Lately we’ve realized that whenever we need inspiration for a fancy-occasion outfit, we turn to Diane Kruger for dressing directions. Of course, we’re not the only ones who appreciate her innate elegance and directional taste. Thanks to her incredible personal style, this beautifully put-together actress is the go-to girl for powerful designers like Karl Lagerfeld, Miuccia Prada, and Jason Wu. With fans in such high places, it’s no wonder that Kruger’s red carpet moments keep getting better and better. Her effortless combination of Hollywood glamour and high-fashion intrigue never fails to impress, so we decided to celebrate Kruger’s élan in today’s Style Spotlight story!

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Though it seems as though Kruger never leaves the house without looking simply stunning, there were five fashionable moments that we consider best in show! Topping the list of Kruger’s killer outfits is the high-wattage ensemble she wore to the Cinema Society and Hugo Boss-hosted premiere of Inglorious Basterds. Consisting of an incandescent paillette-and-crystal embroidered frock and strappy shoes from Miu Miu’s Spring 10 collection, we think the silver and black sequined number is the ideal selection for a sartorial star. We love the textural quality of the material, and how the cinched waist adds a little shape to the beautifully draped fabric. Though her exact frock won’t be available until mid-February, if you need something with a little shimmer now, try Body Language’s Black Paillette Dress ($172). Just make sure you balance the look with appropriate beauty choices, such as a messy bun and a simple statement red lip.

Making another well-attired appearance, this time to support the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists in Los Angeles late last month, Kruger looked effortlessly chic in fall’s most sumptuous fabric: velvet. Kruger, who often rocks killer Chloé designs, wowed in the French brand’s Asymmetric Velvet Blouse ($1165) and Velvet Tapered Leg Pants ($1560). The resulting ensemble is demure (just a peep of skin) and sophisticated while still looking understated and flawless. If you want to find a similarly shaped silhouette and prefer the easy two-in-one aspect of a romper, we recommend trying ASOS’ Black One Shoulder Velvet Jumpsuit ($122) for a more budget-friendly alternative to the one-shoulder two-fer!

Kruger continued her support for one-shoulder styles a few days after the CFDA event, when she wore a darling single-strap dress to a Jason Wu fête at Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills. Wu always seems to get it right, especially with his fancier fare and cocktail dresses; we are particularly taken with this divinely draped number from his S/S 10 collection, which features a colorful Swiss dot fabric gathered at the hip. Though we’ve seen these chic spots on patterned tights, we love the way this material offers a fashionable update on the Little Black Dress (very Grecian goddess, which is very appropriate considering Kruger’s breakout role as Helen in the 2004 blockbuster Troy). Of course, if you’d rather not wait for 2010 to grab the perfect New Year’s Eve frock, just reach for French Connection’s Spot the Dot Dress ($182) instead. With a voluminous short skirt, asymmetrical shoulder tie, and colorful print, it’s the perfect way to get a festive Kruger-in-Wu-inspired look now.

Next up we have what the Who What Wear staffers refer to as the “reverse mullet dress,”—party in the front, business in the back—which definitely gives new meaning to the high-low mix! Though this particular design is from the F/W 09 season—Olivier Theysken’s final collection at the helm of the Nina Ricci house, to be exact—the hybrid-hemmed piece is so dramatic and elegant, we couldn’t resist featuring it in today’s story. Kruger’s selection, which she picked to attend the Fashion Dinner for AIDS at the Pavilion d’Armenonville earlier this year, is perfect for a high-fashion occasion. The floral print is feminine without being too overpowering and the swooping skirt is a smart way to add an unexpected kick to more traditional black-tie fare. Though this exact frock is no longer available, we can recommend One Vintage’s Vesperia Dress ($930) or ABS’s One-Shoulder Silk Gown ($430). The jagged hem of the former and the asymmetrical neckline of the latter mimic the uneven hem of Kruger’s dress, and both feature muted palates and floral prints that recall Kruger’s Ricci stunner.

The final look in our Style Spotlight is perhaps the most pared-down of the bunch, but it’s perfectly adorable. Kruger, seen here at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival this October, looked sweet and chic in a noir number, which she smartly paired with Chanel’s Smoking Short Boots from the S/S 09 collection. We love the way these open-toed booties add a little bit of whimsy to a modest, chic, and somber black dress. Though Kruger’s exact Chanel shoes are no longer available, make sure to check out Delman’s Pearl Suede Pumps with Bows ($385); the look-a-like bow decoration and pyramid studs are a perfectly satisfying and stylish alternative!

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