Time to play dress up! We choose hot-off-the-runway gowns that are a perfect match for these Academy Award-nominated beauties.
Amy Adams (Best Actress nominee, ‘American Hustle’)
Jenny Packham’s fall collection was loosely based on Bianca Jagger, so there would be no better way for Adams to honor “American Hustle” than with a punch of ’70s glam. The actress favors a bare décolletage, so this gown presents a change — but its pretty red ruffles would look amazing against her pale skin.
Cate Blanchett (Best Actress nominee, ‘Blue Jasmine’)
Unlike a lot of her contemporaries, Blanchett has the stature and grace to pull off exaggerated couture shapes. This Giambattista Valli couture dress is simultaneously classic and modern — a contrast that defines both the actress’s beauty and red carpet taste. Besides, “Blue Jasmine” could do with a hint of the hue.
Sandra Bullock (Best Actress nominee, ‘Gravity’)
Rich colors have been Bullock’s MO this entire awards season, so this darker Elie Saab ombré couture creation would be a chic surprise. Bullock’s lean arms and sculpted shoulders demand strapless, but this dress’s flowing fabric offsets any severity. Ultimately, though, it’s evocative of a twilight sky — a perfect fit for the “Gravity” star.
Judi Dench (Best Actress nominee, ‘Philomena’)
Dame Judi Dench requires something regal. Valentino’s embroidered couture gown — with its long sleeves and flattering proportions — is fit for a queen (or at least somebody who won an Oscar for playing one). Plus, the dress’s square neckline would balance Dench’s pixie cut quite nicely. No crown required.
Meryl Streep (Best Actress nominee, ‘August: Osage County’)
Ms. Streep loves her metallics. She wore silver last year and gold the year before that. This go ’round, she should try copper. This sleek long skirt and silk blouse by Juan Carlos Obando is elegance defined, with the bonus of being relatively casual, which suits an actress of Streep’s caliber. When you’re as revered as she, you don’t have to try very hard.
Jennifer Lawrence, (Best Supporting Actress nominee, ‘American Hustle’)
Lawrence is already confirmed to wear a Christian Dior dress (shocking!) — and this columnar gown would work best. It’s the most colorful from Dior’s spring couture collection; the pops of red would highlight the warmness in her face. And it’s certainly more streamlined than the puffy cloud of fabric she tripped on before accepting her award last year . . .
Lupita Nyong’o (Best Supporting Actress nominee, ’12 Years a Slave’)
Nyong’o is a red carpet wild card — she has worn everything, and everything looks good on her. She has her pick of the litter, but as her Ralph Lauren Golden Globes ensemble proved, American designers do her the most justice. This orange Zac Posen dress would be striking against her skin, and we haven’t seen her in something quite as dramatic.
Julia Roberts (Best Supporting Actress nominee, ‘August: Osage County’)
Julia Roberts is an A-list power player, so she doesn’t bother with frills. Her ensembles tend toward the austere, with strong menswear influences. This Zuhair Murad dress is both beautiful and formal, but in it, Roberts wouldn’t be in danger of looking too dour. It’s simple, and just sexy enough. The gold details are foretelling, too.
June Squibb (Best Supporting Actress nominee, ‘Nebraska’)
You can always count on Squibb to keep it classy and age-appropriate. That doesn’t mean she can’t look fabulous. The long sleeves and hemline of this Armani Privé gown would complement her shape, and the fine embroidery and silver sheen would give her an extra sparkle.
Sally Hawkins (Best Supporting Actress nominee, ‘Blue Jasmine’)
Hawkins should work her petite frame and fair complexion the Old Hollywood way — with a big, sweeping ball gown. This high-low Oscar de la Renta dress is free of bells and whistles, so it won’t overwhelm her. Plus, the pale pink would emphasize her delicate beauty.