Brian Ach/Getty; Inset: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Vanessa Hudgens only chopped her hair in July, but already, she’s going long. The actress showed up inside the Moët & Chandon suite at the U.S. Open in New York on Monday sporting some surprisingly lengthy locks. So what gives?

“I do love my short hair, but sometimes you just want to change things up a bit,” she told InStyle.com. “Tonight, I wanted to go boho. Short hair wouldn’t really work with this hat, so I just pulled these [extensions] out of my bag and clipped them in.”

Easy enough! Hudgens debuted the dramatic, cropped hairstyle earlier this summer, part of her physical transformation for her role in the upcoming film Gimme Shelter. “It was a completely new person,” she told PEOPLE at the time. “I really did look like a boy.” Tell us: Do you prefer Hudgens with long or short hair?

WEIGH IN ON STAR HAIR CHANGES IN ‘WHAT’S HER BEST HAIR?’

National Photo Group, James Devaney/WireImage, Fame

What do Mena Suvari, Ashley Olsen and Vanessa Hudgens have in common? Their appreciation for some seriously ravaged denim!

On Saturday, American Horror Story star Suvari covered up in a fur-lined parka, leopard scarf and combat booties. Her only ventilation? Seriously slashed denim.

That same day, Olsen stepped out in N.Y.C. sporting a menswear-inspired overcoat, a doctor’s bag by The Row and black skinnies — with conspicuously cut-out knees.

Two days later, Hudgens, whose penchant for throwback looks has not gone unnoticed this year, rounded out the trifecta. Wearing a cropped shearling and vintage-style accessories, the star completed her look with (what else?) distressed denim.

We’re always open to Hollywood-inspired trends, but want to know what you think. Tell us: Are ripped jeans a trend or simply a dead end?

–Justine Harman

WEIGH IN ON MORE STAR STYLE IN ‘LAST NIGHT’S LOOK: HIT OR MISS?’

Ramey, WireImage, Courtesy Brooklyn Decker, WireImage, Fame, BEImages, WireImage (2)

There were shags and bobs, bangs and pixies, and all sorts of crazy new looks in 2011. It seems that most stars wanted a change this year, and many of them made one — in the form of a big haircut.

Katherine Heigl freshened her look in March with a close cut (and new color). And of course there was the haircut heard ’round the world — Jennifer Aniston‘s February chop! Model Brooklyn Decker let her stylist take a whopping 10 inches off of her long blonde locks, while Evan Rachel Wood debuted a flattering short cut that took her into summer.

Of course there was Vanessa Hudgens, who went super-short for a role and later flirted with extensions. And don’t forget Julianne Hough, who, after going from blonde to brunette to blonde, took a few inches off of her do. New moms loved Ali Larter‘s latest look, while Glee‘s Dianna Agron chopped her tresses live on camera.

So many haircuts — and that’s probably not even the half of them! What do you think? Which star had the best haircut of 2011?

TRY ON STARS’ LATEST CUTS IN ‘INSTANT MAKEOVER’

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No snow? No problem! Some of Hollywood’s hottest ladies chose to hit the beach this weekend, flaunting their fab figures in itty-bitty bikinis that we totally loved.

Rihanna continued her Barbados visit in a stringy orange suit by Missoni, days after Tweeting a photo of herself in a colorful two-piece. New mom Jessica Alba put her post-baby body on display in a bandeau in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, taking to the sand in several bright bikinis over the course of her vacation.

Meanwhile, Vanessa Hudgens brought the heat to Miami, frolicking with her new beau while wearing a crocheted black peek-a-boo one-piece, which she hid under overalls. And television hostess Maria Menounos, also in Miami, looked white-hot in a girly suit with patterned detail. Think we’ll be booking that beach vacation shortly … Tell us: Did you spend New Year’s Eve somewhere warm?

SEE HOW THE STARS PARTIED ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

Michael Kovac/WireImage

Though Vanessa Hudgens is consistently glam on the red carpet, even her favorite looks get relegated to the back of the closet.

“I go to a bunch of events,” she tells PEOPLE. “Normally when I wear a dress, I only wear it once.”

Taking advantage of this stylish surplus, the actress is auctioning off the one-of-kind Candie’s Couture gown she wore to last year’s MTV Movie Awards (left), with all proceeds benefiting Stand Up 2 Cancer.

“I’m just trying to raise awareness,” she says of the endeavor, which starts Monday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. EST/ 4 p.m. PST. “It’s exciting.”

