Hollywood Week: Best Oscar Dresses Ever

The over-the-top fashion is one of my favourite things about the Academy Awards, but sometimes it feels like I forget the dresses I liked as soon as the awards are over. Here are some of my favourite dresses of all time.

Audrey Hepburn – Givenchy 1953

I thought that we could start off with Audrey Hepburn, who wore this ivory lace dress when she won her Oscar for Roman Holiday. There’s something to be said for a dress that is timeless, and this one certainly is. There’s a reason that she’s still a fashion icon.

Penelope Cruz – Atelier Versace 2007

The first time that I saw this dress, I was just blown away and I still get that feeling every time I see it. I am not sure how I feel about a feathered train, but coupled with the textured bodice, this is spectacular. 

Reese Witherspoon – Dior 2006

This vintage Dior gown that she wore when she won her Oscar for Walk the Line was the perfect. It was just the right amount of sparkle, and it fit her like a glove.

Anjelica Huston - 1976

I don’t know who designed this dress because she wasn’t there by herself. Rather, she was Jack Nicholson’s plus one. Sometimes I forget that before she made her name in movies and TV, Anjelica Huston was a promising young model. This dress was on trend for the time with scalloped detail and a scoop neck.

Amy Adams – L’Wren Scott 2011

I think my favourite thing about this dress was that even though the dress was made of glitter, she wore a statement necklace with it anyway, and that’s what pulled it together. This colour is also gorgeous on her.

Sandra Bullock – Marchesa 2010

She looked like an Oscar statuette when she won for The Blind Side. Coupled with her smooth and shiny hair and minimal but perfect makeup, she looked like a winner even before she took home the trophy.

Kate Hudson – Versace 2003

Good gracious. Kate Hudson looks so gorgeous. Particularly if you’re pale and blonde, a flesh tone dress can be a disaster. This is the exact opposite. The gold tone makes her look sun kissed and old Hollywood glamorous.

Cate Blanchett – Armani Prive – 2007

I like that Cate Blanchett goes for looks that are classic, but with just a hint of edginess. In 2007, she wore this metallic gown that emphasises that really well. It’s visually interesting, but not too far outside of the box.

Halle Berry – Elie Saab 2002

I don’t think that the list would be complete without Halle Berry. This dress is on everybody’s best dressed list.

Mila Kunis – Elie Saab 2011

When I saw this dress, I had to think about whether or not I liked it for a while. I decided I do like it (obviously). Mila is another one who tends to go for the edgy. This dress has a lot of sheer panels, as well as tons of texture, which is what makes it so great. Also, with her dark hair, it is easy to get washed out or too vampy when you’re picking a dress, so the lilac is a great colour choice.

Grace Kelly – Givenchy 1956

This was Grace’s last Academy Awards before she left to become a princess, and this dress really shows that. The ballgown with the removable wrap top was regal. Once again, there is a reason that she is still a style icon.

Jennifer Lawrence – Dior 2013

Jennifer Lawrence is my favourite actress right now because I feel like we could be best friends. She’s hilarious. She also has great fashion sense (or a great stylist). When she won her Oscar last year, she fell down in this great Dior gown. Not everyone can pull off the dropped waist, but she managed it.

Naomi Watts - Armani Prive 2013

If there’s anything to be learned about how to dress well for the academy awards, it’s to pick a dress with a unique detail. Fro Naomi Watts, this is the interesting swoopy-cutout neckline. She also didn’t overpower it with accessories.

Keira Knightley – Vera Wang 2006

She knew that she wouldn’t be winning the Oscar, but she still looked great. Ugh. There is just so much to like. The colour is lovely. the smoky eye and the statement necklace are lovely.  The pony tail that is just polished enough to be fashionable. Keira Knightley had a lot of red carpet misses, but this one is a hit.

Beyonce - Atelier Versace 2005

Beyonce is fabulous. She's going to continue to be fabulous for a long time. This black velvet dress really cannot get better, and she topped it off with some stunning chandelier earrings. 

What's your favorite Oscar look?