I've really enjoyed taking some time this awards season to compile my favorite looks from the Grammy Awards and the Golden Globes (along with my favorite hair and makeup). Of course, the Oscars are known as Hollywood's biggest night, and the stars did not disappoint me with their fashion choices. I noticed a few new takes on styles that we've seen earlier in the season, as well as several new red carpet trends as we transition from winter to spring.
Nude and Appliqués
One of the most gorgeous - and popular - trends on Oscar night was flowing nude dresses with appliques. Best Actress winner Cate Blanchett wore a stunning Armani Privé cap-sleeve gown featuring Swarovski crystals and sequins over illusion fabric, paired with Chopard statement earrings. I thought Idina Menzel looked flawless in the Reem Acra dress she wore to perform Best Original Song winner "Let It Go" from Frozen, which featured floral lace appliqués - despite John Travolta's introduction of her as "Adele Dazeeb."
Jenna Dewan Tatum looked amazing in a nude Reem Acra gown featuring illusion cap sleeves, rhinestones and ruffles paired with a loose updo and soft makeup. E! hostess Giulina Rancic was on-trend as well, with a taupe take on the trend. I love her dress' detailed lace and crystal bodice and flowy skirt.
Old Hollywood Glamour
Two of my favorite looks of the night were straight out of Jessica Rabbit's closet. Best Actress nominee Sandra Bullock wore a navy Alexander McQueen gown with a sweetheart neckline and a matching navy manicure. Her dress was my favorite of the night - classic, elegant, and perfect for her athletic shape. Kate Hudson looked like a Bond girl in a metallic Versace gown with a dramatic deep v-neck and ruching. Her ensemble included a cape on the red carpet, but I preferred the gown on its own when she took the stage to present. Both actresses paired their glamorous dresses with perfect, vintage-inspired wave hairstyles.
Lady in Red
Red has been popular all season, and Best Supporting Actress nominee Jennifer Lawrence's structured strapless Dior gown was very similar in color to the Ralph Lauren dress Lupita Nyong'o wore to the Golden Globes. Jennifer's dress featured peplum detailing around the waist and a slight mermaid hem. She accessorized with a diamond Neil Lane necklace worn backward, 1920's-style.
Dramatic Black Florals
Oscar fashion continued a spring trend we've seen at other awards ceremonies this season: black florals. John Legend's leading lady, supermodel Chrissy Teigen wore a Monique Lhuillier dress featuring a dramatic train, and pockets. I absolutely love it! Her dress' raised front hemline (another red carpet trend this season) showed off her strappy Jimmy Choo shoes. Amy Poehler wore a black floral halter neck dress by Peter Som to the Vanity Fair Oscar party on Sunday night. I think Amy's dress is a great example of how this trend can work in real life - in a lightweight fabric, this would be the perfect summer backyard party dress.
Textured Details
Another favorite of the night for me was Kristen Bell, who told red carpet reporters that the icy color palette of her dress and accessories was a nod to Frozen. The new mom's strapless Roberto Cavalli dress featured a lace bodice with boning in the front, corset lacing in the back, and a beautifully textured skirt with a train. Her Piaget necklace and earrings were the perfect compliment to her Frozen-themed look, and she joked that there was a burrito in her silver Salvatore Ferragamo clutch. Basically, I love her and Dax Shepard and I want to be their friend.
Two of my favorite onstage looks featured bold color and more fun ruffles: makeup artist Robin Mathews wore a deep maroon gown featuring ruffled detailing on the full skirt when she accepted the award for her work on Dallas Buyer's Club, and the Yeah Yeah Yeah's Karen O wore a fun red dress with ruffled flowers on the straps when she performed Best Original Song nominee "The Moon Song" from Her with Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig.
Bold Color and Perfect Shapes
Classic evening wear with dramatic draping is perfect for the red carpet. Access Hollywood's Louise Roe wore a bohemian Pronovias gown in emerald green that featured one lace sleeve, and her loose hairstyle and gold Kara Ross clutch were the perfect finishing touches. Best Actor nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor's longtime girlfriend, actress Sari Mercer wore an elegant deep navy gown with a draped neckline. "Let It Go" singer Idina Menzel's deep green red carpet gown was by Vera Wang and her bold Chimento necklace and bracelet went perfectly with the dress' sweetheart neckline.
Best Dressed Men
Kevin Spacey's navy Burberry tuxedo with black lapels and bow tie was one of my favorite looks of the night, and Jason Sudeikis also sported navy in a Prada tux with a black bow tie as he escorted wife Olivia Wilde on the red carpet. I like these looks because they are traditional, but more interesting than the cookie-cutter black tuxedo.
Best Actor winner Matthew McConaughey's ivory Dolce and Gabbana tuxedo jacket, black vest and bow tie were Old Hollywood at its best. I also loved his acceptance speech - it might have been rambling, but it was clear that it came straight from his heart.
What were your favorite looks of the night at this year's Oscars?
