Sofia Carson at the 90th Academy Awards

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The 90th Academy Awards were once again a delightful spectacle for all cinephiles and celebrity lovers out there.

For starters, Jimmy Kimmel once again did a stellar job of hosting the ceremony, while his dry, topical quips made us giggle throughout the night.

The winners of the evening were Shape of Water, which snatched the Oscar for the Best Picture, while Frances McDormand, Sam Rockwell, Gary Oldman, Allison Janney and many other industry stars went home home with a golden statue of their own.

More importantly for fashion enthusiasts, the Oscars red carpet served some of the most exciting couture looks we’ve seen all year.

At the star-studded display in front of the legendary Dolby Theater, we could observe everything from wildly colored gowns, to quirky headpieces to sky-high stiletto heels.

And even though Oscars fashion is known for being over-the-top flashy fashion, you can still get inspired by motifs and ideas behind the couture, which you can then implement in your everyday wardrobe.

Inspired? Keep reading!

 

Dripping in Gold

Gold is that timeless color that works like a charm for a glamorous occasion such as the Oscars.

However, the year 2018 had a more interesting take on this quintessential red carpet look.

The gold dresses worn at the 90th Academy Awards had a decidedly textured, futuristic vibe about them.

For example, the Black Panther star Lupita Nyong’o showed up to the red carpet wearing an exquisite blend of gold and black. The stunning metallic number was given an extra dose of edge with a high slit and a matching metallic clutch.

Lupita Nyong'o at the Oscars 2018

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The golden theme was complete with a shimmering thread that was woven through Nyong’o structured three-braid hairstyle.

Another Hollywood actress who dazzled in gold at this year’s Oscars ceremony was Jennifer Lawrence, who also opted for the shining, metallic texture.

The Red Sparrow star and previous Oscar winner showed up in a jaw-dropping Dior number, a fashion house for which Lawrence is a brand ambassador.

The dress features delicate straps, a structured bodice and a glistening golden skirt.

If you want to evoke Hollywood’s golden vibes, you don’t have to deck yourself out in this luxurious color like Hollywood starlets did.

Perhaps a statement bag and a pair of show-stopping gold earrings will be enough to do the trick!

Never Too Late for Style Recycling

The award for the smartest, most conscious fashion choice definitely went to Rita Moreno, Hollywood legend who went all out at this year’s ceremony.

The quadruple winner (Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, Tony) surprised everyone when she showed up to the red carpet sporting the exact same dress at she wore to the 1962 Academy Awards ceremony.

Rita Moreno at the 2018 Academy Awards

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That year, the Puerto Rican actress won a golden statue of her own for her work in the hit musical West Side Story.

Even though the gorgeous, billowing gown was kept in an immaculate condition, Moreno still made a couple of sartorial updates.

The neckline was tailored into a strapless sweetheart that was complimented with an over-the-top statement necklace.

Just like in 1962, Moreno paired up her voluminous gown with a pair of slick black gloves, but this time, the 86-year-old actress also added chunky earrings and a chic turban.

So, if you happen to have a dusty old dress you bought for some formal event from years ago, don’t write it off just yet. If Rita Moreno could modernize a gown that’s over 50 years old and still look fabulous at the Oscars red carpet, you can probably breathe a second life into your wardrobe pieces, too.

Serious Saturation

If the recent fashion trends have taught us anything, it’s that the time of throwing on an uber-minimalist or inoffensive piece and calling it a day is definitely over.

This season it’s all about loud, vibrant colors – and absolutely anyone can and should try to pull them off.

Take, for example, the Australian diva Nicole Kidman, who showed up at the awards ceremony wearing a show-stopping Armani Privé gown in mesmerizing blue.

The extravagance of her dress didn’t end there, either: the Big Little Lies star also had an enormous bow hanging in the front of her statuesque number.

And it blues aren’t your thing, then you’ll be pleased to hear that red also reigned at this year’s Oscars.

Many celebrities, including Leslie Mann, Best Supporting Actress winner Alisson Janney and Hollywood legend Meryl Streep, rocked the red look in various iterations.

One of the most stunning red gowns at this year’s Oscars was worn by Disney’s very own Sofia Carson, who stunned everyone present in a flowing, floor-length gown with a matching cape, all designed by Giambattista Valli.

Sofia Carson at the 90th Academy Awards 2018

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Pinks were also uber-popular this year. All shades were present, from Saoirse Ronan’s delicate blush gown by Calvin Klein to Elizabeth Moss’ gold-adorned dress.

The award for the most eye-catching pink ensemble had to go to none other than Viola Davis, who rocked the red carpet in a hot pink body-hugging number from Michael Kors. The Fences star paired up her popping piece with a matching clutch and a voluminous hair ‘do.

Bridal Chic

Do you happen to love dramatic white dresses, but every time you want to wear one, you fear that you’ll look like you’re about to walk down the isle to marry the man of your dreams?

Well, fret not – because the blushing bride look is no longer reserved just for weddings.

And if you need proof, just look at this year’s Oscars red carpet. It was practically teeming with wedding-ready looks in all sorts of iterations.

Among the more notable white looks of the night was Margot Robbie’s, who showed up clad in a gorgeous Channel Haute Couture gown with detailed adornments. The first-time nominee offset the bridal look with a modern hair ‘do, which was cropped into a stylish wavy bob.

