Long, flowing hair is a great match for strapless formal dresses because it brings so much attention to the face and upper body.

Long hair also adds a youthful twist to formal wear (unlike a stiff updo) so it’s a great way to look updated and modern.

Here’s how to wear long hair with a formal dress:

#  Keep the volume under control with products designed to add texture and shine: structured curls (the kind you get with old-fashioned hot rollers) are out. Instead, opt for long loose waves or silky, stick-straight hair.

#  Long, sexy hair becomes the accessory, so go easy on other jewelry around the face. Earrings — which need to be oversized diamond studs or chandelier earrings to be seen with long hair — are all you need. Skip the necklace.

#  Take daytime hair into the night with a beautiful hair ornament or a look that is partially pulled up or back away from the face.

The biggest formal fashion mistake most women make is to pair a gorgeous dress with a frumpy, overly structured updo.

For the runway, hair stylists often choose an updo that features a high chignon that has loose ends.

The modern updo looks sleek but not too perfect, which adds to its appeal.

The headband took runways by storm at recent fashion shows. Paired with either long slick hair or slightly teased retro hair, the black headband is a great way to update even the most basic little black dress.

A low, loose ponytail gives formal dresses a casual chic twist. This look is best when paired with more natural-looking makeup and minimal jewelry.

Women over the age of 40 sometimes struggle with the chicest way to wear hair, feeling silly trying to pull off trendier looks like double buns or ponytails. The key to pulling off a bob with bangs for formal wear is to have lots of shine. A classic smoky eye and red lips are perfect partners for the shiny bob.

The beauty of a low, loose chignon is that it almost looks like an afterthought. When paired with a dress with a beautiful back detail — a back bow, a low-cut back — it’s a knockout.

For your most glamorous look, pull your hair back into a high, full ponytail. This hair style is perfect with halter-necks and strapless dresses and tops.

Don’t have the hair to pull this off? No problem: just pull hair back and clip on a fake ponytail that’s a good match to your haircolor.