As far as red carpet events go, The Academy Awards are considered
to be the most elegant and refined of the group. The Grammy’s finest musicians
usually show their creativity with eyebrow-raising fashion. The Golden Globes offer
A-List glamour but in a more pared-down way. In essence, the Oscars aim for sophistication.
The black tie styling at the Oscars usually means a few
gowns are thrown in here and there. Gowns are the ultimate statement in feminine
dressing, with a rich history stemming from Queen Elizabeth I and France’s
notorious Marie Antoinette. Queen
Victoria famously wore a white gown to her wedding in the early 1800’s, single-handedly
creating the bridal industry with one garment!
In short…gowns say something.
Proms and formal dances in the 21st century can really
be considered “anything goes” simply because a long gown or dress is no longer
necessary for your big night. Flirtier cocktail styles and “Mad Men”-esque
short dresses are just a popular as their fuller, gown-ier counterparts.
If you decide to go with a show-stopping gown, here are a
few ways women at the Oscars got it right…
1. Charlize Theron in Dior: Simplicity Reigns
Being a 5’10” former ballerina
never hurts (as she is), but Charlize’s look worked in many ways because her
gown was so simple. Wearing white instantly conjures up thoughts of a wedding,
but without lace, a train, or a veil,
Ms. Theron’s Dior gown instead looks incredibly sophisticated and understated.
Done in black, it would be a bit ho-hum.
In white, she shines.
2. Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture : A
Big Dress with Few Adornments
In paparazzi pictures (maybe due
to powerful flashbulbs), Best Actress Jennifer Lawrence’s gown did look like she was ready to walk down
the aisle and not the red carpet. Viewing it on television, though, Ms. Lawrence’s Dior Haute Couture gown
turned out to be pale pink and cream, not white. The color was beautiful on her. Her
stunning necklace was a long and slender chain, not a choker, and it helped
keep the focus on the gown itself (and its beautiful wearer).
3. Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta: Texture and Weightlessness
American designer Oscar de la
Renta is known for his stunning silhouettes with amazing details (feathers,
ruffles, beading, etc.). When actress Amy Adams wore his gown, she knew exactly
what she was doing. Because the skirt of
the dress seemed almost weightless due to its “frothy” tutu-like texture, the
eye was drawn to the lightness of the gown. No mean feat, considering gowns
are often thought of as heavy and overly formal. The silvery blue hue also drew
the eye in, creating lots of visual interest.
4. Jennifer Garner in Gucci: Let the Ruffles
do the Talking
Jennifer Garner’s plum Gucci gown worked on
so many levels (perfect color for her, the right fit, the right mix of elegance
and glamour). My favorite part was the
surprise element of the ruffled train. From the front, her dress seemed to
be an impeccably cut strapless dress. Cue the back, and the cascading train
amps the glamour factor up tenfold. Ms. Garner’s jewelry was statement-making
but not gaudy, and her neutral makeup allowed the dress to really speak for
itself. Well done!
Tomorrow, I’ll share with you some thoughts
on how sleeves can really make a dress look fab and not drab. Thanks for
reading!
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