No, not that kind of nude and blushing (although there were a few nip slips on the red carpet and Jennifer Lawrence definitely blushed when she tripped up the stairs to collect her award for Best Actress). I'm talking about the colour palette for the 85th Academy Awards, otherwise known as, the Oscars. Although we're used to seeing subtle, pastel tones on the red carpet all year round, the celebrities ramped it up a notch in Hollywood last night; these were no ordinary safe and simple gowns, they were inventive, and in some cases, borderline health and safety issues. Metallic touches were big news - some worked beautifully (see Jessica Chastain below) whilst others missed the mark (cough, Renee Zellweger, cough) - and column dresses were popular amongst the A List too.
Check out some of our favourite pale and interesting looks from the red carpet and let us know which one gets your vote!
First up, it's our ladies in Dior Haute Couture, Charlize Theron and Jennifer Lawrence.
The gorgeous Charlize stunned in this structured white gown featuring a far-from-boring peplum, risqué v cut neckline and draped train. The dress wouldn't have worked quite as well with her buzz cut, but with her freshly styled pixie hair, minimal accessories and unbelievable body, it's difficult to say anything about this look other than "perfect". It may be pared down compared to the outfits we like to see at the Oscars, but Charlize's understated beauty is undeniable. The actress also wore a blushing pink gown to dance with Channing Tatum whilst host Seth McFarlane sang. Swoon.
Then came Jennifer, and the moment I'd been dreading for weeks. Everyone and their cat knew that the Silver Linings Playbook actress would be wearing Dior - the question remained, which one? This opinion-dividing gown was one of the last dresses from the latest Couture collection that the 22-year-old hadn't worn, so it was a safe bet to assume she'd be wearing it on the red carpet. Although every fibre in my being tells me I shouldn't like this, Jennifer somehow makes it work for her; seriously, this girl deserves massive fashion kudos. Yes it has a weird pouffy skirt, yes she wore her necklace backwards, yes she almost face planted the floor on the way to the stage, but WE LOVE HER FOR IT.
Jessica Chastain walked the red carpet in her usual poise, wearing a shimmering blush coppery gown that almost looked too good to be true against her alabaster skin - just look at how well it fits her! Look at how pretty it is! Of course, that's what you get when Armani Prive custom makes a couture number for you. Jessica apparently chose the sequin and crystal embellished gown because it had "old Hollywood appeal", which suits her vintage style down to a tea; I don't think I'll ever get bored of Jessica's ability to pull off glamorous waves and a red lip. Whilst the Zero Dark Thirty lost out to Jennifer Lawrence in the Best Actress category, she certainly matched her in the best dressed.
Lastly, I've included Anne Hathaway. Anne's look was perhaps the most predictable of the evening, and although she looks gorgeous in her classic pale pink Prada gown, I had hoped for something a little more exciting for the Oscars - especially as we all knew she'd be taking home the award for Best Supporting Actress in Les Mis. According to the fashion rumour mill, Anne had a last minute change of heart/wardrobe a few hours before hitting the red carpet - I wonder if her other dress was a bit too far out of her comfort zone? Styled with a Tiffany necklace and metallic clutch, it was a nice look...but was it nice enough to win your vote?
Posted by Amy Hill on February 25, 2013 3:00 PM
Oscars
We normally take pleasure in putting together the worst dressed gallery of the OSCARS, but this year I have to admit I don't think it's going to be possible. The standard of dresses at this year's Academy Awards have been higher than ever. From the moment Jessica Chastain stepped onto the red carpet in a stunning embellished Alexander McQueen gown earlier this evening, I had a feeling the bar was being raised.
Audible gasps from the crowd came again when George Clooney and his beautiful girlfriend Stacy Keibler arrived. Obviously some of those cheers were for George who just seems to look better each year, but I would argue that most were for Stacy as she worked the red carpet in a gorgeous gold Marchesa dress.
