Red
carpet fashion is like flipping through the glossy spreads in Vogue - even
though I probably wouldn't wear an outfit featured on a model or actress
verbatim, I can draw inspiration from the look and translate the concept into
the everyday. It’s also just FUN. Like eyeing a beautifully decorated 7-tier cake
that you’d never buy just “because”, watching actresses sashay down the red
carpet at an awards show is like eyeing the whole cake but just bringing home the cupcake.
There’s always something sweet you can pull from the look.
The
2020 Academy Awards did not disappoint. Below, I have pulled my faves, and
added some notes about how you can translate the over-the-top glam looks into
your daily wear.
Best in Show – Natalie Portman
For a look
that’s both fashion forward and socially conscious, Natalie Portman sported
this bespoke Dior to raise awareness for gender equality in the Academy of
Motion Pictures. No stranger to politics, Portman had the names female
directors (ahem, Greta Gerwig?!) who were left out of the nominations sewn
along the lapel of her coat. The custom blazer meets cape (Cazer perhaps? Okay, okay, stop trying to make "fetch" happen, Gretch Wieners!) not only
pulled the entire look together, but also offered the practicality of a warm
extra layer.
My
takeaways from this look are:
- Gold and black are always a perfect pairing.
- Simple hair and makeup can be the best complements to an ornate outfit.
- Blazers go with almost everything. And, it pays to be creative in how you rework jackets in your wardrobe.
Most Chic and Sleek – Reńee Zellweger
Reńee
Zellweger stunned in an all-white one-shouldered number. I loved the simplicity
of the lines – the smooth hems, the subtle diagonal of the sequins, and the
fitted sheath style of the floor-length dress. Zellweger did not over
complicate the look by keeping her hair and jewelry fairly simple. Her exposed décolleté
is accentuated by the one-shoulder style, an oh-so-flattering neckline for a
woman of any age. Zellweger commissioned Armani Privé for this gown, calling
for a style she knew would suit her – a smart move.
My
takeaways from this look are:
- White is always a good idea.
- When you know your body type, dress for it.
- A little skin goes a long way.
Most Glamorous – Penelope Cruz
To be
clear, Penelope Cruz could wear a paper bag to an awards show and she would
slay. But this Chanel number took the cake. Made of black silk, this dress was
anchored with the chicest of belts – a strand of pearls, no less – and held up
with a bow and flower halter. My favorite part had to be the
playful-meets-practical pockets that gave her a place to keep her hands (And
maybe even her phone and lip gloss! Or snacks, just sayin’!). The whole vibe
had a bit of a twenties look going on thanks to the drop waist and pearls, but
the hi-low style made me think of a dress Shelly Long wore as Phyllis Neffler
in Troop Beverly Hills. Regardless, the look was fab and by far the most
over-the-top glam.
My
takeaways from this look are:
- Pearls are always a good idea.
- You can’t go wrong with a black and white color scheme.
- Showing some ankle is super flattering.
- Dress pockets are a must.
