Oscars Fashion Trends (Part 1)

By Marni Elyse Katz
March 8, 2010

It might be a familiar refrain, but blue was the new black on Oscar night, with star after dazzling star parading down the red carpet in gowns that of the darkest navy (Kristen Stewart) to major brights (Mo’Nique). Only a handful of beauties opted for black, and those who did made sure there was plenty more going on, from intricate lacy insets (Faith Hill) to sparkly beading (Carey Mulligan). On the other end of the spectrum—no we’re not going to say white, though Meryl looked lovely in it—plenty of pretties (Anna Kendrick, Demi Moore) donned gowns in nude and blush tones, a look that’s also been a major trend on fashion runways. As for other colors, purples made more than a brief appearance (Zoe Saldana), classic crimson gave some full-on glamour (Penelope Cruz), and finally, it’s not Oscar night without the gold (we love you Sandra).

Can we say ode to Avatar? Even if the Academy barely gave the mega moneymaker a nod, designers decked nominees in blues that ranged from inky blacks to electric cobalts.

From top row, left to right: Best Actress nominee Gabourey Sidibe rocks a cobalt Marchesa with swirling rhinestone leaves. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Best Supporting Actress winner Mo'Nique, posing with her husband Sidney Hicks, wears an electric blue Tadashi Shoji gown. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Virginia Madsen covers up with a peekaboo sheer dress by Kevan Hall. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Oprah Winfrey is sophisticated, if a bit sedate, in her navy blue number. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Avatar Director James Cameron's wife Suzi Amis looks spactacular in bright, clear blue chiffon. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Presenter Kristin Stewart in a pleated midnight blue silk and satin Monique Lhuillier mermaid dress. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Mariska Hargitay wears a flouncy navy Vera Wang. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images).

E! Entertainment red carpet host Sherri Shepherd gives the cool blue shoulder. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Giuliana Rancic, also hosting E! Entertainment's red carpet coverage, in a prom-ready dress of iridescent navy. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images)

Precious actress Mariah Carey wears a slit up-to-there and jeweled brooch at the hip. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

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Nude tones aren't easy to pull off, though they're having a major moment on runways and red carpets alike. If you're trying the trend, go for a color that's a few shades lighter or darker than your own complexion.

From top row, left to right: Best Supporting Actress nominee and presenter Anna Kendrick in an Elie Saab blush beauty with a dramatic train. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Presenter Demi Moore in a multi-tiered, ruffled Versace. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Actor Robert Duvall with wife Luciana Pedraza in a drape-y cowl. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Actor Matt Damon with wife Luciana Barroso in cascading chiffon. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Director Jason Reitman with wife Michele Lee in jewel-encrusted blush. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

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These shades of red certainly did not blend in with the carpet.

From top row, left to right: Best Supporting Actress nominee Vera Farmiga in magenta Marchesa with major architectural pleating. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

George Clooney's girlfriend, model Elisabetta Canalis, in a strapless red satin sheath. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Nine's Penelope Cruz in a deep burgundy duchess satin gown by Donna Karan. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Avatar's Sigourney Weaver wears a Grecian-style red Lanvin with black sash and pin at the shoulder. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Jane Seymour goes for a simple strapless shape in an almost red-orange gown by David Meister. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Michelle Pfeiffer wears an asymmetric mermaid sheath in the perfect shade of red. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

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While violet hues are still rocking runways, Oscar nominees and attendees opted for more traditional shades of lilac and purple.

From top row, left to right: Avatar's Zoe Saldana in several shades of purples by Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Charlize Theron wears a two toned lilac Dior Haute Couture. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Molly Ringwald, who helped pay tribute to director John Hughes, channels Cleopatra in a royal purple one shouldered number. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Keisha Whittaker in racy, lacy purple at the Vanity Fair party. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Queen Latifah in lilac satin with rhinestone-encrusted shoulder strap and sash. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

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Like Oscar-winner Reese Witherspoon, who wore gold by Valentino when she won in 2005, Best Actress winner Sandra Bullock unabashedly channeled the coveted statuette in a sparkling golden dress designed by gown goddess Marchesa. Metallic looks are still going strong (we’ll take a look at silvery looks tomorrow), so we’re surprised that gold didn’t make more of a showing. Perhaps it seemed presumptuous?

Presenter Cameron Diaz channels Taylor Swift in a strapless gold gown with a sprinkling of sequins by Oscar de la Renta. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images)

Sandra Bullock wears a gorgeous glittering Marchesa with an an asymmetric embroidered lace bodice and simple train. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Singer Mlley Cyrus in a bustier-style strapless dress by by Jenny Packham, with her mom Tish, who goes with an even glitzier gold gown. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images)

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While black looks ever-elegant on city streets, it’s a bit blasé on the red carpet. That said, Carey Mulligan kept it cute in Prada with a peekaboo hem and Hilary Swank couldn’t get any sexier.

Presenter Tina Fey in one-sleeved sequined Michael Kors. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Nominee Carey Mulligan in Prada with a beaded bodice and box pleats, plus super dangly earrings. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Singer Faith Hill overdoes the lace in Roberto Cavalli.

Hilary Swank at the Vanity Fair party in a dress cut down to there, plus major cut-outs at the back. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)