In honor of the Oscars (airing today, March 2nd) HCK decided to set out  to compile a list of the most fabulous Oscar outfits. When I began this article, I was sure that the dresses I chose would reflect my love for classic movies and actress style-icons like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly. As I scrolled through page after page of Academy Awards red carpet dresses, however, I noticed a trend towards the past decade. With the exception of Audrey Hepburn’s iconic Givenchy dress from 1954 (which was the impetus of Givenchy becoming her one and only costume designer), all of the best Oscar dresses came from the past twelve years. Intermixed with loud colors and awkward cuts that we so often see on the red carpet are the most beautiful and classic gowns, thanks to modern designers like Ellie Saab and Oscar de la Renta. So kudos to you, 2000s. Let’s hope 2014 brings even more Oscar dresses we can drool over.
1. Mila Kunis in Ellie Saab – 2011The Academy Awards dress for her Black Swan nomination, this lavender dress’s sweet color and playful cut makes us remember that as strange and unsettling as she was in the Black Swan, Mila will always be That 70s Show, as well. And that she’s freaking hot.
Â
2. Katherine Heigl in Escada – 2008Say what you will about Katherine Heigle’s tact (or lack thereof) and how annoying her character in Grey’s Anatomy may have been, but there is no denying how flawlessly she pulls off this very modern-day Marilyn Monroe look.
3. Beyoncé in Versace – 2005It’s hard to say that anything Beyoncé does is wrong, especially when she chooses this simple black dress for the red carpet. Far from her usual glitz and sparkles, this dress is timeless and beautiful.
4. Cameron Diaz in Oscar de la Renta – 2011Though her 2002 Emanuel Ungaro dress probably would make my worst Oscar Dresses Ever list, this Oscar de la Renta is the perfect combination of class and glam. Add the bouncy hair and red lips that harken back to Hollywood days of the 50s, and we’ve got a winner.
[pagebreak]
5. Jenifer Lawrence in Dior – 2013This dress is made even better by her awkward yet Disney-princess-esque fall on her way to the stage. Oh Cakewalk Dress, how we love you.
6. Amanda Seyfried in Alexander McQueen – 2013Looking up Alexander McQueen produces unique and some-what unsettling catwalk fashion designs, often with unique hidden commentaries. This gown, however, strays for avant-garde ways and is glamorously perfect for Amanda Seyfried’s elegant look.
7. Kate Hudson in Versace – 2003Kate Hudson’s look may not be gain 100% approval, but this shimmery taupe dress finds a unique balance between glitzy and understated that is a much appreciated rarity in Oscar gowns.
[pagebreak]
8. Angelina Jolie in Ellie Saab, 2010Black and strapless with a deep sweetheart neckline, this dress will never be out of style. It is timeless, simple, and elegant. I may forever resent Angelina Jolie for stealing Brad Pitt from Jenifer Aniston, but in this case I can look past that and applaud this red carpet look.
9. Reese Witherspoon in Louis Vuitton – 2013Reese Witherspoon could wear just about anything and look adorable (just watch Legally Blond. Did I say that? #SorryNotSorry), but this royal blue is perfect with her simple accessories and flawlessly curled hair.
10. Halle Berry in Ellie Saab 2003So ethereal and goddess-like, you can only dream of glowing in that gold gown like Halle does. As evidenced by this list, Ellie Saab knows what’s what when it comes to designing Oscar gowns.
Sources:http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/galleries/TMG9808891/2/The-25-best-Oscars-dresses-of-all-time.html
http://www.neontommy.com/news/2013/02/best-oscars-red-carpet-looks-all-time
http://www.today.com/style/jennifer-lawrence-explains-her-epic-oscar-dress-fall-2D11869290
http://style.mtv.com/2013/02/25/2013-oscars-best-dresses-fashion/
http://www.marieclaire.com/celebrity-lifestyle/memorable-oscar-dresses-lauren-hutton#slide-16
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/24/reese-witherspoon-oscar-dress-2013-photos_n_2738057.html
Â