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 …’

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

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’

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?’

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?’

Heavy metal reigned at the MTV Video Music Awards last night, as a bevy of beauties hit the black carpet in stunning metallic gowns.

Demi Lovato shimmered in Mandalay’s metallic silver jewel-encrusted dress, paired with equally shiny shoes. Newlywed Kim Kardashian took a little sparkle away from her engagement ring in a plunging v-neck KaufmanFranco gown, which featured a sexy, cutout back. Victoria Justice continued the trend, sporting a one-of-a-kind metallic leather and metal fringe cocktail dress by Theia. And Vanessa Hudgens shimmied into an after-party wearing a floor-length silver gown highlighted by a necklace, two cuffs and a cocktail ring from Jewelry by Nola.

Selena Gomez also brought some shine to the stage, wearing a charcoal beaded high-neck mod dress by Jenny Packham while presenting with Taylor Lautner, and Jersey Shore‘s Jenni “J-Woww” Farley cleaned up in a glimmering, three-quarter-sleeved mini. Talk about shine control! Tell us: What do you think of the metallic trend?  

–Kate Hogan

SEE ALL THE VMAS’ STYLE STARS

She may still be getting accustomed to her drastic hair make-under — a change for her latest film, Gimme Shelter — but Vanessa Hudgens isn’t having problems glamming up her new short do. The actress showed off her super-cropped locks Tuesday night at the Los Angeles premiere of Captain America, and for the big event, her stylist amped up the sex appeal on her new cut. “I first transformed her haircut by removing the weight from the sides, creating more texture and movement and opening up her face,” shares stylist Jamal Hammadi. Next, he straightened her waves with a large round wooden brush, then used a 1-in. hair iron to create curls around Hudgens’s head. “I pulled [them] apart with the hands, giving it height and separation that makes the texture look natural, chic and effortless.” He finished by teasing her hair starting from the roots, then brushed his fingers through her hair once more before she walked out the door. Voilà! Tell us: Would you try Hudgens’s short do? –Kim Peiffer

Fame

SEE MORE HOW-TOS IN ‘GET THE LOOK: STAR BEAUTY’

For her role in the upcoming Gimme Shelter, Vanessa Hudgens didn’t just play her character — she became her character. “The tattoo, the hair, the clothes, the piercings, the attitude, the everything,” she tells PEOPLE. “The walk, the talk … it was a completely new person. I really did look like a boy.” Gaining 10 lbs. for the role, plus chopping her hair and adding several piercings “automatically puts you into a different headspace,” she says. “Not to mention the places we were filming. We were in the grimiest, dirtiest places, and I was fighting every day, being fought, being beat down and it was all extremely draining even though it was acting.” Speaking to PEOPLE Monday at Neutrogena’s Wave for Change event in Los Angeles, the actress, still sporting cropped hair, said life has calmed since filming — and aside from a summer of skydiving and tattooing, she’s happy to be helping a good cause. “I love working with charities, I love children, and there is so much we can do,” she said. “Wave for Change makes it super easy for kids to make a difference and give back.” Hudgens, Hayden Panettiere and Miranda Cosgrove each designed a tote bag for Wave for Change, available through Aug. 31 for those who purchase two Neutrogena products at Target. For each product purchased, Neutrogena will donate one dollar to globalgiving.org — up to $250,000. Hudgens explained that her tote was made to help disaster relief victims. “It’s ‘Hope,’ because everybody needs hope in times of need,” she said. “Some of the inspiration came from the movie … my character names her baby Hope.” Panettiere, also a face of Neutrogena, told PEOPLE that hers was designed with animal charities in mind. “It’s in the shape of a heart, but it’s made up of dolphins and whales and birds and stingrays and swordfish,” she explained. “It was definitely a collaboration.” –Reporting by Reagan Alexander

SEE MORE ON-SET STYLE IN ‘LIGHTS! CAMERA! FASHION!’

Trendy stars like Vanessa Hudgens, Hayden Panettiere and Miranda Cosgrove are taking a fashionable approach to charity! To celebrate the second year of Neutrogena’s Wave for Change campaign — a charitable intiative that makes it easy for teens to give back and support those in need — the leading ladies (and Neutrogena brand ambassadors) have each designed a signature tote bag with a different cause in mind. “My tote bag [right] is benefiting disaster relief projects here in the United States,” Hudgens tells PEOPLE. “It’s cool that you can help others and get a fun, fashionable bag. It was fun to design and it’s the perfect tote for summer to use when shopping or even by the pool or at the beach.” Panettiere designed her tote [left] for environmental charities and Miranda Cosgrove made hers [center] to benefit educational causes. Other stars are getting involved, too — by supporting their famous friends! “Hayden … did a beautiful job,” pal and fellow Neutrogena ambassador Emma Roberts said. “I think I am going to use hers so I can show support for the campaign and also have a great summer tote.” The stars’ Wave for Change bags are available July 1 through Aug. 31 for those who purchase two Neutrogena products at Target. And for every Neutrogena acne, cleansing or cosmetics product sold, the company will donate $1 to GlobalGiving.org — up to $250,000! Visit neutrogena.com/waveforchange for details. Tell us: Which Neutrogena Wave for Change tote is your favorite? –Kim Peiffer

YOU ASKED, WE FOUND: STAR LOOKS

Which of Hollywood’s style stars had readers buzzing this week? Don’t miss our top stories!

