2014 Oscar Fashion Roundup

The red carpet has been rolled up once again, and I am underwhelmed at the fashions presented at the most-watched awards show in the world.

The Oscars typically isn’t the place to take huge fashion risks, and most everyone looked lovely (if boring).  Thankfully there were no major fashion disasters that made me gasp.  Some stars shone brightly while others could have used a stylist.

Here are my thoughts on last night’s fashions:

The women all looked very elegant and chose glamorous gowns that highlighted their strongest features.  Although most looked very sophisticated, they all played it safe, choosing classic gowns in understated colors like navy, black and nude.  There were lots of metallics, strapless numbers, mermaid silhouettes, and a few surprises to keep things interesting.

My favorite look of the night was Jennifer Garner in Oscar de la Renta.  She looked stylish and tasteful in a dress that offered silvery shine and the movement of fringe on a gown with micro bugle and bead embroidery.  Her hair was in soft waves and she sported bright lips and red nails, along with diamond bracelets by Forevermark and an Oscar de la Renta silver clutch.  (Well done, stylist Rachel Zoe!)

My runner up for best look of the night was Jenna Dewan-Tatum.  Her nude Reem Acra confection perfectly combined a beaded bodice with sheer tulle ruffles in a mermaid skirt.  Her upswept hair and Lorraine Schwartz jewels completed her look.  Stunning.

Another pleasant surprise was Kelly Osbourne in a creamy Badgley Mischka gown with a delicate beaded overlay at the shoulders.  She complemented her look with gold drop earrings by Solange Azagury and a gold clutch.

My least favorite look of the night was Anna Kendrick.  Don’t get me wrong – I love the “Cups”-singing actress.  But she chose a J. Mendel dress that was busy and unflattering.  She’s a gorgeous young woman but this gown did not do her midsection any favors.

Another least favorite look was Liza Minnelli.  I think she’s fabulous, but her vintage Halston two-piece looked like swanky pajamas and only reinforced the importance of proper undergarments.  I do, however, give her props for the streak of blue in her hair.  Not too shabby for a 67 year old.

Let’s not forget our pregnant beauties!  Olivia Wilde looked understated in a glamorous black and white Valentino, Elsa Pataky looked ready to pop in Elie Saab Couture, and Kerry Washington positively glowed in Jason Wu (his first Oscar appearance!).

The more mature ladies also looked gorgeous on the red carpet.  Meryl Streep in an off the shoulder Lanvin, Bette Midler in Reem Acra, and Goldie Hawn in Versace.  Well done, ladies!

The men stepped up their game with a few twists on the typical tuxedo.  Jared Leto (in a Saint Laurent jacket) and Matthew McConaughey (in Dolce & Gabbana) both sported white jackets.  I especially loved Leto’s red bow tie.  Kevin Spacey also spiced things up with a navy Burberry tux.  But Pharrel Williams took the biggest risk of the evening in a Lanvin tux ensemble that included shorts but, alas, no Vivienne Westwood hat this time.

Finally, a word about Lupita Nyong’o.  She has become a flawless fashion darling who can do no wrong.  Her beauty is timeless and she looks impossibly good in everything she wears.  I loved her ethereal Prada gown with crystal-embellished pleats and Fred Leighton jewelry and headband.  But the plunging neckline was way too low.  Thankfully everything stayed where it should and she maintained her elegance.

OK, I’m getting off my shoebox now.