Other things she’s excited about include her new website, VanessaHudgensOfficial, where she blogs about film and music — and posts personal photos, thanks to the iPhone app Instagram. “It’s slightly addicting,” she says, laughing. “You can take a picture of a cup and it will look incredible.”

When it comes to looking good on days off, she relies on a fail-proof ensemble: “A funky long dress with a bunch of bracelets and a bunch of necklaces and a cool floppy hat.”

And while she and pal Ashley Tisdale often buy the same things — “It’s always been like that,” she shares — Hudgens relies on personal flair to avoid identical outfits. ”It’s all about accessorizing,” she says. “As long as you accessorize, you can make anything yours.”

Head over to eBay right now to make Vanessa’s sexy silver column yours!

–Justine Harman

SEE MORE STAR-LOVED ITEMS IN ‘I REALLY LOVE MY …’

Jason Merritt/Getty

Vanessa Hudgens is sticking to her New Year’s resolution. The Journey 2: The Mysterious Island star donned a tangerine Tibi dress to The 5th Annual Women In Film Pre-Oscar Party in Beverly Hills recently, and told PEOPLE it’s all part of the 2012 plan.

“My New Year’s resolution is to start wearing colors, and with this I just wanted to do something simple and classy,” she explained.

The bright hue wasn’t the only change for Hudgens: she recently swapped her hair extensions for a naturally shorter do. And the neck-grazing style definitely suits the actress — for now. “I was sick of having stuff in my hair,” she said. “I love change [and] I can’t keep the same hairstyle for very long. It’s just fun to reinvent yourself.”

Perhaps all this change came about because of Hudgens’s recent travels with boyfriend Austin Butler. “I went to Rome for the first time,” she revealed of their trip, “and I feel more inspired than I’ve ever been.”

–Michelle Ward

VOTE ON STARS’ MOST STYLISH MOMENTS IN ‘LAST NIGHT’S LOOK: HIT OR MISS?’

Splash News Online; J. Steinberg/Pacific Coast News; JG/Limelight

Do your plans for Monday evening include a grill? Two questions: Can we join you? And what are you wearing?

We won’t be offended if the answer to the first question is ‘No,’ but we’d love to help you choose an outfit! Here are three of our picks for the perfect Memorial Day ensemble:

Take a cue from Vanessa Hudgens and try a high-low dress that’s breezy and basic. Her “Windsong” frock by Local Celebrity is $115; paired with a waist-cinching belt, statement necklace and simple sandals, it’d be the perfect pick for a day with pals. (Just don’t forget a cardigan in case it gets chilly.)

If you’d prefer pants, follow Jessica Alba‘s lead and build an outfit of summery hues. Her cuffed peach pants look perfect with her aqua top, cropped denim jacket and lightweight scarf. A bright bag, slick shades and sparkly shoes (like these, from TOMS, $54), make it effortless.

Another option is copying Taylor Swift‘s basics, which you probably already have in your closet: a short-sleeved white blouse and shorts. Add flats, a purse, sunglasses and pretty hair and you’ve got yourself a picture-perfect outfit.

What are you planning to wear out this evening? Have any summer style favorites so far?

SHOP STAR LOOKS — FOR LESS!

Pacific Coast News, Rex USA, Wireimage

Fashion flashback alert! The hippie-chic look is back in full force these days, thanks in part to the resurgence of floral headpieces.

We first saw the accessory at the Coachella Music Festival, where Vanessa Hudgens and Paris Hilton both sported Cult Gaia rose crowns ($75). Although we weren’t shocked to spot the topper at the festival since Woodstock-worthy ensembles are encouraged, we were surprised to see these babies on the red carpet.

For a party in Beverly Hills last week, Ashlee Simpson finished off her white Free People maxi dress with a floral headpiece; similarly, Kirsten Dunst brought some whimsical flair to the Cannes Film Festival thanks to the blooming Dolce & Gabbana headband she teamed with her crisp white textured sheath.

Any type of headpiece is statement making — whether it’s a fedora, fascinator or even a visor — but this style definitely adds a distinct vibe to an outfit. However, we recommend proceeding with caution: follow Dunst and Simpson’s leads by pairing the groovy piece with modern clothes so you don’t look too costumey. Tell us: Would you wear a floral headband? Vote in our poll below!

