Trend file with Secret Closet: Oscar Winning Trends

Get free style tips, see what Hollywood celebs adorn for Oscars.

The Oscars may be over but we aren’t nearly through with picking apart the red carpet hits-and-misses and the trends that soared and crashed.

This year, we noticed a lot of the celebrities playing it safe with the exception of the usual suspects like Halle Berry in military sparkling striped Versace, Naomi Watts in asymmetric sequined gowns first at the Oscars in Armani Prive and then at the after party in Emilio Pucci black-and-gold and Elizabath Banks who wore a tangerine, Alexander McQueen printed ensemble that was instantly refreshing.

Oscar winners Anne Hathaway and Jennifer Lawrence set the ball rolling on new trends with their backward draped necklaces that grabbed everyone’s attention. Hathaway’s choice was well executed given the high neckline of her Prada sheathe gown. She enhanced the striking ribbon back with a vintage Tiffany & Co. number while Lawrence threw back a long string Chopard necklace that hung low over her drop-waist Dior Couture ballroom gown. The style was a definite hit with points for both innovation and common sense.

Pale pinks and muted pastels were the most popular choice at the red carpet after sequins and aside from the back necklace twins, contenders of this trend included Amanda Seyfried who opted for a delicate lilac detailed Alexander McQueen which was beautiful but uncharacteristic of his usual flamboyant style, Jessica Chastain wore nude Armani with intricate cobweb like silver thread adorning it, and Kristen Stewart was angelic in a base of pale tulle with hand beaded embellishments, courtesy of Reem Acra. It’s hard to find fault with anything as delicate and feminine as these dresses were.

Monochrome was definitely the order of the day as you might have already noted in most of the already mentioned outfits as well. Jennifer Garner’s solid plum Gucci, Rosie Huntington-Whitley’s tiered ruffle antique rose Valentino, and Fan Bingbing’s fuchsia Marchesa can be highlighted in the same category as well. While we’re on that topic ruffles are also turning heads this season and personally we think the cut would be a great addition to spring wardrobes.

Shimmer and sparkling all over sequins are always a go-to at the awards but what particular struck our interest was the added gunmetal shine seen at its best on Stacy Keibler in a stunning antique sequined Naeem Khan, and on Jennifer Lawrence’s slinky, steely Calvin Klein dress that she wore for the Vanity Fair after party. Naomi Watts’s tinted Armani and Halle Berry’s military shoulder Versace were also spot on.

Deep soothing blue was another colour that made a statement, and Helen Hunt added to that statement by wearing the only high street label to make it to the Oscars. She wore a custom H&M strapless gown and while we entirely support her stance we wish the gown had been better ironed. Our favourite was the electric cobalt Louis Vuitton that Reese Witherspoon landed up in thanks to her thirteen-year-old who made the choice! The LV diamonds she paired with it brought out the colour even more. Jennifer Hudson’s sequin Cavalli gown and bright blue peep-toe pumps were luscious on her caramel skin tone.

No Oscar celebration would be complete without the vibrant signature Valentino red and this year was no different. Jennifer Aniston looked every bit the joyous bride to be in a full-skirted strapless Valentino. And Hilary Swank chose a feminine sheer tulle gown from their 2013 Spring Couture collection that we preferred for its understated elegance. Amanda Seyfried’s scarlet gown may not have been Valentino but the Givenchy ensemble was equally breathtaking with its tulle layers and obi belted waist. Sally Field wore a sheer Valentino similar to Swank, but traded in the lace for ruffles.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 2^nd, 2013.

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