maxi dresses

After looking ethereal in an embellished Jenny Packham gown at the Golden Globes and now working a pleated cobalt maxi in Loz Feliz, it's clear Kristen Bell's pregnancy go-to is flowing dresses. The mom-to-be paired her bold maxi with a black leather jacket, chunky onyx necklace, and cat-eye shades, while carrying a gold grommet clutch and a pair of strappy black sandals. Pregnant or not, re-create Kristen's cool combo with a sweeping cobalt dress, leather topper, and eye-catching accessories for a shopping date with the girls.

At Carnegie Hall's 2012-2013 Season Opening Night Gala in NYC last night, Sarah Jessica Parker got an opportunity to show off her always fabulous style sense in a blue printed Oscar de la Renta maxi dress, Manolo Blahnik pumps, and Fallon jewels: this bib necklace ($265), this collar necklace ($375), and this crystal bracelet ($200). Her dress and baubles are not available to buy, but we can get our hands on SJP's Pierre Hardy mini snakeskin clutch ($990), which also comes with a detachable silver chain strap. Pair it with your fancy gowns like Sarah Jessica did or use it to amp up your t-shirt and jeans. It would also look amazing against an all-black look: turtleneck, pencil skirt, and pointy pumps.

Model Jessica Hart has nailed street style — we loved when she mixed pink and tan and leopard with sneakers — and her latest creation is the perfect no-fuss Summer ensemble. She started with a black loose-fitting t-shirt maxi dress by Pencey Standard — here is the coral version ($55, originally $110) and heather gray style ($110) — then pumped up the look via standout accessories: a straw floppy hat, round shades, TOMS Glitter Slip-Ons ($54), a silver chunky watch, and a blue Goyard bag. It's a simple outfit but one that packs mega punch. Shop similar pieces, including her exact shoes, to achieve the model's no-fuss style all Summer.

Last night Ashlee Simpson celebrated the Missoni for Havaianas flip flop collection in LA wearing a beautiful bohemian look: this FP One limited-edition crochet maxi dress ($250) with Missoni for Havaianas flip flops ($70) and a floral headband she picked up at a flea market — here's a woven floral headband from Tilly's ($9) to re-create her look. We got a chance to catch up with the singer-slash-designer about her personal style, so stay tuned for that. In the meantime, shop her exact maxi and flip flops for all your upcoming Summer rendezvous. Pair them together like Ashlee did or wear your crochet maxi with black caged booties for an edgier feel. And don't forget to throw your Missoni for Havaianas flip flops in your beach bag.

Over the weekend, while spending quality time with daughter Honor in LA, Jessica Alba created a whole new fresh color combo we all must try this Spring and Summer: chartreuse and cobalt. The actress topped her cobalt maxi dress with this Theonne chartreuse cropped cardigan ($258), then matched things up with blue ankle-strap platform Ralph Lauren sandals. A crisp white Tory Burch fedora added a resort feel, while her colorful Simone Camille bag ($975) lent an exotic vibe. Get Jessica's exact Theonne chartreuse cardigan to top over your cobalt maxi, cobalt jeans, or cobalt shorts. Then for an office-appropriate look, wear your chartreuse cardigan with a pair of chic wide-leg cobalt trousers from Asos ($70).

Casual maxi dresses are a Spring and Summer staple, but we love how Gwen Stefani dressed up her black-and-white maxi while heading to a birthday party in LA over the weekend. How did she do so? The style chameleon accessorized her two-tone look with a standout stud collar necklace, chunky ankle-strap sandals, badass Karen Walker shades, and a vibrant red-orange nail polish for a pop of color. Take a cue from Gwen by pairing your casual striped maxis with high-heeled sandals and a knockout necklace, then toss on a leather jacket or structured blazer for even more sharpness.