–Jennifer Cress

SHOP THESE STAR TRENDS WORTH TRYING

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty

–Taylor Swift reverts to her pre-breakover self in her new Keds campaign [InStyle]

–Vanessa Hudgens swapped her long locks for a short shoulder-length crop. Perhaps Nicole Richie was her inspiration? [StyleBistro]

–Remember those rumors about Rachel Zoe’s line being in trouble? Well the star addresses them in the new season of The Rachel Zoe Project [Racked]

–Whoa! Women spent $768 million dollars on nail polish in 2012! [Fashionista]

–Do you deserve a spot on Vanity Fair‘s iconic Best Dressed List? Well, you can now nominate yourself [Refinery29]

RTNPluvious/Picturegroup

Vanessa Hudgens seemingly has a great life, bouncing from coast to coast to appear at red carpet events and awards show. But managing to look equally stylish in one sunny city and one snowy spot? Not so simple.

“It’s horrible,” Hudgens said of dressing for frigid New York City. “I bundle up like crazy … it’s not easy.”

The Spring Breakers star, who chatted with PEOPLE at the launch of juniors line L’Amour Nanette Lepore for J.C. Penney in Manhattan last week, said warmth is her highest priority in the winter. “I literally wear like seven layers, I don’t care if it looks good,” she shared. “I’m like functionality over fashion when it comes to cold.”

In Los Angeles, she’s used to “wearing short-shorts and bikini tops,” she said, but at the party, Hudgens opted for black slacks, a pastel peach blouse and a faux leather L’Amour jacket. “I can’t live without my leather jacket. I wear it like every day,” she shared. “It’s so easy to throw on.”

Perhaps we’ll find some faux leather pieces in the star’s impending clothing line, which she revealed she’s in the process of creating now. “I got myself a sewing machine and I’m working on it in my spare time,” she explained. Expect to see that signature boho style Hudgens adores, plus a little influence from Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, her fashion icons. As she said, “I want my line to be really personal and perfect.”

–Janine Rayford

PHOTOS: VOTE ON THESE CELEB FASHION HITS AND MISSES!

Wireimage(2); Getty

Who: Ashley Benson, Vanessa Hudgens and Selena Gomez

Where: At the Paris premiere of Spring Breakers

Diagnosis: This was a particularly challenging case for our style surgeons, because there are so many problems presenting themselves. Each star suffers individually from an acute case of “Look at Me!” syndrome, with the end result being that all three of them next to each other causes dizziness and bewilderment in onlookers. Additionally, each star’s look has one toxic element that’s poisoning the rest of their ensemble, and we’re not sure they can recover.

Prescription: A strong dose of the style equivalent of a Valium to tone down every outfit. Once each look has been heavily sedated, the disorienting side effects should abate considerably. As a preventive measure for the future, we recommend the girls exchange their stylists’ numbers to ensure that this over-the-top red carpet clashing does not recur.

Tell us: How would you “cure” these stars’ style?

–Alex Apatoff

Byron Purvis/AdMedia/Splash News Online

With the Oscars a mere two days away, we’ve got red carpet attire on the brain. And if star style continues as it has been for the past week, we’ll be seeing be lots of stiff hairstyles — and possibly a few midriff sightings! — on Hollywood’s biggest night. And surprisingly, we’re betting to see fewer nude dresses than ever before. Here’s why:

Up: Slicked-Back Hair. Have certain stars been borrowing their boyfriends’ hair gel? Anna Paquin, Emmy Rossum and Jennifer Lawrence all have sported severe, almost wet-looking hairdos, a major departure from the soft waves that ordinarily dominate the red carpet.

Up: Crop Tops. A few weeks ago it was all about shrunken sweaters, and now stars are trying belly-baring tops of every kind: long-sleeve, short-sleeve and even tanks. Vanessa Hudgens, Nicole Richie and Brooklyn Decker all flashed their toned tummies this week. This would definitely be a daring style for any star to try at the Academy Awards, but after seeing racy sheer gowns and backless dresses in the past, we certainly wouldn’t be surprised if it’s the abs’ time to shine.

Down: Nude Dresses. Skin-tone gowns were everywhere at the Golden Globes, but since then, the barely-there shade has been simmering on the back burner. In fact, Jessica Chastain (in ballet-inspired Dior) was one of the only stars this week to step out in a nude dress. We’re hoping stars keep things interesting, ditching the sometimes-yawn-inducing hue for more bold, head-turning colors.

For more on which trends to follow check out our thoughts on navy, platforms and polka dots.

Tell us: Which trend do you hope to see at the Oscars? Vote in our poll below! 

–Jennifer Cress

PHOTOS: SEE OUR FAVORITE DRESSES OF AWARDS SEASON — SO FAR!

Courtesy DVF Loves Roxy

Vanessa Hudgens spends most of Spring Breakers in a bikini, so she knows a little something about swimsuits. Which is why we take her endorsement of the DVF Loves Roxy swimsuit collection very seriously.

