Red Dresses the Real Winners at the 2011 Emmy Awards

Kate Winslet in Ellie Saab

Each year, television’s biggest stars parade down the red carpet of the Emmy Awards draped in Hollywood’s most talented designers’ dresses, and this year did not disappoint. While there were a variety of unique looks—Modern Family’s Julie Bowen and The Good Wife’s Juliana Margulies come to mind—the theme of the night gave a nod to old-Hollywood glamour, and no trend made this more apparent than the influx of red floor-length gowns.

From winner Kate Winslet’s stunning Ellie Saab number to Lea Michele’s luxe Marchesa piece, the dresses showed the versatility of this almost-universally flattering shade. But you don’t have to be a starlet to shine in scarlet—anyone can feel sophisticated with a dress in this hue. The key is to ensure the dress fits right and is cared for correctly.

Unlike these stars, you would probably like to get a little more than one night out of this investment. So to make sure you can wear that gorgeous gown again, remember these important tips:

1. Do your homework. Ask for a recommendation from the retailer or designer where you purchased your gown.
2. The brighter the color, the more likely that the dye could be unstable and possibly result in color loss. Make sure your fabricare professional adequately tests multiple areas of the garment before processing, and always opt for hand cleaning when available.
3. If you spill, don’t panic! Gently blot the stain-- do not rub as it could result in damage to the finish. Bring the garment to your fabricare professional as soon as possible.
4. Make sure to ask your fabricare specialist if they inspect your gown in full spectrum light. Invisible stains dry clear (white wine, champagne, etc.) and must be located so they can be removed before processing to avoid permanent damage.
5. Should your gown have embellishments and trims that may require hand cleaning, make sure that service is available and will be performed by experienced technicians.
6. When it comes to finishing, insist that the garment is pressed completely by hand to avoid unsightly shine and impressions.
7. In between wearing, make sure your beloved piece is stored in a cool environment with adequate airflow and minimal exposure to light.

Follow these tips and you too can look like a celeb time and time again.

Below are some of our favorite crimson looks of the night. What was yours?

Sophia Vergara in Vera Wang

Adrianne Palicki in Dolce & Gabbana

Kerry Washington in Zuhair Murad

Lea Michele in Marchesa