Fashion & Beauty

Pretty pastels reign on Oscar red carpet

Pretty in pastel is the new black.

If any single person was going to dictate Oscar’s biggest red-carpet trend, it would be fashion powerhouse Lupita Nyong’o. Having topped nearly every “best dressed” list this awards season, the Best Supporting Actress winner nailed it last night in a custom powdery blue Prada dress. Styled with a simple tiara, her Grecian-inspired gown was modern, minimal, and finished with a flowing skirt decorated with crystal-trimmed pleats. One for the books, for sure.

And while Nyong’o’s look was the leader of a pastel-clad pack, A-listers aplenty reached for — and achieved — a more romantic vibe.

Not one for princess gowns, Cate Blanchett surprised in a dreamy nude floral-encrusted Armani Privé frock. The illusion neckline disguised the edgy high-neck and cap sleeve.
Penelope Cruz was pretty in a pale-pink Giambattista Valli Haute Couture strapless dress. Finished with a flowing cape and bow-trimmed belt, she was sweet without an ounce of saccharine. Modern-day Audrey done just right.

Camila Alves showed up on Matthew McConaughey’s arm in a light-pink concoction whipped up by Gabriela Cadena, while Jada Pinkett Smith wore a similar hue in the way of a Versace halter gown. Complete with draped backs and sexy slits, blushing these beauties were not.

Fashion plate Kerry Washington ditched her body-con cocktail frocks and opted for a silky, pale-purple Jason Wu gown. It comfortably covered her baby bump, but a small slit offered up just the right amount of scandal from this mama-to-be.

Naomi Watts wore winter white in the way of a beaded Calvin Klein Collection gown complete with cap sleeves. It might not have been a true pastel, but it was romantic and modern as all get-out. No bridal vibes here.

Jessica Biel showed up sans her main man and worked the nearly nude look in her strapless, shimmery Chanel Couture column. Offset with $670,000 worth of glittering baubles, she prompted us to wonder: Who needs Justin Timberblake when you’re tricked out in Tiffany?

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