Awards Season Special Part 2: Red Carpet Secrets by costume designer Maeve Reilly

Maeve Reilly's client singer Janelle Monae at the Star Wars premiere in LA, 2015. Photo by Matt Baron/REX/Shutterstock. As part of our Awards Season Special, we're speaking to three of Hollywood's most celebrated red-carpet stylists to find out their secrets on how you can emulate glamorous red carpet style. This week, costume designer and celebrity wardrobe stylist Maeve Reilly reveals her insider tips on choosing the perfect outfit for your special event. Maeve's work regularly features in top fashion magazines such as Marie Claire, NYLON and Vanity Fair, whilst her celebrity clients include some of the industry's most powerful musicians and actresses including Kris Jenner, Rumer Willis and Demi Lovato. With her fashion-forward looks, she continues to garner them numerous 'Best Dressed' accolades in publications such as Vogue and The Red Carpet Fashion Awards. Maeve Reilly, image courtesy of School of Style Here are Maeve's top ten tips for looking fabulous at your special event: 1. Establish the attire of the event you are attending to make sure you are dressed appropriately, i.e. black tie/cocktail etc. 2. Try on everything on the rack you are immediately attracted to. 3. Take photos of yourself wearing your favourites. 4. Narrow down your choices to the top two or three, marinate on what kind of mood you're in and choose based on that. There is no wrong choice – confidence comes from inside! You have to feel good to look good. 5. Make sure you are able to make any necessary alterations to ensure fit – this is one of the most important ways to achieve a strong look! Get a good tailor you trust. 6. Establish your accessories – look to signature items that make you feel like you are making this look your own. For example, I love lots of rings! Most of my clients can be seen on a red carpet with a ring on every finger. One of Maeve's A-list clients, American music artist Janelle Monáe attends the Met Gala in New York, 2014 7. Practice posing in the dress you decide to wear. It's important, especially in gowns, to know where to place your legs and angles of your body before hitting the carpet. 8. Give yourself enough time to get ready. Enjoy the process and don't stress out. 9. Get a good glam team! Hair and makeup can make or break a look. 10. Have fun! For more insider secrets, see top Hollywood stylist Anita Patrickson's guide to red carpet dresses or delve into red carpet stylist Ali Levine's style hacks here. Need some inspiration? See our round-up of the best red carpet dresses of all time.