Awards Season’s Hottest Styles
Awards season showcases some of the most spectacular talent in Hollywood, but top-tier designers are in the spotlight too—as A-list celebrities don cutting-edge designs and increasingly original looks on the red carpet.
The tone has been set for self-expression this season, spanning a variety of looks like nominee Thandie Newton’s whimsical Schiaparelli Couture gown at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. But some styles have been more prevalent than others, and with the Academy Awards coming up not far from Malibu Beach Inn, we decided to take a look at the biggest trends so far.
Gothic Romance
Subdued pink and black gowns with lace and sheer paneling have been favored on the red carpet, with celebrities such as Emma Stone, who took home awards at both the Golden Globes and SAG, embracing the style in sweet and sultry Alexander McQueen.
Black and Silver Metallics
From subtle shimmer to head-to-toe sequins, metallic gowns have been a consistent theme at this year’s awards ceremonies, particularly in black and silver. Nominees Ruth Negga and Sarah Paulson wore flashy, sequined ensembles to the Golden Globes (Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs, respectively), while nominee Amy Adams kept it sleek and understated in Tom Ford.
Statement Sleeves
Statement sleeves are often a miss on the red carpet, but this season, actresses like nominee Natalie Portman have breathed new life into the style. (The pregnant actress wore a fluted-sleeve gown by Dior at SAG.) Also popular this year were statement sleeves with exposed shoulders, such as Sophia Vergara’s sheer lacy Golden Globes gown by Zuhair Murad Couture.
Plunging V-Necks
This classic awards season style was refreshed by actresses like nominee Jessica Chastain and Jessica Biel at the Golden Globes. Chastain opted for an elegant blue Prada gown with floral embellishments, and Biel donned a modern Elie Saab dress with a plunging neckline, patterned skirt, and floral accents.
Gold Lace
One of the most well-received styles from the Golden Globes came in a color befitting the occasion. From curve-hugging gowns like Priyanka Chopra’s shimmering dress by Ralph Lauren Collection to extravagant, ruffled ensembles like that of Chrissy Teigen in Marchesa, gold lace was favored on the red carpet.
FLORAL EMBELLISHMENTS
Florals have been one of the most popular accents, with actresses like award-winner Natalia Dyer showcasing the style at SAG (in Miu Miu). But not all embellishments were as brightly hued: Award-winner Janelle Monáe wore a monochrome Chanel midi with flower detailing, and nominee Emily Blunt opted for a nude Cavalli Couture gown with floral embellishments.
Yellow
Far from the standard on the red carpet, yellow was very prevalent at the Golden Globes this season. Reese Witherspoon embodied classic elegance with a soft yellow Versace gown – perhaps a nod to her popular yellow cocktail dress at the Globes 10 years ago – and Emily Ratajkowski went for dramatic cutouts in a sparkling yellow Reem Acra gown.
Vertical Stripes
A relatively new trend, bold vertical stripes were taking center stage on the red carpet at SAG. Nominee Michelle Williams donned metallic gold and silver stripes in Louis Vuitton, while nominee Michelle Dockery opted for a rainbow palette in Elie Saab.
Off The Shoulder
Another classic was revitalized at the Golden Globes with the off-the-shoulder gowns of actresses like Thandie Newton, who brought modern style to the look with an elegant white Monse dress featuring fiery orange-gold sequins along the lower hem.
Featured Image: 89th Academy Awards