–Coco Arquette debuts purple and blue hair the day before her birthday; was her new look inspired by Aunt Patricia? READ IT

–Eva Longoria admits that she wears braces — and owns countless pairs of heels. READ IT

–Angelina Jolie‘s first ad for the Louis Vuitton “Core Values” campaign is revealed. READ IT

–The Duchess of Cambridge handles a long weekend of royal engagements in style! READ IT

–Vanessa Hudgens flaunts her flirty side in a series of new fall ads for Candie’s. READ IT

Vanessa Hudgens is working her flirty side in her second campaign for Candie’s! The starlet — first announced as the new face of the line in January — is part of the brand’s fall campaign for Kohl’s, showcasing a series of rules known as ‘Candie’s-ism’s,’ like ‘Candie’s girls believe you can do anything in heels.’ So does Hudgens subscribe to any fashion rules? “The more I grow up, the more I’ve been comfortable with my style, therefore allowing me to really experiment with all different looks,” she told PEOPLE during the shoot, which took place in California in April. “I’m extremely inspired by the ’60s and ’70s. I adore Bianca Jagger and Cher.” But her fashion role models don’t always influence her daytime and evening looks. When asked if she prefers edgy or conservative fashions, she says it “depends on the occasion. That’s why I love Candie’s. You can rock it out or be a pink princess.” Considered a burgeoning style icon herself, she admires her contemporaries, as well. “I think Miley [Cyrus] has amazing style. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Ashley Tisdale of course … Blake Lively,” she says. “They all play with fashion and have fun with it!” (As do former Candie’s girls Britney Spears and Fergie). Hudgens’s national campaign debuts in magazines this fall, and merchandise will be available exclusively at Kohl’s and kohls.com in the months ahead. And to be a part of the campaign, Candie’s is giving fans the opportunity to choose its next TV commercial. Go to facebook.com/candies to cast your vote. Tell us: What do you think of Hudgens’s flirty Candie’s ads? –Kim Peiffer

Courtesy Candie’s

Courtesy Candie’s

SEE VANESSA HUDGENS’S SINGLE-GIRL STYLE

She may be a supermodel-turned-actress, but Brooklyn Decker is still a bargain hunter. “I love a good sale,” the Just Go With It star admitted to reporters in New York recently. “I grew up in North Carolina so the whole New York fashion thing is still somewhat new. It’s only been five years since I’ve even been here so a good sale is always easy on the eyes and easy on the wallet.” Fêting the launch of the latest fashion flash sale site, Amazon’s MYHABIT.COM, Decker even rocked her favorite on-sale purchase: “They’re Dolce & Gabbana, they’re lace booties and I got them 20 percent off at one of the flash sale sites online. I love them.” And Decker wasn’t the only one sporting a discounted designer buy that night. For Vanessa Hudgens, it was her accessory choice for the evening. “This bag! Good ol’ Givenchy. I loved the hardware.” Tell us: What was your best bargain buy? –Shruti Dhalwala

SHOP MORE DISCOUNTS IN ‘GUESS THE STAR BARGAIN’

She’s rocked both real and fake tattoos, but Vanessa Hudgens says she’s just getting started on the body art. “I will hopefully get more tattoos,” the Sucker Punch star told PEOPLE on Wednesday at the West Hollywood release party of pal Ashley Tisdale‘s DVD, Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure. “I’m very obsessed recently. I still only have one, but I’m waiting for one of my friends to go get one so that I can come with, and bring my mom and my best friend.” Why would she bring family along for the experience? “My sister is on her way for a piercing, and me and my mom are going to do the tattoos,” she shared. Appearing at the bash with what appeared to be a much shorter do, the actress explained, “I started getting cut crazy, but tonight I just tucked it under because I haven’t had time to do my hair this evening. I think I might have it long soon again though for the music festivals and whatnot. But I think it’s fun. I just love changing my look. I get bored with it being stagnant.” So which style stars does she turn to when she’s ready for a change? “I like looks like Bianca Jagger and looks from the ’60s and ’70s, like classic movie stars,” she said. “Just interesting, cool, eclectic looks.” Tell us: Would you get tattooed with your mom? –Dahvi Shira

SEE MORE OF HUDGENS’S LOOKS IN ‘VANESSA’S SINGLE-GIRL STYLE’

