<em>Fashion Whip is a political style column in the Huffington Post by Lauren A. Rothman, inspired by Lauren's experience as the founder of <a href="http://styleauteur.com/" target="_hplink">styleauteur.com</a>, a style and fashion consulting firm.</em>

WASHINGTON -- Saturday night brings us the annual star-studded <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/white-house-correspondents-dinner/" target="_hplink">White House Correspondents' Dinner</a> at the legendary Hilton Hotel in Washington, DC. This year, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/09/white-house-correspondents-dinner-2013-guests_n_3045098.html" target="_hplink">Washington's best red carpet event</a> is getting even better: the red carpet, filled with politicos, media mavens, journalists and Hollywood celebs, is getting the glamorous fashion coverage it deserves by none other than E! Entertainment. The channel plans to live stream fashion and style coverage straight from the event.

So those of us without tickets will be watching E! from the comfort of our couches. But if you did score an invite, what should you wear?

Several popular fashion trends from last year are likely to make a comeback this weekend. The District's cool springtime temperatures should encourage a few long-sleeved looks -- follow in the footsteps of Kate Hudson (in Jenny Packham) or Kerry Washington (in Calvin Klein) and you may win best-dressed. Floral, whimsical looks are always in style during cherry blossom season -- First Lady Michelle Obama dazzled the crowd last year in a strapless, watercolor gown by Naeem Khan, as did Leslie Mann in a one-shoulder dress by the same designer.

Your best bet would be to stay on-trend and pop on the red carpet -- opt for bright colors to celebrate the season, rather than subdued hues, and play with peek-a-boo styles, one-shoulder cuts and a tasteful slit on the leg.

Whether you plan to pose for the paparazzi or simply stroll the red carpet, greeting fans staked out at the hotel, here are 3 tips to enjoy a stylish evening:

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