Kate Spade New York Charm magazine clutch, which you can also add to your bag collection, too. It's vintage inspired, so it looks unique, and it also coordinates with her red accessories without being too matchy. We also love that Kerry brought life to her white peplum Cushnie et Ochs suit via bold red lips, red patent platform pumps, and a ruby ring. Otherwise, with black or nude pumps, the look might have been too bland. So the next time you're about to reach for those basic accessories, think twice and go for a pop of color. You can also re-create a casual version of this look by wearing white jeans or pants with a white blazer and red accessories. As exemplified by Kerry's outfit, red and white can really make for a magical fashion moment.

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Eva Longoria's restaurant in Hollywood, Beso, was the hot party spot last night for the likes of Eva, Kate Beckinsale, and Victoria Beckham. So what brought the gorgeous trio out? "Vanity Fair is throwing this amazing party honoring my foundation, The Eva Longoria Foundation, which helps Latinas with educational programs and entrepreneurship opportunities," Eva told us.

The host of the night donned a daring Cushnie et Ochs LBD with black satin Brian Atwood pumps. Speaking of her style, Eva described it as "comfortable. I mean I know this doesn't look comfortable and I'm double sticked to hell. But this is really comfortable and I can breathe." As for the go-to pieces in her closet? "Jeans and off-the-shoulder t-shirts."

Shop our favorite off-the-shoulder tees and jeans now!

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