“For Spring Breakers I wore a bathing suit every single day for, like, two months straight, so I just kind of want to burn them!” she joked to PEOPLE at Tuesday night’s launch party for the collaboration. But she’ll make an exception for this swimwear collection, because “these are very chic and kind of high fashion. They are really girly.”

Hudgens dished that DVF Loves Roxy suits are a “good thing to rock … on a hot day at a music festival,” adding, “They are beautiful and vibrant and kind of have a vintage feel to them. So you mix that with a bathing suit and I think that’s pretty hot.”

And while she’s loved playing dress-up for the Spring Breakers press tour (her favorite look was at the Paris premiere), she’s more than ready for sundress season.

“[I can't wait for] barely-there clothes because I am so sick of being covered up,” she said. “I am ready to feel flowy and breezy. I’m excited to be in the sun!”

Shop the DVF Loves Roxy collection online at the DVF and Roxy websites, and tell us: What can’t you wait to wear this summer?

–Alex Apatoff, reporting by Lorina Lana

PHOTOS: SEE MORE STAR BIKINI PICS HERE!

Dee Cercone/Everett

Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Benson and Selena Gomez (at left, with James Franco) all agree on one thing about their Spring Breakers experience: They never want to see those bikinis again.

Hudgens had already told us she wanted to burn hers, and at the film’s L.A. premiere, her costars concurred.

“I was over the orange top and the green little bottoms. It was a pain, actually!” Gomez says of her ill-fitting suit. And Benson agreed that she’d send her bathing suit straight to the incinerator — though it wasn’t because she had to starve herself to wear it.

RELATED: Check out more stars in sexy swimwear!

“I trained, worked out and went on a clean diet for a month,” Benson says of her pre-film routine. “And then I get there and [director Harmony Korine] is like, ‘You guys need to gain weight.’ And I’m like ‘Oh my God, I just spent all this money on a trainer. I did a complete diet and now you want me to eat Taco Bell?!’ I love eating anyway, so it’s fine!”

And Benson says Gomez was her partner in crime to load up on greasy eats during the filming. “I love fast food. It’s so bad, and [Selena] brings it out in me. Always at McDonald’s,” she shares. “I never go to McDonald’s, but every time I’m with Selena, she makes me eat so bad. But it’s so good, I love it!”

Tell us: Are you going to check out ‘Spring Breakers’? And can you believe the stars got ready for the shoot with fast food?

–Alex Apatoff, reporting by Melody Chiu

RELATED PHOTOS: How stars stay svelte!

Stacie McChesney/NBC

For a while this week, Vanessa Hudgens had a 100% “Love It” vote (now still a strong 96%) in “Last Night’s Look,” and we weren’t a bit surprised.

That’s because her sunny $495 Alice + Olivia “Taryn” dress, worn with golden Jerome C. Rousseau heels, Doves earrings and a $41K (!) Demarco flower ring, was a personal best for the star.

RELATED PHOTOS: See star style from every angle — then vote for your favorite!

Her olive complexion and phenomenally fit figure are both perfect for the clingy, bright dress, and the accessories are spot-on. We’d like to advise her to tack this above her mirror to help fight her natural impulse to go over-the-top.

A close second this week was Stacy Keibler in snow-white Escada and nude heels, with a 94% “Love It” vote. There seems to be an important lesson to be learned from these two striking celebs: often, the simplest looks make the biggest impact.

Was Hudgens your best-dressed star this week? If not, who was?

–Alex Apatoff

PHOTOS: See more star style in “Last Night’s Look: Love It or Leave it?”

FameFlynet; Wireimage; Invision/AP

We were hesitant to believe the ’90s were back when Saint Laurent sent grunge down the runway, or when our style icon Diane Kruger wore overalls or we saw tie-dyed jeans out and about.

But there’s no denying that the decade has returned in a big way with this latest development: Spring Breakers stars Vanessa Hudgens and Selena Gomez have been sporting face jewelry and faux-bindis, just like Gwen Stefani did back in the day.

PHOTOS: Do these star beauty looks work? Vote in our gallery!

Hudgens (left) wore hers with sparkly accents around her eyebrows to rock out at Coachella, while Gomez’s (right) was for a performance of her Bollywood-flavored song “Come & Get It” at the MTV Movie Awards. And lest you think Gomez was just doing it as part of a costume, we just spotted her leaving the Ellen set with another similar style.

But do they measure up to the original statement bindi-wearer, Stefani, who famously wore hers with blue pigtail buns at the 1998 Grammys? Tell us in the comments below.

