My absolute favorite part of awards shows is the red carpet. Lucky for me, the Oscars bring not just one, but many red carpets due to the numerous pre-parties, after parties, and viewing parties, the most notable being the annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party, and the Vanity Fair party which is basically Hollywood’s prom. While the Oscar red carpet gives you all the nominees for the night, the parties give you those who were either too cool, or not cool enough to go to the award show but didn’t want to miss out on Hollywood’s biggest night. I’ve picked out a few of my favorite looks from the Elton John and Vanity Fair parties; details below (in no particular order)!
Vanessa Hudgens in Philosophy
Some of her outfits are pretty wacky, but, in my opinion, she typically nails it and this Philosophy gown is no exception. Her red lip is subtle enough that it doesn’t attempt to out shadow the metallic’s of the gown, but bold enough to add a little color.
Kate Hudson in Zuhair Murad
I wasn’t a huge fan of her dress for the actual Oscars, but her Zuhair Murad after party dress was stunning, and she looked absolutely gorgeous.
Heidi Klum in Versace
Okay, HOW is she 40 years old with THREE kids!? I would do basically anything to look this good in a dress like this when I’m 40, let alone after having three children. This strapless Versace gown has remarkable detail on the bodice and a sweeping train, and Heidi thoroughly rocked it.
Kristen Bell in Zuhair Murad
Zuhair Murad can do no wrong, and apparently neither can Kristen. I genuinely think she looks way better in this Spring 2014 collection dress than the runway model did, and let me remind you that she had a baby only a few months ago.
(P.S. If you’re not already in love with Ms. Bell, PLEASE watch this video. She is adorable.)
Nikki Reed in Naeem Khan
This Naeem Khan dress is definitely not for everyone, but I loved it and thought the cut and style was so flattering on Nikki, and the color goes beautifully with her skintone.
Jennifer Lawrence in Tom Ford
I love seeing J-Law in something other than Dior, and I thought this Tom Ford dress was a perfect pick and such a different style from her usual red carpet looks. Just some background, this dress is $50,000 for anyone who isn’t Jennifer Lawrence, and, unfortunately, I am not.
Miranda Kerr in Kaufmanfranco
Let’s be honest, does Miranda Kerr ever look bad? She could rock a garbage bag, but this Kaufmanfranco gown was an especially striking pick.
(All images courtesy of Getty Images)