Best Ever Oscar Dresses of the last 20 years

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The Oscars has to be up there as one of the most scrutinised red-carpet events when it comes to fashion. Over the years, actresses have dazzled in Dior, looked elegant in Elie Saab and wowed in Vera Wang. Who knows what this year’s crop’s will be wearing and even though it’s not an official award, it’s always the go-to topic at the water cooler post-ceremony and you can bet on the Oscars on Betfair. While we speculate over who will look hot – and who will not (eek!) – let’s take a look back at the red carpet over the past few years.

 

2017 – Emma Stone in Givenchy

Emma Stone Givenchy Image

 

Emma Stone’s stylist revealed that it took a team of 11 designers and 1,700 hours to create her bespoke beaded wonder for the 2017 Academy Awards – and the result was pretty incredible. The golden screen goddess looked amazing in her shimmering 1920s style flapper dress and it was a fitting tribute to La La Land, the film for which, she won Best Actress. Believe it or not, Stone was the first woman to win the coveted Best Actress while wearing a Givenchy gown, since Audrey Hepburn in 1954.

 

2014 – Lupita Nyong’o in Prada

Lupita Nyong'o Image

 

Best Supporting Actress for her role in 12 Years a Slave, Lupita Nyong’o very much had a Cinderella moment is her floaty pale blue Prada dress with beaded pearl headband combo. In the year that followed, Nyong’o became a style icon – but best of all, she paid homage to her roots, describing her custom-made dress as “Nairobi blue”.

 

2013 – Jennifer Lawrence in Dior

2013 – Jennifer Lawrence in Dior picture

 

All eyes were on Jennifer Lawrence when she went up to receive her Best Actress award for Silver Linings Playbookin 2013, and she gracefully fell up the stairs. But prior to that, all eyes were on Jennifer Lawrence as she took the red carpet in the ivory gown, courtesy of Dior – with whom, she’s had a glistening partnership since 2012. Unlike other custom-made designs, J-Law simply tried this on that morning: “I just woke up and tried on the dress, and it fit, thank God!” she said matter-of-factly. “Then I took a shower – that’s what I did. And I got my hair and make-up done. And then I came to the Oscars” she told Vogue.

 

2012 – Angelina Jolie in Versace

Angelina Jolie Image

 

How could we forget Angelina Jolie in that famous strapless black dress by Versace? That dramatic thigh-high slit was shown off in every photo opportunity, with the actress becoming the subject of memes, photobombs and even a Twitter account. ‘Angie’s leg’ was actually a thing. Not one to usually draw attention to herself at awards ceremonies, Jolie’s bold stance certainly took people by surprise – but was also the subject of much mocking, particularly by the screenwriters of The Descendants.

 

2009 – Penelope Cruz in Balmain

2009 – Penelope Cruz in Balmain picture

 

No stranger to the glamour of red-carpet events, Penelope Cruz could – and possibly should – feature in every ‘best dressed’ list going. But one stand-out dress has to be the vintage Pierre Balmain gown she wore to the 2009 Academy Awards, which channelled a fairy tale princess – and also saw her bag the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.

 

2006 – Michelle Williams in Vera Wang

2006 – Michelle Williams in Vera Wang image

 

Yellow is one of those colours that so few can pull off, but Michelle Williams looked every inch the bold beauty at the 2006 Academy Awards. With a pleated neckline and long train, Williams decided to go all-out, teaming the saffron frock with a bright red lip. It’s become one of the most memorable Oscar dresses of all-time and with good reason. The actress had actually attended the ceremony with then-boyfriend, the late Heath Ledger, who received a Best Actor nomination for Brokeback Mountain.

 

 

Tips for Styling a Black Tie Look

When it comes to styling a black-tie look, you should go for a chic and poised outfit. For those who do not know, a black-tie is a semi-formal Western dress code for evening events. It originated in British and American conventions for attire in the 19th century.

I don’t usually go for the black-tie look because I never have anywhere to go. The last time I attended an event where I had to play proper dress up, was at a 40th birthday party last spring. But when I do have an event, I like to ensure I get the look right.

 

Wedding guest image

 

Here are some tips you should remember when styling a black-tie look –

 

Keep it streamlined

When it comes to black-tie events, you should remember to keep it classy. You should avoid flouncy and billowing pieces. So don’t go for loose clothing or dresses with lots of material. Instead, opt for streamlined and well cut pieces.

Streamlined pieces would ensure you nail the chic/poised look.

 

Go maxi

One of the easiest ways of nailing the black-tie look, is to go maxi. Opt for maxi dresses for an instant evening glamour. Anyone can look great in a well fitted maxi, the right pair of heels and a stunning clutch.

Accessories can also work wonders, so make sure you have the right set of accessories to go with your maxi dress.

 

 

Black tie dress image

 

 

Go for the classic look

If you want to play safe, opt for a little black dress. That always works. If you are feeling adventurous, you could try styling a little white dress like what I have on above.

Both colours would work great for a black-tie event, with the right type of accessories.

 

What do you think of these style tips? When was the last time you attended a black-tie event?

 

 

5 Winter Shoe Styles Every Woman Should Own

It is common knowledge that if you have warm feet, then the chance of the rest of your body being warm is quite high. With that in mind, I thought I would put together a list of some winter essential shoe styles that you need to own this winter. Check them out below and tell me what you think of the styles.

 

  1. The Black Heeled Knee-High

The black heeled knee-high is back on trendy and I am loving it. It has only come back into style in the past few years, after years of it being a no-go. Knee-high boots, when paired with the right outfit, can look chic and classy and can also help keep your calves warm.

Black knee-high boots are the most versatile. They can be dressed down with a pair of jeans. And dressed up for a night on the town with a skirt or dress. The choice really is yours!

 

  1. The Classic Chelsea Boot

Chelsea Boots are a great boot style to invest in throughout autumn and winter. They can pretty much be combined with any outfit. Chelsea Boots most commonly come in black and brown, both of which look amazing with black and blue jeans, or even a skirt and tights.

 

Winter Boots Image

 

Photo credit: Crew Clothing

 

They often come with a small heel to give you an added bit of height, but it is also small enough for you to get away with it in the office or on longer walks.

The above Black Chelsea boots are ideal to wear with both jeans or dresses and skirts, as they are plain and design-free, plus they’re the perfect height on the ankle.

 

  1. The Black Heeled Boot

Take any outfit from day-to-night by simply swapping out your flats for a classic black heeled boot. Teamed with a fitted pair of jeans, they make the ideal smart-casual outfit..

Not only does it give you a little more height and give off the illusion that your legs are slimmer, but it will certainly add some style and chicness to whatever outfit you’re wearing.

 

  1. A Dark Trainer

While the statement white trainers are great for the warmer months, you need to think about how they could potentially get ruined from the wet mud that may get splatted onto them in winter. While they look nice to start with, white trainers are quick to get dirty.

Dark coloured trainers, such as black and navy, are great for disguising little spots of mud. This is why they’re a great addition to a winter wardrobe. I have a few in my shoe collection and they come in handy.

 

  1. The Biker Boot

Biker boots have become increasingly popular in stores over the past year, most designed with long studs and buckles. While they’re probably not best paired with delicate skirts and dresses, due to their chunkiness, they certainly look great with a big, thick jumper and jeans.

 

New Look Winter Shoes Image

Photo Credit: New Look

 

What do you think of these winter shoe styles? Which is your favourite style? Do you have any of them? Please sound off in the comments section below.

Thanks for reading.

 

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