High Stakes Style

As I look at the gowns streaming down the red carpet I always wonder what makes a gown Oscar-worthy? Even for those lucky celebs who have numerous occasions to get dolled up for, the Academy Awards are still a pretty monumental wardrobe decision.

So knowing the style stakes are so high, it’s always surprising to me that some actresses can still manage to get it wrong. Of course there’s a few who get it right. These are the Oscars! I expect to be shown something pretty that wows me!  Here’s some highlights from 2010:

Demi Moore – I adored her feminine, perfectly draped, peach ruffle-tiered Versace. She gets my best-dressed vote! The only thing missing? Her perfect accessory-of-a-husband.

Sarah Jessica Parker – I loved her pale yellow, metallic rosette-encrusted Chanel gown. Along with her piled-high hair, it reminded me of something Holly Golightly would wear.

Rachel McAdams – was feminine and pretty in a refreshing watercolor Elie Saab frock in blue, green and pink.

Sigourney Weaver – always a lady, in beautiful crimson Lanvin.

Sandra Bullock – Her liquid silvery-gold embroidered Marchesa gown was elegant. Her hair and makeup with a bright fuschia lip was pretty, but the dress somehow washed out her usually glowing complexion.

Zoe Saldana –  Zoe’s Givenchy gown with a champagne beaded bodice that grew into an ombré explosion of shades of purple will no doubt receive mixed reviews, but she makes anything look prettier just by putting it on.

Vera Farmiga – usually I love ruffles but the tiered pinkberry Marchesa gown overwhelmed the pretty actress.

J Lo – always looks gorgeous with glowing skin and hair, but her Armani Prive pale pink silk organza gown was reminiscent of Kate Hudson’s Marchesa gown from the Golden Globes, but with a train coming out of her hip.

Penelope Cruz – always beautiful, but the Donna Karan strapless dress with ruched pleats wasn’t cutting it for me. The cranberry color blended with the red carpet and was a wintry choice for an award show that is typically a harbinger of spring fashion.

Kate Winslet – hair & makeup looked  pretty and the rest is a blah metallic 2-piece blur.

Miley – I couldn’t get beyond the posture. Shoulders back, Miley! Apparently her Jennie Packham gown didn’t come with instructions on proper carriage.

Suzy Amis – your husband is the self-professed King of the World and almost as rich – so why do you look like a disheveled grandma, at half his age? You do get points for your sustainable fashion, though.

Overall this year, there were only a few looks that truly wowed me. What did you think, lovelies?

Photo credits: Getty Images and Just Jarred