Favorite Oscar Dresses

Billy Crystal is back for the 84 Annual Academy Awards. I could not avoid the Oscars and of course I could not avoid drooling or cringing over the many dresses, accessories, and hairstyles. I am going to keep it simple and (mostly) positive this year and gush over my top ten favorites. In no particular order:

Emma Stone

When I first saw Emma on the red carpet I was not sure I liked the dress beyond the color but when she was presenting an award I decided I loved it. You cannot tell in this photo but there is a split in the bodice that was visible when she was on stage. She looks fabulous in red and the large bow really balances her playfulness.

Virginia Madsen

This iridescent purple dress looks absolutely fabulous with her skin and I imagine with her eyes (up close). The cut is sultry without being too revealing and she still looks like she can move gracefully unencumbered.

Sandra Bullock

I have to admit that Sandy is pretty much always on my favorite list. She looks very elegant in black and white color block with gold appliqué around her waist and on her shoulders. But what sold it for me was when she turned around and I saw the scoop back. Lovely.

Penelope Cruz

It is blue. Ok, it is more than just blue. It has a beautiful fitted bodice and waist and layers and layers of skirting. Penelope pulls off a romantic starlet with such ease. And I really do love this shade of blue.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia was the only one who made me cry tonight, no not her clothes, her acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actress. She looked fabulous on the carpet but had some issues maneuvering the stairs to accept her Oscar. It was a good thing she had some help. The dress is incredibly flattering with the gathers pulling the eyes to her waist and it gets bonus points for sparkle.

Natalie Portman

Well you know me, there are two things that will almost guarantee my favor, the color blue and dots. Dots are not a common feature on the Oscar red carpet but for some reason this dress works for Natalie. Maybe because for me she will be forever a child. Let’s face it, dots are playful.

Milla Jovovich

The zombie queen oozes sexuality and Hollywood with this one shoulder number. When she was at the podium I was surprised at the intricacy of the beading and sequins. Very beautiful.

Kelly Osbourne

Since Kelly has grown up I have really enjoyed her unique sense of style, this dress included. The beading reminds me of a butterfly especially with the addition of the flutter sleeves and the lace cut outs add interest.

Gwyneth Paltrow

I really did not care for Gwyneth’s look on the red carpet but when she got up to the podium to give out an Oscar she left the cape behind and this white dress was stunning on her. It is very simple with a few gathers at one shoulder. But I really want her to be holding a bright colored clutch.

Glenn Close

Glenn’s outfit is so dark it almost looks black at times. I love the femininity of the Wonder Woman shaped bodice with all its pleats with the sateen of the blazer. Her mature style manages to remain sexy and demure while still showing she can be feminine with the best of them.

Melissa McCarthy

You might think I do not know how to count but I wanted to add Melissa because I love her. I love many aspects of her dress (the beading at neck and waist, the gathers over breasts. This would have been a favorite dress of mine if there was not something off with the stitching at the side and front seams which appears to be puckering. I love how Melissa stepped outside her usual dark colors as this antique pink looks lovely on her. I would have liked to have seen it without the flutter sleeves too — although I know not everyone is comfortable with bare arms (plus or otherwise).

Where were a few of your favorites?