Here’s Teri Hatcher at the 35th Annual People’s Choice Awards. What do you think about the getup?
Some may consider this formal style to look rather matronly, although it would depend on the person who is wearing it. This is a neat and smooth look on Teri Hatcher, that features asymmetry, giving the elegant low riding bun a new dimension.

Medium hairstyles, like that which Elizabeth Banks has, can still be worn in a formal updo as there is enough length to do so. She has lots of lift off the scalp which makes this elegant style even more exquisite.

The overall shape and placement of a formal style is quite important as it must appear balanced. This elaborate creation on Rumer Willis is quite exquisite and worthy of a special evening out on the town.

Charlize Theron at the Paris Premiere of "The Burning Plan".
Medium long hair may think that it is too short to be done in a formal updo, however, consider the alternative of a low-riding gathering like this one on Charlize Theron. You can curl the front section or sections into ringlets or opt to leave them straight as is demonstrated here.

When you have long, thick hair, it is amazing how elegant an updo will look when smoothed and pinned properly into place. Angie Harmon either has a massive bun on the back of her head or a sleek, turned under ponytail.

Kate Winslet at the 81st Annual Academy Awards.
Kate Winslet shows us a great way to transform medium length hair into a formal style for your evening out. Hair is curled under and secured in a tight roll from ear to ear in this retro 1940's inspired look.

Jemma McKenzie-Brown at the "Marley and Me" U.K. Premiere.
The wind is blowing this style a little, yet your can still see how it is classy, yet simple. Jemma McKenzie-Brown either has a formal updo in the back or a ponytail, while the front has free side sections and is banded with a natural hair plait, which is going to be seen more and more here for Spring.

Hilary Duff at the Mercedes-Benz IMG New York Fashion Week Fall 2009. New York City, USA.

Amber Stevens at the 59th Annual ACE Eddie Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Los Angeles, California, USA.

Or so this appears to be a French Twist with the telltale smooth, determined direction it takes on A small part, front and center, makes a statement in this look that entirely opens up the beauty of her face.