According to Twitter, opinion was divided when it came to Emma Stone's Giambattista Valli number with some complaining it was too reminiscent of Nicole Kidman's 2007 OSCARS dress by Balenciaga, but I personally thought it was beautiful and suited her impeccably.
The best dressed award without a doubt had to go to Gwyneth Paltrow though for her breath-taking white Tom Ford maxi dress and matching cape.
Take a look at the gallery below to see who else topped our best dressed of the OSCARS 2012 list.
Click on the image below to start the picture gallery
Posted by Jess on February 27, 2012 4:02 AM
Oscars
We'd like some of whatever Gwyneth Paltrow is having at the moment please. She arrived on the 2012 Academy Awards red carpet in a floor-length, white Tom Ford dress, and has never looked better. In keeping with other actresses tonight, who've worn cream, ivory and nude, this white dress and cape really stood out from all the tuxedos on the carpet.
From the simple, makeup, to the lack of bling (okay, one diamond cuff...), this Tom Ford creation was all she needed to send the paps in to a frenzy - and she's not even up for an award.
We'd like a dress that has this effect on people please. In fact, where on earth is Chris Martin, with Gwyneth looking this good he should be by her side!
What do you think?
Posted by Lucy Quick on February 27, 2012 1:03 AM
Oscars
Melissa McCarthy stepped out on the OSCARS 2012 red carpet in a custom-made nude embellished maxi dress this evening.
She's nominated for Actress in a Supporting Role, for her hilarious portrayal of Megan in this year's monster blockbuster Bridesmaids. It's a pretty tough category to be in, who else would want to be up against the amazing Berenice Bejo (The Artist) and Jessica Chastain (The Help), but after that pant-wettingly funny dress fitting scene had us in stitches she definitely gets our vote.
It's also nice to see her trying a new look on the red carpet - her nude dress is classic, with jewel waist and chest details by Marina Rinaldi. We're especially loving her box clutch which was designed by her best friend Brian Atwood - who also designed her shoes and inscribed them with a personal message that made the star blub - and almost ruin her makeup!
Posted by Lucy Quick on February 27, 2012 12:34 AM
Oscars
WOW! We're still in shock over the amount of amazing dresses we've
just seen walking up the red carpet at this year's Academy Awards - this Hollywood lot know how to
dress.
One of the key trends that the ladies of the 2012 OSCARS were sporting was nude, or 'champagne' dresses. We saw Berenice Bejo (nominated for Actress in a Supporting Role) in a cream creation by Elie Saab. Rooney Mara in a cream Givenchy creation. Melissa McCarthy wore a gorgeous nude dress from Marina Rinaldi and Octavia Spencer (also nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role) in a jaw-dropping gown by Tadashi Shoji, just to name a few.
Rooney Mara
Octavia Spencer
However, not all our leading ladies played it so safe - the other main fashion trend we saw on the red carpet is one that's usually rather rare for awards ceremonies; bright colour. From vibrant green to bright red, these colours are for the brave, which is why it's no surprise to see the likes of Michelle Williams (nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role) in a tiered bright coral Louis Vuitton dress, Viola Davis (also nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role) in an incredible emerald green dress by Vera Wang and Penelope Cruz in blue Armani.
Michelle Williams
Viola Davis
Posted by Lucy Quick on February 27, 2012 12:32 AM
Oscars
The star of The Artist is up for her first ever Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. The silent movie has stormed the box office, charming critics and audiences across the globe so literally, all eyes are on her this evening.
Thankfully she's wearing the most beautiful dress we've seen on the red carpet yet - although granted, it's early days - a champagne beaded creation by designer Elie Saab, paired with smoky eyes and gorgeous sapphire earrings.
The actress says of the dress "it's so beautiful, I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it." She's not the only actress wearing, Elie Saab, we've also seen Milla Jovovich in one of the designers dresses - but this is definitely our fave.