–Alex Apatoff

JPA/AFF-USA

Every girl loves a spa day!

That’s why Vanessa Hudgens and celebrity skincare guru Sonya Dakar joined up with nonprofit Wish Upon a Teen to provide a day of pampering and beauty treatments for cancer-stricken teens and their mothers.

“I love kids, and I’ve been able to meet kids who have been dealing with cancer and their parents,” Hudgens told PEOPLE about the Mother’s Day event held at Sonya Dakar’s Beverly Hills clinic. “Just seeing the emotional strain, it’s really nice [that] events are held where the parents and the teens can get together and just relax and be pampered.”

Hudgens added, “It’s a really great opportunity for everyone to hang out and feel like a princess, which is always nice.”

Teens from the Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA and their moms enjoyed facials, makeup and lash applications, hair styling and manicures — the latter of which happens to be Hudgens’s personal favorite beauty indulgence.

“I am nail obsessed,” says the actress, currently rocking a white manicure decked out in rhinestones (above). “I can’t not have crazy nails. I’m just addicted.”

Her other beauty addiction? “I’m obsessed with mascaras,” Hudgens admits. “I can’t leave the house without it!”

Currently in her mascara rotation: “Right now I’ve been running around and working out, so I wear Diorshow Waterproof Mascara because it doesn’t run. [I also love] Voluminous by L’Oreal. It’s a great layering mascara.”

While Hudgens says she loves also indulging in the occasional massage, her favorite part about any spa day is just having some quality girl time.

“It’s the best time, when you can put your guard down and not have to any walls up and just be carefree, and have fun and be silly and girly!” she says. And judging by the photos from Dakar’s Twitter feed (below), the teens got to do just that.

Tell us: What’s your favorite beauty pick-me-up?

–Alex Apatoff

Thank you @wishuponateen @eatpaleta @chinaglaze @stilacosmetics @ardell_lashes & Paul Ohana for most beautiful day! twitter.com/sonyadakar/sta…

— Sonya Dakar(@sonyadakar) April 30, 2013

AKM-GSI

Vanessa Hudgens takes a lot of fashion risks that the rest of us might not.

But she often looks so cute doing so, we’re tempted to give it a try.

Does that apply to this look, at left, in which the star pairs a sweet striped sundress with knee-high, lace-up boots and socks to match?

Let us know in the poll below if you’re loving the look, and leave answers in the comments — your thoughts may be in an upcoming issue of PEOPLE StyleWatch!

Startraks(2), Getty(2), FameFlynet

When we first saw the resurgence of white pumps on the red carpet, they were worn only by very fashion-forward stars (think: Rihanna) — so we didn’t rush to Zappos right away.

But over the last year, we’ve seen the ’80s-tacular trend gaining momentum, on stars who perhaps aren’t quite as avant-garde.

PHOTOS: Vote on more bold star trends in Obsessed or Hot Mess?

And now that we’ve spotted at least five pairs of the pumps in the last week alone — worn by stars as diverse as Kate Hudson (left) and Eva Longoria (second from right) — we’re realizing this is a trend we can’t just ignore.

What we love about the five stars in this lineup is that they prove to us just how diverse the tricky trend can be. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s (second from left) Jean-Michel Cazabat pumps add unexpected spice to her Michael Kors strapless sheath; on Vanessa Hudgens they’re sweet and girlie when worn with denim; and they look sleek and mod with Nicole Richie‘s matching swing dress (right).

So now that it’s clear that this trend is really, really happening, are you on board? Or is it too much of a throwback for you?

–Alex Apatoff

FameFlynet

Who: Vanessa Hudgens

Where: Shopping in West Hollywood

Diagnosis: Stevie Nicks, John Lennon and a Victorian widow walk into Vanessa Hudgens’s closet… You’ll have to forgive us for making a joke at a serious time like this. In fact, this could be fatal. The combination of clogs, choker, granny glasses, embroidered sheer gown and fringed moss-colored shawl jacket is the very definition of overkill.

RELATED PHOTOS: Vote on questionable star style in “Obsessed or Hot Mess?”

Prognosis: Vanessa, no one wants you to give up your boho edge. It wouldn’t be a real Coachella without you. We’re just gently suggesting you go with one element at a time to avoid taking your look from pretty to parody. Put that jacket with a great-fitting pair of jeans and we wouldn’t even blink an eye. One more thing: We’re afraid we’ll have to quarantine those clogs in case they’re contagious.
–Alex Apatoff

Tell us: Do you agree, or are you into her outfit?