Fashion's Big Night Out!
The Academy Awards aren’t just a big night for the movie industry – they are also one of the most important dates on the fashion calendar! While I may not have seen many of this year’s nominated films, you can bet I’ll always tune in to see which celebrities wowed on the red carpet and who was content to play it safe. And even though I doubt I’ll be attending any black tie events in the near future (although a girl can dream), fashion at the Oscars can often be a great predictor of what will be hot in casual- and businesswear. Here are some of the big trends I spotted while watching the red carpet:
Metallics Metallics were big this winter and, based on what I saw on the red carpet, the trend will continue into spring, summer, and beyond. My favorite metallic look was worn by Lupita Nyong’o, whose gold and black Versace dress looked even better accented by the heavy black-framed glasses she wore while presenting. Other notable metallic looks included Sally Hawkins in Armani Prive, Sandra Bullock in Louis Vuitton, and Jennifer Lawrence in Christian Dior.
Plunging Deep-V Necklines Not for the faint of heart, the down-to-the navel neckline made several appearances at the Oscars this year including on Betty Gabriel, who wore a peacock blue Tony Ward Couture dress with a dramatic train. Other notable deep-Vs were seen on Leslie Bibb (J. Mendel) and Samara Weaving (Schiaparelli Couture).
All White Gowns It can be hard to wear an all-white gown without looking bridal, but, when done correctly, the effect can be quite dramatic. The award for best white dresses for the red carpet went to Mary J. Blige in Atelier Versace and Jane Fonda in Balmain.
Embellished Necklines When you’re wearing a dress like Salma Hayek’s Gucci or Margot Robbie’s Chanel Haute Couture, you almost don’t need to wear jewelry at all. Almost.
So what did I think of this year’s red carpet looks? Here are my picks for most notable outfits:
My pick for best dressed this year goes to Nicole Kidman, whose gorgeous bright blue Armani Prive hit all the right notes for me. I’ve always loved the look of a dramatically structured gown, and Kidman’s look was equal parts early 80s throwback and futuristic bombshell.
As much as I hate to talk about fashion that I don’t like, I have to mention my least favorite look only because I wanted so much to like it. My obsession with women’s suiting has been a long one (ever since seeing photos of Marlene Dietrich in her top hat and tails in high school) so Emma Stone’s thrown-together silk suit look by Louis Vuitton felt like a big miss. I wanted to love it, but she didn’t exude the kind of androgynous glamour that the outfit called for.
My choice for best jewelry this year goes to Gal Gadot’s Aquamarine Tiffany & Co. necklace, which was a perfect fit for the silhouette of her deep-V metallic gown.
Who wore your favorite Academy Award look this year?
