Lucy Liu.

Byline: --KATE SULLIVAN

There are celebrities who rarely stray from by-the-book red-carpet dresses. Then there are those who so live to shock and draw flashbulbs that they become predictable, too. Lucy Liu is one of the few who can pull off both understated and outrageous and never bore anyone. Draped, ruched, and ruffled--Liu likes all three in her more classic moments. A low-cut, halter-neck black gown is livened up with a bow and layers of lacy fabric; a floor-sweeping white dress has a flattering draped neckline and ruched waist. She's also partial to closed-toe pumps--unusual in the age of the pedicure-baring stiletto. But when the event calls for it, Liu goes fashion rogue: wearing an accordion-pleated pink bolero over a dress instead of a prim coat, a gold headpiece rather than a typical necklace, or a brilliant pink sheath with a pair of aggressive over-the-elbow leather gloves. She clearly follows her own style handbook.

Red Alert

"It must be a phase we're going through!" says makeup artist Erin Monroe of Lucy Liu's near-constant red-stained lips. Monroe says that Liu likes the color to look "fresh and interesting" with whatever she's wearing. A red with blue undertones flatters her skin most, and Monroe takes care to make the rest of Liu's face flawless. "The right color will still look wrong unless you eliminate any redness around the nose and chin," she says.

CAPTION(S):

February 7, 2008. In New York City wearing an Alberta Ferretti coat and Burberry sunglasses, carrying a Valentino bag.

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