We all know the highlight of any award show is the fashion.
It’s always exciting to anticipate what our favorite starlets will wear, and it’s on the red carpet where many of the upcoming season’s trends are first showcased. With prom and gala season on the horizon, you’re sure to get some ideas while on the hunt for a spectacular dress.
Find a replica
Only a few days after the award shows, many of your favorite looks are replicated by companies likeABS by Allen Schwartz, the first designer to create looks seen on the red carpet for a fraction of the price. Now, other websites offer dresses that resemble the ones you first coveted. Light in the Box and Faviana release dresses that they call “bling on a budget” because they make these trendy, in-demand looks accessible to the public.
Rent it
It’s common to fall in love with a look that’s worn by a celebrity, but who can really afford it? Consider renting a designer dress from a website like Rent the Runway, where a gorgeous $3,000 Carolina Herrera gown can be rented for a mere $35. Since you’ll likely only wear the dress once, why not borrow it for the night?
Nude shades
The nude dress trend was spotted on many celebrities on Oscar night, particularly best actress winner—and one of the night’s standouts—Cate Blanchett. Nude- and blush-tone sheaths are ethereal, and the addition of sequins or appliqués lends extra sparkle. When wearing a dress that’s close in color to your skin, make-up possibilities are endless. You can wear subtle dewy makeup or try an unexpected pop of color like a red lip.
Cate Blanchett in Armani, Sarah Paulson in Elie Saab, Jenna Dewan-Tatum in Reem Acra. Photos via oscar.go.com
Plunging neckline
Thanks to double-stick fashion tape, whether you’re flat chested or more endowed, anyone can wear a low-cut design. Lupita Nyong’o, Kate Hudson and Amy Adams are just a few of the celebrities that chose to show off their décolletage on the red carpet. You’re not just limited to gowns: try the deep-V neckline trend with a low-cut blouse or jumpsuit. If you want more coverage, sheer paneling is also big this spring and many designs place sheer overlay atop a V-neck style.
Metallic
Don’t shy away from high shine. Actresses like Anne Hathaway and Emma Watson went metallic at the Academy Awards while vocalists Taylor Swift and Rita Ora embraced body-clinging metallics at the Grammys. The ‘90s are back this spring and the metallic trend is no exception. Gold and silver hues will flatter a range of skin tones, and just think of the fun you can have adding accessories!
Drop earrings and statement necklaces
Another exciting aspect of the red carpet? The bling! Although drop earrings and embellished necklaces were all the rage on the adorned celebrities, these accessories aren’t limited to pairing with a gown. Try these chic jewelry statement pieces with boyfriend jeans, a white blouse and heels. Dannijo, Alexis Bittar, and Lizzie Fortunato are designers worth checking out. Word to the wise: Don’t wear a statement necklace and prominent earrings all at once. Choose one or the other so the eye is drawn to just one area.
