How to Look Your Best for ANY Special Occasion

Got a big event coming up? Prom, a wedding, birthday party, whatever? It can seem kind of daunting to pull a look together (find a dress, makeup look, hairstyle, keep your legs from looking like a Yetti's), but with these expert tips, it's sooooo easy. Check them out:

First Step: Find the perfect outfit
Since it's summer, it's likely a dress. If you're going to prom, then use this quiz to find your perfect prom dress. If it's a wedding or another party, use the invitation as a guide. It should say whether it's formal, semi-formal or casual. If you're shopping for a new outfit, keep in mind what colors will look best on you (find out here) and check out these tips to avoid any wardrobe "oops" during the night.

Second Step: Pick a hairstyle that works with your dress
Sure, you could browse through these updos or formal hairstyles, but it's not always easy to know what hairstyle will match the rest of your look. Luckily, this guide will show you the right hairstyle for any type of dress. Or if you're going strapless, check out these new ideas (hint: you don't have to wear an updo if you don't want to!). The basic principle: If you're going formal, wear a formal hairstyle, if you're going casual, a ridiculously elaborate updo is going to look way weird.

Third Step: Get a makeup look that makes you glow
If you're doing your own makeup for a big event, then you must check out this step-by-step (it's actually easier than you think!). Or if you want some different ideas, try coordinating your makeup look with your eye color (see how to do it here) or there's always the classic smoky eye or red lip. Bottom line: You ultimately want to look like the best possible version of yourself -- so nothing too crazy but also not too plain-Jane.

Fourth Step: Don't forget your body!
It's easy to get caught up with your dress, shoes, jewelry, hair and makeup and forget that your hot look is showing a lot of leg, arm or cleavage. So how do you get yourself looking good from the neck down? These tips will give you the full run-down, but basically you want to exfoliate, shave where you need to and moisturize a ton so you have silky soft skin. Dusting a little shimmer powder on exposed skin will also give you a nice glow.

And if you're thinking of self-tanning before an event, please follow these dos and don'ts so you don't look like a carrot in an evening gown (like this celeb, yikes!).

Now that you're all set, share in the comments what big plans you have for the summer. Are you getting married? Got a stack of wedding invitations a mile-high? Or maybe you're throwing an awesome party just 'cause? Tell us about it!