Posted by Lucy Quick on February 27, 2012 12:24 AM
Oscars
The gorgeous redhead is up for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 2012 Academy Awards for her role in The Help, where she plays the loveable Celia Foote.
We literally gasped in awe when she stepped out her car in this stunning creation. While everyone else seems to be playing it safe in nude, Jessica's midnight blue and gold strapless, floor-length Alexander McQueen dress drew in screams from the fans.
We'd definitely give her an OSCAR for her dress, but as she's up against co-star Octavia Spencer (AND Melissa McCarthy) we're not too sure if she'll win the real thing. Fingers crossed!
Posted by Lucy Quick on February 26, 2012 11:45 PM
Oscars
An OSO-massive welcome to the lovely Lucy Quick, over weekend guest editor!
Lucy Quick, who currently writes for Empire magazine will be taking the OSOBLOG reigns this weekend as guest editor of the OSCARS 2012. This coming Sunday night Lucy will be sat with a homemade cosmo in one hand, remote in the other, ball gown on and laptop at the ready!
Film buff and all-round celebrity expert Lucy will be blogging about the Academy Awards live so be sure to join us to find out who's wearing what and see all the latest red carpet moments as they happen. Lucy will also be live blogging for our sister site Star Trip so for red carpet gossip and other awards news be sure to head over there.
Before the big night on Sunday we thought we'd take five minutes to get to know Lucy.
Tell us about yourself... 'I currently work in the mad-hatter world that is Empire. In the last 26 months I've worked on various set visits (a highlight being Hawaii, a lowlight being Clapham Common), styled many a famous face and chased Ryan Gosling around Claridges until he agreed to give me an exclusive.
I watch five films a week on average and devour any books that get sent my way. I read blogs, I'm unhealthily addicted to Twitter and Facebook and I'm thrilled to be guest blogging on Star Trip and OSOBLOG!'
Who's wardrobe would you like to raid? 'My absolute style crush is Rachel Bilson. She regularly tops the 'Best Dressed' lists and always looks effortlessly chic.'
Top fashion tip? 'Always keep a LBD and a paid of killer heels in the office for unexpected parties. You don't want to miss out on a good scoop just because the security think you look like a scruff.'
Top beauty secret? 'I drink bucket loads of water throughout the day. And someone once told me you lose 70% of moisture from your skin while you sleep, it's probably not true but I always slather on a load of night cream before bed.'
Your biggest fashion faux pas? 'Baby blue, satin, skin tight jeans. I shudder thinking about them. Worryingly, many of my closest friends have photographic evidence that I know will come to light one day.'
What's your first fashion memory? 'Watching my mum get glammed up for a dinner party. I think I must have been about 5. She always looks incredible.'
What would you wear if you were attending the OSCARS yourself? 'I wore Temperley to the Empire Awards and the BAFTA's and felt like a princess, so I'd stick with what I know. Alternatively I'd beg, borrow or steal anything by Isabel Marant.'
Lucy will be taking over OSOBLOG on Sunday night to live blog the OSCARS. Tune in from midnight (UK time) to read all about it! Don't forget to head over to Star Trip too for all the red carpet gossip.
Posted by Jess on February 24, 2012 2:53 PM
Oscars
There's less than thirty minutes until the 2012 Oscar nominations are announced.
Will Golden Globe winner Meryl Streep go head-to-head once again with Michelle Williams for Best Actress? Is Uggie the Dog a contender for Best Actor? Will Elton John look a bit silly again?
Click on the video below to watch the nominations show live from The Academy with us from 1:30pm (GMT).
Head to Star Trip for all the nominations and gossip.
Posted by Natalie Cornish on January 24, 2012 12:33 PM
Oscars
If you've been too busy to keep up with all the Oscar news, we've got our hands on this helpful video recapping the evening's fashion - including the hits and misses. Mila Kunis and Cate Blanchett are still our favourites, who're yours?
First up, it's our ladies in Dior Haute Couture, Charlize Theron and Jennifer Lawrence. 
