Ladies in red: Katherine Heigl, Anne Hathaway, Miley Cyrus and Heidi Klum

The Colors

A sea of fire red, sparkling white, deep blue and black as midnight dresses dominated this year’s Oscar red carpet.

The stars showed full commitment to the hues they chose to wear by keeping their looks almost entirely monochromatic. Case in point, Katherine Heigl’s lipstick seemed almost custom blended to match her bright coral/red Escada gown.

Red will certainly be called the color of the night, so many picked shades of this warm color that at times it was difficult to tell where the crimson dresses ended and the red carpet began.

Pale beauties: Jennifer Hudson, Marion Cotillard, Renee Zellweger and Keri Russell

Those who choose to wear beads and sparkles seemed to pick white or champagne colored gowns as opposed to metallic backgrounds, which have been extremely popular throughout the last few award show seasons.

Blue belles: Cate Blancett, Penelope Cruz, Anne Marie Duff and Amy Ryan

Dark shades of blues will be super trendy into next fall… so it’s no wonder stars known for being fashion forward, like Cate Blancett and Penelope Cruz, chose this less conventional ball gown color for the evening.

Classic black tie: Hilary Swank, Laura Linney, Jennifer Garner and Nicole Kidman

A black gown is always sophisticated, the perfect backdrop for diamonds. Styles that showcase a well toned physique kept these stars looking modern.

The lowdown

While those most critical of the over-all tone of dressing today are saying the stars and their stylist played it all too “safe” last night, my biggest complaint would have to be it was all way too “solid”.

It’s not that I don’t think a solid colored dress is beautiful, most of these were and I’m sure in person the detailing was beautiful. It’s just that with so many fabulous prints, patterns and interesting color mixing on the spring fashion horizon… I think it’s a shame that not one of these starlets took the leap to stand out from the pack.

The accoutrements

Accessories this year went far beyond the normal Harry Winston diamonds and Judith Leiber purse. In fact it was a variety of little details, not just one or two fabulous outfits, that kept me interested as the over three hour ceremony crept on.

Dame Helen Mirren’s Swarowski crystal sleeves were beyond regal, Nicole Kidman’s Lwren Scott 1400 carat diamond necklace was so unusual I barely noticed her baby bump and Amy Adams tiny mess purse, that she admitted on the red carpet could hold nothing, was a true testament to form over function.

Oh,la,la… whether or not you liked the mermaid inspired Jean-Paul Gaultier dress, you have to admit French actress Marion Cotillard’s natural beauty and genuine enthusiasm was a refreshing sight amongst the Hollywood set. Her metallic eyes, la vie en rose colored lips and (yes!) pale skin are sure to be copied.

She may have been a little too “rock and roll” for some- but Diablo Cody’s personal style statement, which included skull and cross bone earrings, a retro tattoo and a flowing leopard print gown seemed to really work for her.

Tilda Swinton claims to have never watched an Oscars Award Ceremony before, perhaps that’s why she choose this Lanvin dress- which looked more like a Project Runway reject than a red carpet stunner. Meanwhile Saorise Ronan sweetly quipped she chose to wear green because “I’m Irish”… my favorite color explanation of the evening.

Looking fabulous and very pregnant… Jessica Alba’s feather and flowing aubergine Marchese dress proved that a grecian draped dress isn’t just for pin thin models.

While Sarah Larson, who wore a Valentino couture dress from the designers final collection, kept her jewelry simple- perhaps to not overpower her date George Clooney- who was after all, the best accessory of the evening!

Which star’s color choice do you think shined the brightest?   

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