Although the red carpet may be thousands of miles away and not something many Penn State students will ever walk down in their lifetimes, the dresses that stars sport are easier to come by this season.

Charlene Rosen, owner of Mr. Charles Shop, 228 E. College Ave., said this year, more than ever, dress manufacturers have been copying trends worn at the Academy Awards and making them more affordable. But, she said, girls should go dress shopping with an open mind.

"Girls who look at magazines and come in with a preconceived idea of what they want don't necessarily think about what's right for them. Emphasize your good points," Rosen said.

But what's so different about what Penn State students are wearing to formals this year?

Emily Mazzie (sophomore-anthropology and art history), member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority, said her sorority's formal is coming up, and many girls are wearing different styles this year compared to last year. Some of the dresses feature fancier details, like lace and beading, she said.

"People are getting away from wearing black and wearing a lot more colorful, fun dresses," Mazzie said.

But Bob Steinbach, owner of Connections, 130 S. Allen St., said his top sellers for college formals are still sexy little black dresses.

"That's what college kids go for," he said.

Along with the importance of the color of this year's formal dresses, length and style are other factors to keep in mind when choosing the perfect dress.

Rosen said there are no rights or wrongs in length, but the most important aspect is that a dress be flattering in both style and color. And, since many college students lack the funds to buy a new dress each time they go to a formal, she also suggested investing in a dress you can wear more than once.

"Color is up to the individual. Just remember that if you buy black, you can wear it year-round, while pastels don't wear well beyond Labor Day," she said. "Sometimes spending more money for one dress can be less expensive than buying many inexpensive dresses, and you can look dynamite."

Whether men have a choice in their formal attire, or if they will be stuck in the plain old "monkey suits" worn by their forefathers, is another question that is posed during this year's formal season.

Steinbach said although many college men wear shirts and ties for semiformals, many college customers who come in to find tuxedos for formals hosted by their organizations.

"Classic black tuxedos are still in style, but pinstriped tuxes are a newer trend, as well as colored ties, which may or may not match the color of their date's dress, depending on their own personal decision," he said.

Steinbach also said his best advice for college men looking to find tuxedos for a formal is be to call around and find the best prices and, most importantly, to shop around for the best service, since the key to the perfect tuxedo is how it fits.

"My shop is open every day to give service to students who have classes all day," he said.

Jason Pullman (junior-public relations) said although he did not wear a tuxedo to his formal last weekend, he did wear a black suit with white pinstripes. As far as his opinion on what the ladies are wearing, Pullman said most guys like to see a girl in something pretty and simple.

"As long as it is sexy but still classy, any guy will like it," he said.

Now what many students have to decide is which, out of all the dresses they try, is the one that is going to make them the belle of the ball.

"A girl can take as long as she wants to buy a dress. Just remember that you have to be realistic and that you are the one who is wearing the dress, so find a great dress, look in the mirror and, if you feel good about yourself, buy it," Rosen said. "Don't make the search an epic."