The Oscars are a night to honor incredible actors, actresses, directors and countless others involved in putting together a film. But our favorite part is before everyone enters the theater. This year’s red carpet was filled with exquisite and gorgeous gowns, not to mention the few fashion disasters that we always love to see. Check out our favorites (and least favorites), and let us know what you think!
JESSICA AND LAURA’S BEST-DRESSED GAL: Mila Kunis in Elie Saab
I think it was a given before she even stepped out of her limo. Mila Kunis has swept the awards shows with her incredible fashion. First it was her green one-shoulder Vera Wang gown at the Golden Globes, then it was her cinched-waist red Alexander McQueen number. Her silk and lace lavender Elie Saab dress at the Oscars topped it all off. Kunis has also stormed the film scene with her part in Black Swan, a huge change from her upbringing on That ’70s Show. Although she didn’t get an Oscar nod, Kunis would win our award for a fantastic season of attire.
JESSICA AND LAURA’S BEST-DRESSED GUY: Robert Downey Jr.
It’s easy for beautiful gowns to overpower all of the handsome men walking down the red carpet. This year though, Robert Downey Jr. stood out when he strutted his stuff in a navy blue suit and white tie. I think we can all agree that it takes a certain man to pull off a white tie, and Robert Downey Jr. is that man. This sharp combo only highlighted his sexy looks. He provided an eye-catching example of how fashion is not only about the ladies.
LAURA’S WORST DRESSED: Michelle Williams in Chanel
Michelle Williams normally looks soft, beautiful and fresh. But the Oscars were a huge strike for her in my book. The white beaded Chanel number combined with a clashing pair of Jimmy Choos is a far throw from her normally effortless style. I will forever love her pixie cut and incredible makeup, but the dress isn’t flattering or striking. It leaves me wanting a cutout back or bold jewelry. As a Best Actress nominee, I expected something much more dramatic from Williams.
JESSICA’S WORST DRESSED: Marisa Tomei in Charles James
To me, this gown is a prime example of how vintage doesn’t always come back in style. Rather than being an elegant and airy blast from the past, this gown appeared heavy and dragged across the carpet. I will say the top of this gown is very figure flattering, but that is overpowered by the unreasonable amount of volume on the bottom half. With a few simple modifications to the skirt, I believe that this dress could have been one of the best of the evening.
LAURA’S MOST AGE APPROPRIATE: Annette Bening in Naeem Khan
Annette Bening looked stunning in this embellished silver gown by Naeem Khan. For a woman in her 50s, Bening looked sophisticated yet edgy. Her green earrings and wavy hair kept her within age appropriateness, while the shimmering dress added a younger vibe. I have the utmost respect for this woman and her dress choice. She’s a risk taker yet remains inside the realm of acceptable fashion.
JESSICA’S MOST AGE APPROPRIATE: Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa
When 14-year-old Hailee Steinfeld made her red carpet debut at this year’s Oscars, she looked gorgeous in an age appropriate one-of-a-kind Marchesa gown. In an era where teen stars wear outfits that are either too mature or not mature enough, Steinfeld won big points with me by showing up in this beautiful gown. Not only was the dress dazzling, but her hair and shoes perfectly highlighted her youth as well.
LAURA’S BIGGEST RISK: Scarlett Johansson in Dolce & Gabbana
Let me begin this with an explanation; I don’t love this dress by any means, but I think it has some definite character. In other words, Scarlett Johansson took a big risk when she put on this lacy, floral Dolce & Gabbana dress. She has an incredible presence and normally commands attention with the “sexy look.” I feel that she attempted to keep her style more girly and feminine, and she didn’t completely fail. I would love to see Johansson try this style again because I’m sure she would nail it.
JESSICA’S BIGGEST RISK: Cate Blanchett in Givenchy
Cate Blanchett walked down the red carpet in a bold fashion choice that more resembled a piece of art rather than a gown. This sculpted Givenchy gown framed her body beautifully while also showcasing the exquisite beading and artistry. She looked fierce with the high neckline in front and soft with the open straps in the back. Blanchett took a huge fashion risk that many of us wouldn’t even consider, but she pulled it off with beauty and grace as she made her way across the carpet.