Has the year passed so quickly that we once again tip our glasses to the Dom Perignon of Toronto’s social and cultural scene, the Toronto International Film Festival? It seems as though just yesterday I composed a toast to Toronto’s sophisticated celebration of the moving image.

The event has evolved from an intimate affair to a gala. Galas, to be precise, and it is at these galas where the films are secondary to the red carpet.
Reader, can write yourself into that sparkling story. You should not have to spend hours waiting behind a velvet rope to see your favourite actor. All you have to do is buy a gala ticket. It is that simple.

Not so simple: looking as good as all those gorgeous trendsetting actors.

Here are tips on topping the stars when you slip past them on the red carpet. If you follow them, you’ll have the paparazzi snapping your shot and shouting your name.
Stars descend into our city, transforming it into fairy-tale land and you, Dear

Lucinda’s List: How to Achieve a Sophisticated Red Carpet Look

1. Smile - You are having the time of your life and bought a new lipstick for the occasion, so show it off.
2. Don’t Speak - Nothing is more dreadful than candid shots. Avoid a photo faux-pas by keeping quiet. If you must speak, hide your mouth and deliver it as you would a special secret.
3. Visit Your Stylist and Makeup Artist - You must always have your hair set. Makeup must be camera ready and picture perfect. Remember that your esthetic team will be in high-fest demand, so book a month in advance.
4. Take a Test Run - Wear your dress, shoes, and accessories around your house for the time equivalent of your event. This will help you identify areas of concern and avoid wardrobe tragedies. Note: Never sit down during the test run. Wrinkles are sloppy, sloppy, sloppy.
5. Hide a Handkerchief - A wall of flashbulbs makes the red carpet a red hot carpet. Perspiration is not sophisticated, so tuck away a handkerchief in your evening bag. I recommend remaining elegant with designer kerchiefs. You can pick them up on your next trip to Japan.
6. Flash Test - Many stars unknowingly reveal too much by wearing thin fabric. Have a friend snap some highly-lit shots to avoid this red-carpet pitfall.
7. Poise Pose - While testing how the fabric looks on camera, practice your poses, choose the most flattering one, and make it your signature.
8. Slim and Sleek is What You Seek - With so many stars on the red carpet, you must be slim to maneuver and find your place to show your signature pose. Slim figures always show off clothes best, so yes, starving for a week is worth it if you want your photo in society pages.
9. Buy, Never Borrow - Borrowing clothes and accessories is beneath you. Show off your success, style, and exquisite taste. If you cannot afford the appropriate attire, you should not be at the event.
10. Know Your Designer - Though I think it gauche to discuss labels, it is now commonplace for everyone to ask, “Who are you wearing?”. Make sure you are wearing the season’s hottest design and you know who designed it.