Kerry Washington's Style Secret: A Smile!

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Flying high off of Scandal's record-setting season premiere this week, actress Kerry Washington accepted a huge honor from Variety during their 5th Annual Power of Women event on Friday for her charitable work supporting the President's Committee on the Arts. 

Dazzling in a gold-and-black Vince Camuto dress and colorfully embellished Christian Louboutin pumps, People magazine's Best-Dressed Woman let us in on her fashion secrets, which she narrowed down very simply to confidence and a smile.

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"As long as you feel good all day long, because if you feel good then you'll smile prettier and people will think that you're pretty because you think you're pretty," Kerry revealed. "I always just want to make sure that I feel good when I walk out the door--that I feel good physically, that I feel good aesthetically--because I think if you're pleasing yourself, it doesn't really matter what anybody else says. "

The stylish star also let us in on how the charity work she's being recognized for has positively impacted her life.

"I think in this town we do a really good job of celebrating people for being best-dressed, or for being super pretty or for being really creative and talented, but it's so special when we can celebrate each other for making a change in the world and for helping other people to be their best selves," she explained. "I work with a school in Washington (D.C.) called Savoy Elementary and when I get to go and be with those kids and really see the impact that arts education is having to transform their lives, and change the trajectory of their potential, it means everything to me."

Related: ET's Variety Power of Women Giveaway!

Click the video to hear more from Kerry, plus all of the other A-list ladies honored for their charity work including Nicole Kidman (UN Women), Amy Poehler (Worldwide Orphans Foundation), Charlize Theron (Charlize Theron Africa Outreach), Elizabeth Banks (American Heart Association) and Jennifer Hudson, who received the Samsung Impact Award.