Kate Bosworth: My Life on the Red Carpet

The actress, who hit the N.Y.C. premiere of 21 in a simple strapless Calvin Klein dress, says her wardrobe choices are “very much based on my mood. Sometimes I feel more bold, sometimes I feel more shy. Sometimes I feel experimental, even if I think some people may [or may not] like it. It doesn t matter. And I actually think it s interesting to step outside the box.”

Bosworth was pure romance at a post-Oscar party in a Valentino Couture dress that she describes as “one of my favorites. It felt like flowers just dripping down my body.”

Eschewing her usual feminine style, Bosworth says of her Chloe dress, “I was a little bit more rocker” at the Rock and Roll Earth Party in Los Angeles.

The actress calls her sheer Calvin Klein collection “quite risqué, although I didn t know it would be so risqué!” And she found out an unintentional side effect of the revealing neckline: “It was [written] everywhere that I had a boob job, which, clearly, I haven t.”

Bosworth heaps praise on Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz, who created this floating tent dress. “He’s so emotional, and it comes out in his clothes. It’s absolutely stunning. I loved that dress.”

Bosworth cut a striking flapper figure at the Met Costume Institute Ball in Prada. “I loved this,” she says. “This was one of my favorite looks. Not costumey, but back to Poiret, who they were honoring.”

In China, the actress chose her two-tone Fendi fur coat for a very practical reason. “I wasn’t going to wear this jacket, [but] it was absolutely freezing!” she says.

Also on her trip to China with Fendi, the star went for a more relaxed vibe in her swingy dress. “I love this. It s kind of that boyish, sexy vibe. And the Fendi shoes were really fun. And I loved wearing the tie.”

What’s better than a custom-made dress from New York’s hottest designers? Apparently nothing, as Bosworth tells PEOPLE of her 7th on Sale dress, “I felt bold and sexy. That dress was made by my very good friends Jack and Lazaro of Proenza Schouler.”