The red carpet read like a runway at the premiere of Sucker Punch in London’s Leicester Square Wednesday night, as the movie’s stars stepped out in a variety of delectable dresses. Vanessa Hudgens looked stunning in a draped Alberta Ferretti gown, while Carla Gugino brightened up the carpet with her bold, flirty blue number. Emily Browning kept things classic in black Azzaro, while Abbie Cornish, who also chose Alberta Ferretti, opted to go neutral in a floor-length, off-the-shoulder frock. Jena Malone mastered metallics with her springy, floral Juan Carlos Obando knee-length dress, and Jamie Chung spiced things up by rocking the latest trend, neon, in bright pink Dolce & Gabbana. The ladies all looked lovely, but we want to know whose look you liked the most! –Kim Peiffer

SEE MORE RED CARPET STYLE IN ‘LAST NIGHT’S LOOK: HIT OR MISS?’

Was it a fashion-forward move, or a fashion faux pas? Vanessa Hudgens stepped out at a Nylon magazine party in Los Angeles Thursday night sporting a semi-1990s style: a babydoll dress topped with a cute cardigan. But what really caught our eye were her sheer black socks, which were tucked oh-so-subtly into her strappy Pollini sandals. Before you knock the Sucker Punch star’s look, know that she’s actually working a runway trend: designers at Burberry and Christian Dior sent models down the catwalk last fall in socks paired with peep-toed shoes. Still, it’s hard to say if the real world is ready for such a change from the norm. We want to know what you think! Tell us: Would you wear socks with strappy sandals, like Hudgens?

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

Which of Hollywood’s style stars got readers buzzing this week? Don’t miss our top stories (hint, it’s all about the hair!).

Vanessa Hudgens might have recently split with her long-time boyfriend, Zac Efron, but doesn’t mean that the actress can’t fantasize about her big day–and she’s already picked out the designer for her gown. “I want [Marchesa] to dress me for my wedding,” the actress told PEOPLE after taking in the design house’s New York Fashion Week presentation on Wednesday. “[Their] lace work just blows my mind,” she adds of designers Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig’s signature embellishment. “Anyone would be lucky to have a Marchesa dress in their wedding.” With the gown situation sorted, now Vanessa just has to find the perfect groom. “I don’t know when that is going to be,” said Hudgens of her fantasy wedding date. “But when it happens Georgina’s going to do it. Already got one hassle out of the way!” –Jeffrey Slonim

SEE WHO ELSE IS STEALING THE SPOTLIGHT DURING NEW YORK FASHION WEEEK!

Vanessa Hudgens took a new approach to showing off some skin during New York Fashion Week by turning up with her arm inked in a swirl of markings–but, she tells PEOPLE, her tats weren’t made to last. “They’re my new henna tattoos,” Hudgens said backstage at the Diesel Black Gold runway show yesterday. “I went to Disney World with my family. Our favorite place to spend time was in Epcot Center at the Morocco exhibition. So I did do ‘em.” How long does Vanessa expect her new look to last? “I think a week,” she said. As for the fashion show itself, the actress, who took in the presentation with Chace Crawford, Wyclef Jean and Keri Hilson, couldn’t have enjoyed herself more. “I loved it,” she said. “I need so many of the pieces…I thought it was stunning.” –Jeffrey Slonim

SEE HOW OTHER STARS ARE GETTING STYLISH FOR FASHION WEEK!

Which of Hollywood’s style stars got readers buzzing this week? Check out our top stories!

–Jodie Sweetin shows off her sapphire and diamond engagement ring. READ IT

–All the sparkling details of Natalie Portman‘s one-of-a-kind engagement ring are revealed. READ IT

–Megan Fox and tennis star Rafael Nadal steam things up with their new batch of Emporio Armani Jeans and Underwear ads. READ IT

–Helena Bonham Carter shares her theories on breaking all the fashion rules. READ IT

–Vanessa Hudgens shows off her sweet side as the new Candie’s Girl. READ IT.

Looks like Vanessa Hudgens is the next Candie’s girl! Following on the heels of Britney Spears and Fergie‘s highly-successful runs, the junior brand has chosen the High School Musical star as the face of their Spring campaign. “Ever since I saw Fergie do the ads for Candie’s, I fell in love,” Hudgens said in a release. “It’s such an honor to be a Candie’s girl.” The campaign, which was shot by fashion photographer Tony Duran, will kick off this March with ads appearing in magazines, billboards and online for the brand, which is sold exclusively at Kohl’s department stores and kohls.com. Hudgens enthuses about the shoot (see a behind the scenes shot below!),”We had a blast shooting the campaign, one of my favorite sets was using the diner countertop as a runway, it’s definitely not every day I get to do that.” We have a feeling the multi-talented 22-year-old’s flirty and fun style will be the perfect match for the juniors’ line! Tell us: What do you think about Vanessa Hudgens becoming the next Candie’s spokesmodel? – Hana Choi

Courtesy Candie’s

SEE MORE STAR STYLES HERE!