Fashion: The dresses of the Oscars

It was a tale of two red carpets at this year’s Academy Award celebrations as pale and interesting went head to head with molten metallics.

Romantic full-length skirts and sweet strapless dresses dipped in delicate pastel shades were the go-to gown of choice for stars such as Amy Adams and Anne Hathaway, while Naomi Watts and Nicole Kidman unleashed gun metal magic while remaining soft and feminine.

Monochrome made an appearance too, reinforcing its strong presence on the high street right now, shown off on Halle Berry and Kelly Rowland splendidly.

There was a real whiff of old Hollywood glamour in the wings as starlets upped the fashion ante for the biggest night in the showbiz calendar. Beading and embellishment were in abundance, giving this year’s Oscars a real feel of luxury, which is exactly what you want from your movie stars. Sandra Bullock and Selma Heyek pulled off the look with precision in Elli Saab and Alexander McQueen while Jennifer Hudson and Catherine Zeta Jones dazzled in their skin tight liquid metal creations.

Surprisingly coloured dresses missed the mark this year, looking garish next to the nude hues and metallics on show. Blushes and lavender brightened skin tones underneath intricate bead work and embroidery.

Spring palettes are already hitting the high street so if you are lusting after dusty pinks head for Ted Baker as they have floating fabrics in just the shade to satisfy your Oscar urges. Truth be told, some of Hollywood’s biggest hitters played it a little safe last night while others mistook formal for full-on prom wear, but all in all I’d say it has been a pretty spectacular awards season all round and the Academy Awards certainly didn’t let us down. I’m getting gown withdrawal already.