10 Style Tips Inspired by Kerry Washington

Steal the secrets that keep her looking picture perfect.

Rework Winterwear - Don’t put away your entire winter wardrobe just yet. With a few styling tweaks, some cold-weather pieces can freshen up for the new season. Kerry took her Michael Kors Fall 2012 fitted dress into spring by wearing it with bare legs, raspberry-colored heels, a red clutch and a red pout.  (Photo: Mr Blue/WENN.com)

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Rework Winterwear - Don’t put away your entire winter wardrobe just yet. With a few styling tweaks, some cold-weather pieces can freshen up for the new season. Kerry took her Michael Kors Fall 2012 fitted dress into spring by wearing it with bare legs, raspberry-colored heels, a red clutch and a red pout. (Photo: Mr Blue/WENN.com)

Kerry Washington - Kerry Washington at 106 & Park, April 5, 2012. (photo: John Ricard / BET)

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Get Youthful - Yeah, there are probably some pieces in your closet from yesteryear that should never be seen again, but there’s nothing wrong with trying out some of today’s fresh, younger-looking styles. The actress visited BET’s 106 & Park studios (April 5) in a pleated leather skirt and neon shirt for a fashion-forward Catholic school-girl vibe, and it worked! (Photo: John Ricard/BET)

Invest in the Little Black Dress - It’s one of the easiest ways to spin different outfits: get a black dress and change the look by swapping out different shoes, bags and accessories. This black number that Kerry wore to Good Morning America could’ve read matronly with its longer hemline, but the color-bursting Nicholas Kirkwood “Birds of Paradise” pumps and a red clutch gave it life.  (Photo: Hall/Pena/PacificCoastNews.com)

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Invest in the Little Black Dress - It’s one of the easiest ways to spin different outfits: get a black dress and change the look by swapping out different shoes, bags and accessories. This black number that Kerry wore to Good Morning America could’ve read matronly with its longer hemline, but the color-bursting Nicholas Kirkwood “Birds of Paradise” pumps and a red clutch gave it life. (Photo: Hall/Pena/PacificCoastNews.com)

Try a Twist on Your Staples - Black dress? Check. Statement shoe? Check. But, for her LA visit to Extra, the actress wore a shirtdress with studded detailing and red suede booties so the outfit had a different feel from her other LBD looks.  (Photo: Noel Vasquez/Getty Images for Extra)

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Try a Twist on Your Staples - Black dress? Check. Statement shoe? Check. But, for her LA visit to Extra, the actress wore a shirtdress with studded detailing and red suede booties so the outfit had a different feel from her other LBD looks. (Photo: Noel Vasquez/Getty Images for Extra)

If It Ain't Broke... - We’re all for switching things up, but when you find what works, work it! Kerry wore yet another black dress, this time with white in the train and matching shoes at The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences event.   (Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

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If It Ain't Broke... - We’re all for switching things up, but when you find what works, work it! Kerry wore yet another black dress, this time with white in the train and matching shoes at The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences event. (Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

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Play with Your Hair - Sure, Kerry’s signature longer, wavy locks would’ve looked cute with this black and white houndstooth print dress, but it was refreshing to see her shake things up and try an updo with a headband.  (Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

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Play with Your Hair - Sure, Kerry’s signature longer, wavy locks would’ve looked cute with this black and white houndstooth print dress, but it was refreshing to see her shake things up and try an updo with a headband. (Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Classic Combo - Kerry Washington mixes the innocence of a loosely curled half-updo with the sexiness of a bold red lip, making for a super-sleek and classic combination.  (Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

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Play Up Your Best Assets - Whether you’ve got the donk, the legs or, in the actress’ case, the lips, get sexy by accentuating your best assets. Kerry’s killer lips could’ve won their own Oscar in this incredibly hot red pout she wore to the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon. (Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Say Yes to the Freakum Dress - Beyoncé already tried to tell you! And Kerry showed just how high impact a switch up into a sassier dress can be, especially if you’re used to covering up. Sometimes you just need to remind yourself you’re bad!  (Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

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Say Yes to the Freakum Dress - Beyoncé already tried to tell you! And Kerry showed just how high impact a switch up into a sassier dress can be, especially if you’re used to covering up. Sometimes you just need to remind yourself you’re bad! (Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Subtle Makeup Can Be Sexier - It’s tempting to pile on the drama, but sometimes one standout part of the look is all it takes. Kerry’s gold sequined dress showed off her back and shoulders and she kept the focus there by wearing a more understated makeup — a smoky eye and nude lip — and a bun.    (Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

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Subtle Makeup Can Be Sexier - It’s tempting to pile on the drama, but sometimes one standout part of the look is all it takes. Kerry’s gold sequined dress showed off her back and shoulders and she kept the focus there by wearing a more understated makeup — a smoky eye and nude lip — and a bun.  (Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Get Festive for the Party - We’re not sure if Kerry picked this brighter sequined dress specifically because she was going to GQ’s Men of the Year party, but it was eye-catching nonetheless! We love how she managed to stay true to her style and still wear something for the occasion that would get tongues wagging.  (Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

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Get Festive for the Party - We’re not sure if Kerry picked this brighter sequined dress specifically because she was going to GQ’s Men of the Year party, but it was eye-catching nonetheless! We love how she managed to stay true to her style and still wear something for the occasion that would get tongues wagging. (Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)