The Sleeves Have It

Beyonce arrives at the premiere of Cadillac Records held at The Egyptian Theater on November 24, 2008 in Hollywood, California.

Veronica Webb attends the opening night celebration of the New York City Ballet at David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln CenterNew York, November 25, 2008

Paula Patton arrives at 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center, Los Angeles on February 8, 2009

Puffed up sleeves seem to be all the rage these days. If you thought you'd left pink, frilly, puff-sleeved birthday dresses behind you think again. Now you can wear them in black for the after party. Take your cue from Beyonce, Veronica and Paula. They prove that any trend can be modernized. The sleeves definitely have it. See below for some inspiration.

Style on the Go…

Joy Bryant,Jay-Z and Beyonce Knowles attend the 40/40 Club Hosts Jay-Zs Exclusive After Party at The 40/40 Club in New York on May 6, 2008.

Paula Patton at the 2nd annual Allure magazine "Most Alluring Bodies" exhibit on May 7, 2008 at Skylight Studios in New York.

Rashida Jones at Stella McCartney’s screening of Peter Sellers’ “The Party” on May 6, 2008.

Ashanti onstage during the MTV Networks Upfront at the Nokia Theater on May 8, 2008 in New York City.

Joy Bryant looked nothing short of stunning at Jay Z’s recent bash at his 40/40 club. Though the dress is a little Fredericks of Hollywood, she somewhere makes it work! After 13 years of wearing makeup, I still can’t get my eyes to look that neat and defined. Liquid eyeliner just burns my eyes! I'm also still looking for a natural lipstick color - suggestions welcome :)

Paula Patton is wearing my favorite color and she’s doing it justice. I think the shoes are a little boring but I guess you can’t go wrong with a classic black Christian Louboutin pump. Both Paula and Joy are sporting heavy bangs which is such a cute look with layered hair. No, I don't know where to get this dress but I know Target has a cute, affordable purple dress for $23.

Rashida Jones is ready for summer! She flaunted her shoulders and legs in a sexy, one strap chiffon dress a recent Stella McCartney evemt. Rashida’s style is never offensive, but I wish she would take more of a risk with her hair and/or makeup. How about a chin length bob? She’d also better keep an eye on that clutch…

Ashanti is slowly making her “come back”. Though I doubt the music scene has missed her, her style evolution has been great to watch. This black and white dress is a classic. Twenty years from now, body shape permitting, you could still pull out this dress and wear it like it was a recent purchase. Now if only we could get Ashanti to try another lip gloss color. That frosty pink is so 1982!

Credit: TheYbf.com for photos of Ashanti.

Paula Patton

Paula Patton arrives at the First Annual Essence Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon on February 21, 2008 at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

Paula Patton was the epitome of girlish-chic at the recent First Annual Essence Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon. If you're going to wear a dress this flirty and bold, ease up on the jewelry and just sport classic stud earrings. If you're too big in the chest to comfortably (and safely) wear a strapless dress, this look will work just as well with spaghetti straps. See below for the low down.

Steal Paula's Style...

Dress: Tiered Polka Dot Dress, $27.80, www.forever21.com

Heels: Two Lips Calista, $75, www.piperlie.com

Belt: Patent Waist Belt, $10.80, www.forever21.com

Earrings: Antic Floral Studs, $4.80, www.forever21.com

Clutch: Blake Crinkle Patent, $265, www.loreleinyc.com

Polka dots and patent are the perfect combination - don't let the opportunity to pair them pass you by! This polka dot dress is only $28 so hurry up and get your hands on it. Simply take off the ribbon sash and add your own white, buckle belt to get Paula's 1950's-inspired look. Let your shoulders and neckline do the talking by opting for simple studs and no other jewelry.

Best of the Rest...

Left to right: Lauren Ralph Lauren Sandra Dress, $220, www.bloomingdales.com; Lucky 13 Blonde Polka Dot Dress, $104, www.zappos.com; Anissa Dress by Twenty8Twelve by S.Miller, $528, www.revolveclothing.com

...because everyone loves options! Try these dresses with straps if you need the extra support ;)

Bright Lights, Sequin City

Joy Bryant at Glamour Magazine's "Fashion Gives Back" event to benefit Malaria No More at a Private Residence in NYC, September 4, 2007.

Paula Patton at Samsung Gleam Private Dinner and After Party hosted by Pharrell at TAO Las Vegas September 8, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Keri Hilson onstage at the 2007 Video Music Awards at the Palms Casino Resort on August 9, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Kimora Lee Simmons arrives at 4th Annual Fashion Rocks at Radio City Music Hall on September 6, 2007 in New York City.

Sequins are nothing new but they’ve made a resurgence on the Spring 2008 runway shows, including Marc Jacobs, Tracy Reese and Badgley Mischika and now celebrities are wearing them too. Whether it’s tiny sequins like on Kimora Lee Simmons or Paula Patton’s dress or huge ones like singer Keri Hilson, sequins add zing to any outfit. Keep the look from looking Vegas-like by sticking to black, if you must add color take a leaf out of Joy Bryant’s book. The silk flowers are divine.

Shifty Business...

Rosario Dawson arrives at the 22nd Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards held at Santa Monica Beach in February in Santa Monica, California.

Kerry Washington looking cute ‘n’ flirty in her silk shift.

Nia Long attending the 17th Annual NAACP Theater Awards earlier this year.

Paula Patton arriving at the 21st Annual Soul Train Music Awards held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium last month in Pasadena, California.

Tracee Ellis Ross at the Katy Rodriguez Celebration of her Eponymous Collection.

Take a cue from these ladies and shift into gear with the must-have dress du jour. A throw-back from the sixties, the shift dress is a classic style that shows no signs of disappearing. If you’re worried about looking too retro in a shift, pick a fabric with a futuristic twist like Paula Patton or try something a little more eclectic like Tracee Ellis Ross. Remember that the shift dress was made for the clutch purse, so give it what it deserves!

Note: See Christina Milian in the DVF dress that Forever 21 duplicated here.