Laura Dern is yet another Hollywood star who walked down the red carpet wearing a pristine white dress, this time designed by Calvin Klein.

The statuesque gown worn by the Big Little Lies star featured an asymmetrical caplet sleeve, while the 51-year-old actress added that touch of Hollywood glam by styling her hair in lush Veronica Lake waves.

The award for the most over-the-top bridal-inspired look of the night had to go to Camila Alves, who stepped out on the red carpet wearing a lavish Vivienne Westwood Couture ball gown with off-the-shoulder sleeves. The opulent look was topped off with dazzling jewelry from Chopard. 

Camila Alves at the 2018 Oscars Night

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Joined by her dapper husband Matthew McConaughey, who attended this year’s ceremony as a presenter, the couple looked like bona fide newlyweds.

Graphic Appreciation

Sometimes, the most straightforward way to show your admiration of someone is to literally wear their face on your clothes.

This happened with James Ivory, who caught some looks when he showed up at the red carpet wearing a shirt with a drawing of the actor Timothée Chalamet.

The legendary screenwriter, who won Best Adapted Screenplay award for his work on the critically acclaimed movie Call Me By Your Name, decided to honor the young actor and the lead in the film by rocking a shirt with a design of his face. The work was hand-painted by artist called Andrew Mania.

James Ivory at the 2018 Academy Awards

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And if you happen to be a Timothée Chalamet fan as well, we have some good news for you: Mania’s hand-drawn shirts are actually for sale, so you can also show off your appreciation of the up-and-coming indie cinema darling.

Alternatively, you can just embrace the concept of graphic fashion. Shirts with loud, statement designs have been dominating fashion runways in recent seasons, so if there’s a particular sartorial shout-out you want to make, now’s the time to do it!

Trick up the Sleeve

Vibrant, solid colors were certainly all the rage when it came to Oscars fashion.

But innovative designs didn’t fall far behind, either.

Looking at the ensembles showcased at this year’s red carpet, we were able to notice a number of eye-catching, style-bending details that defined several looks of the event.

And sleeves seemed to be the number-one detail for showing off unusual, fashion-forward designed.

For example, Allison Janney, who won the Oscar for the Best Supporting Actress, showed up in a full-length figure-hugging gown by Reem Acra.

Allison Janney at the 2018 Oscars

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And, as stunning as the streamlined silhouette and vibrant red hue of the gown were, all eyes were on the long, draping sleeves that extended all the way to the floor. This kind of maximalism gave Janney’s dress an extra dose of drama, which is always welcome when it comes to Oscar-winning stars of the night.

Another eye-catching sleeve design of the evening was seen on Zendaya Coleman, who sashayed down the red carpet in a draping Grecian gown designed by Giambattista Valli Couture. The goddess vibe was emphasized with a single, long sleeve that draped across Coleman’s arm. The Greatest Showman star completed a look with sparkling earrings and a ballerina-style top knot.

A more avant-garde take on maximalist sleeves was seen on St. Vincent, who showed up to this year’s ceremony to perform alongside Best Original Song nominee, Sufjan Stevens.

The indie superstar, who is known for her unusual style choices, wore a minimal black dress designed by Yves Saint Laurent. The singer, whose real name is Annie Clark, offset the understated mood of the dress with a gigantic, puffy sleeve that was perched on her shoulder.

Extra dose of edginess was achieved with a matching black ribbon, sleek deep-parted bob and a quirky fascinator.

So, if you feel like your day to day outfits aren’t all that inspiring, maybe you can try to shake things up by wearing an extra long or puffy sleeve.

This coveted couture trend will definitely give a dose of extravagance to any ensemble you choose to wear.

High Necklines

A surefire way to look sexy at the Oscars red carpet is to opt for a gown with a plunging neckline and a high slit.

And while that choice is a smash hit regardless of current fashion trends, sometimes you might want to go for something a little more modest.

If you need inspiration on how to do that, look at the high neckline gowns that were rocked at this year’s Oscars carpet.

Despite not exposing a lot of the skin, these stunning pieces still managed to attract attention and dazzle everyone present.

For example, previous Best Actress Oscar winner Sandra Bullock stepped onto the red carpet wearing a mesmerizing black-and-white metallic gown. Not only did the high neckline compliment her statuesque figure, it also added a dash of futurism to her already ultra-sleek ensemble.

And for something more evocative of past eras, turn over to Emily Blunt, who took everyone’s breath away when she showed up in an ethereal light blue number designed by Schiaparelli Haute Couture.

Emily Blunt at the 90th Academy Awards 2018

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The British actress embodied distinct Victorian vibes, while her dreamlike gown was accessorized with jewelry in matching colors and a pale pillow clutch.

A totally different take on the high neckline trend was seen on Saturday Night Live star, Maya Rudolph.

The comedienne wowed everyone when she showed up in a solid red Valentino gown that covered everything except her face and hands.

Rudolph complimented the bold, mono-colored aesthetic of the dress with a sleek mid-parted low updo and contrasting Irene Neuwirth earrings.

Perhaps 2018 is the year you get to rock the high neckline trend, too! Of course, you don’t have to step out of your apartment in an haute couture gown – there are many different takes on this fashion staple that are easily wearable for day-to-day looks.

Now that you’ve learned all about the most intriguing sartorial tendencies seen at this year’s Academy Awards red carpet, we hope that you will feel inspired to rock a healthy dose of Hollywood magic while at work, with friends or on dates. Good luck!