Welcome to the final hurrah of awards season (well there are also still Vanity Fair after party photos to deal with) and after months of campaigning and many other red carpets the Oscars are here. Now I’m not going to say I was totally disappointed, underwhelmed perhaps as overall the Golden Globes and maybe even the SAGs had more standout dress moments. There was a lot to love this year, but not a whole lot that had that Oscar WOAH. No contenders to the Michelle Williams in yellow Vera Wang from 10 years ago.
There are still plenty of dresses to peruse and welcome to part 1 of our highlights – kicking off with all the sparkly delights.
Saoirse Ronan delivered the first WOW reaction of the night in emerald Calvin Klein Collection and it is giving me Keira Knightley Atonement dress feelings with a 1970s sequin twist. That is a very good thing.
More sequins and a gown that looks just as stunning in motion as it does in these posed photos; Naomi Watts is onto a winner in Armani Privé and Liev Schreiber is doing the classic tux thing (for dudes in exciting suits check out the style highlights from the Independent Spirit Awards).
Plunging gold snakeskin for Margot Robbie and this is another dress that is giving off so many 1970s vibes and in not so shocking news I am very much here for this decade’s strong influence.
Sound the #LadySuitWatch2016 klaxon and costume designer Sandy Powell (no E! this is not Tilda) does not disappoint in a year when she has been nominated not once, but twice (for Carol and Cinderella – see photos from a Cinderella exhibit here). 
When I first saw Amy Poehler in Andrew Gn I snap judgement declared this my favorite ever red carpet look for her and the morning after I still feel the same. Love the embroidery and the drama. Plus a caped sleeve is always going to hit my sweet spot.
It has been a season of big hitters for the always fashion forward and adventurous Alicia Vikander so I was a little disappointed with what Louis Vuitton made for her very big night. Don’t get me wrong it is a lovely gown (bubble hem aside), but it’s not the triumphant levels we saw at the SAGs. I feel greedy for wanting more.
I am glad she won (even if it should have been for Ex-Machina) and I’m really looking forward to seeing what she does both on screen and on the red carpet in the not too distant future. Shout-out to the woman in silver sequins in the background as she looks fabulous.
Another recent red carpet big hitter and Daisy Ridley crushed the Star Wars press tour on every level. Chanel Couture is a great step although I am not in love with the sheer trim, but Ridley is certainly working the awkward length and gets those all important lipstick points. 
Chrissy Teigen posted a photo on Instagram of final Oscar prep which included getting sewn into her dress – standard fancy gown procedure which always has me wondering about trips to the bathroom – and she looks incredible in rose embroidered Marchesa. John Legend as always scrubs up very well.
Another incredible embroidered creation and Juliet Rylance’s Temperley London frock gives off a very fresh vibe. Rylance was there with her father Mark Rylance and his Best Supporting Actor speech was one of my favorites from the night. Such grace and humility. Plus that wonderful accent. Now I am also wondering whether we will get any more of The Knick as I have so many hopes for Cornelia.
Stay tuned for part 2 of our Oscar coverage.
TV Ate My Wardrobe 
5 Responses to “Best of the 2016 Oscars Red Carpet: Sparkle and Pattern”