Nicole Richie at the Ella Moss 10th anniversary party

We’re longtime fans of Nicole Richie’s trendsetting style, and normally adore what she wears on the red carpet. That’s why we’ve missed her so much while she’s taken time out of the spotlight to focus on her growing family with hubby Joel Madden and her behind-the-scenes work on her amazing clothing and accessories line, House of Harlow. Recently, we spotted her at the Ella Moss 10th anniversary party in Los Angeles on Thursday, July 28th, looking better than ever – and we’re so glad she’s starting to make the red carpet rounds again!

The petite and pretty fashionista wore an amazing kimono-sleeved maxidress, and completed her dainty look with tough studded belt and matching cutout sandals. Read below for more details about her amazing summer ensemble – and learn how to create her hot weather beauty look at home!

Nicole is so tiny that she can easily pull off looks that a lot of women can’t. That’s why we love this long, flowing maxi on her – it’s a bold choice for a petite star, but she makes it look like it was made for her body. If you’re petite like Nicole, find a similar style at any price point this summer, and don’t worry about being swallowed up in so much billowy fabric. Take a cue from Nicole’s stylebook and cinch your waist with a fierce statement belt to keep the look grown up and chic, rather than princess-like.

As much as we love her dress and accessories, we think the keystone to Nicole’s hot weather look is her hair and makeup. She wore her blonde locks in two braids, which is one of summer’s biggest trends. Try the look at home, especially on days when you don’t have time to shampoo. Finish your star-approved plaits off with a swipe of vibrant berry lip stain for a Hollywood-inspired look that won’t melt in the August heat!

Just when we thought that no one could reinvent the little black dress, one of our favorite Hollywood fashionistas did just that. At the Givenchy runway show in Paris – part of Paris Fashion Week – on Sunday, March 6th at famed Palais de Tokyo, newlywed and mother of two Nicole Richie arrived in a leather LBD, with impeccable hair, makeup and accessories. Even though this look is simple and chic, there’s plenty to learn from Nicole’s sexy twist on the classic color. Keep reading to discover how to turn up the heat on your own simple black pieces.

Nicole has always had a knack for adding her own creative and unique twists to seemingly simple ensembles. Remember when she single-handedly brought back hippie-style headbands from the 1970s? That fashion phase was totally adorable – and her signature headbands made every outfit uniquely Nicole. For Paris Fashion Week, the starlet is doing the same thing with other classic pieces.

We love her look from top to bottom. For starters, her LBD fits her petite figure perfectly, and the leather fabric takes her otherwise ordinary dress up a few notches on the stylish yardstick. Even though it’s still freezing in France, Nicole dares to bare those perfectly tones legs on the red carpet – but balances her look out with the modest neckline of her dress. The sleeveless turtleneck style is a great option for this time of year, when the weather is just beginning to warm up – and Nicole wears the silhouette beautifully.

Nicole’s hair and accessories add another interesting twist to her black frock. We love that she opted for a slick top knot, rather than loose waves, and think her hairstyle lends a futuristic quality to her look. Her snakeskin platforms are an unexpected choice, and pop against her skin tone. The next time you’re reaching for your LBD, pump up the style with interesting accessories, like Nicole Richie!