Celebrity dress-up tips by red carpet stylist Lucas Armitage

Jessica Wright at the NTA Awards, London, 2016. Photo by Richard Young/REX/Shutterstock. Dressing the likes of Made In Chelsea's Lucy Watson, TOWIE's Jessica Wright and TV presenter Katie Piper, London-based stylist Lucas Armitage certainly has a knack for headline-grabbing looks and flawless party style. We caught up with Lucas to find out his top picks from the new Little Black Dress spring collection, plus his secrets to making a style statement at all your summer events. Celebrity stylist Lucas Armitage Ever wondered how celebrities manage to look nothing short of perfection at their red carpet events? The answer to this age old question... meticulous planning and days and days of preparation, according to Lucas, all for a few fleeting flash-bulb-filled moments! "Obviously not all of us can rely on a glam squad to get us ready for those important events, but you can look incredible by using a few tips and tricks from the celebrity world," he says. "Having worked in red carpet styling for several years, I've often being shocked at the levels celebs will go to get red-carpet ready. I'm talking extreme crash diets, crazy tight corsets and of course, more cosmetic beauty treatments than you can shake a Jimmy Choo at. But it is possible for us mere mortals to get the look without the extreme lengths some celebs go to and here are my top give tips to do just that."

1. The thigh's the limit

One sure-fire way to get a red carpet worthy look is to flash a little thigh! This Little Black Dress Collection Angelia dress, £95, is perfect to show off your pins in a sophisticated way. A modest neckline and long skirt ensures the all-important thigh flash is grabbing for all the right reasons: chic and extremely classy. Photo by Rex/Shutterstock. Get Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's look with the Little Black Dress Collection Angelina dress, £95.

2. Be cocktail cool

A classic cocktail dress can stand out from a sea of long gowns at a fancy affair Рjust make sure it features some statement embellishment or detailing. We've seen celebrities like Selena Gomez rock the cocktail dress on the red carpet frequently. I love these feathered dresses from the Little Black Dress Collection; they're the ultimate in cocktail style and scream glamour with their plush feather trim detail. Selena Gomez on the red carpet and at Flaunt Magazine party, LA. Photos by Rex/Shutterstock. From left to right: The Little Black Dress Collection Hepburn dress, £125, Margot dress, £110, and Kate dress, £110.

3. Back is best

When all else fails, a backless dress is the perfect way to ensure all eyes are on you from every angle! We recently saw model and actress Suki Waterhouse rock a backless dress at the Elle Style Awards, proving its status as a go to for red carpet stylists. It's a pap opportunity style too Рthose over-the-shoulder glances create the perfect photo of your stand-out look. This elegant yet sexy Nadine Merabi Dina Dress, £210, is the ultimate red carpet dress, without the designer price tag. Suki Waterhouse at the Elle Style Awards. Photo by Jim Smeal/BEI/BEI/Shutterstock. Get the red carpet look with the Nadine Merabi Dina Dress, £210.

4. Sheer is more

A sheer panel on a gown is always a sexy take on the classic LBD. This Lipstick Boutique Black Mesh Insert Maxi Dress, £80, uses sheer panels to create a super-sexy shape-enhancing dress. A stick-on bra is an essential for this dress as any bra straps would ruin the look. Lily Aldridge at the CMA Awards. Photo by ddp USA/REX/Shutterstock. Get the look with Lipstick Boutique Black Mesh Insert Maxi Dress, £80.

5. Wow in white

White is a new trend we are seeing on many a red carpet and it's a refreshing step away from the classic red carpet look. The cut-out detail and subtle ruching on this Forever Unique Karlie Maxi Dress, £250, adds an ultra-feminine touch to this elegant maxi dress. Lily James at the Golden Globes. Photo by REX/Shutterstock. Shop the look in the Forever Unique Karlie Maxi Dress, £250.

The finishing touches

So, you have the dress but it's super-important the hair and make-up complement it as there should be a good synergy between the three. The best way to decide is to think about what style or genre the dress taps into. For example, if the dress is feminine like the Forever Unique lace dress, go for relaxed braided hair and fresh dewy make up. Similarly, classic dresses like the Little Black Dress Collection feather styles beg for a red lip, whilst a backless dress always pops with an up-do. Blake Lively in Cannes and Alicia Vikander at the Oscars. Photos By Rex/Shutterstock. I would also always recommend going to the salon to get a fake tan and manicure before a big event, or take some time out the day before to DIY. On the day of the event give yourself plenty of time to do your hair and make-up, as nothing is worse than feeling under pressure to get ready quickly. A salon blow-dry is always a winner before a big night out but if you can't get to one, look to YouTube for some great hair tutorials (TOWIE's Lauren Pope does some great ones). Once your hair and make-up is ready, just grab your bag, slip into your shoes and enjoy your moment looking like you belong in front of the paparazzi! Looking for a glamorous gown? Have a browse through the Little Black Dress Collection of evening dresses or check out the celebrity gossip and more insider style tips with our Lucas Armitage interview here.