The Film Independent Spirit Awards are the soothing beachside afternoon jaunt we all need before the hustle and bustle of the Oscars; this is always one of my favorite red carpets of the year.
The outfits tend to be a little more on the chilled out and playful side with both pattern and color out in strong force and while I love the dramatic glamour of the Oscars this is much more my speed. Plus the dudes in suits tend to step out of the usual classic comfort zone and this year is no different.
And you get an incredible opening monologue like this one:
It’s strange seeing John Mulaney and Nick Kroll out of their Gil and George costumes after so many months of Oh, Hello.
Now for the best looks of the afternoon.
Janelle Monáe gives another lesson in how to wear black and white on every red carpet and keep things interesting. This time it is Salvatore Ferragamo and I’m digging those coat slung over the shoulders vibes. Great lipstick as per and as I said on Friday, Monáe is one my Oscar most anticipated.
Another person who has been a big awards sartorial presence is Ruth Negga and she is also very much on the anticipated list.
Accompanied by super handsome Loving producer Colin Firth going for the no tie/open button option and Negga is stunning in dramatic floral Delpozo.
Flying in from filming A Wrinkle in Time in New Zealand (as well documented on Instagram by Mindy Kaling and Reese Witherspoon) is Ava DuVernay and this patterned Gucci number ticks so many boxes; pleats, botanicals, fabulous collar.
Multicolor patchwork Chanel for Naomie Harris and I love everything about this look except for the random bit of lace that looks like someone accidentally forgot to cut it off. Don’t be the Topshop school of somehow adding lace or tulle to things that don’t need them.
Mullet dresses are very much hit or miss for me and Taraji P. Henson’s ethereal Giambattista Valli happily falls into the first category. The slightly windy conditions add some drama and those gold Jimmy Choo sandals are fabulous.
Entering mini dress territory with Nasim Pedrad in textured green florals.
Aubrey Plaza is a regular on this Spirit Awards rundown and the best thing about this is she takes a very different approach each time. Here she has taken a page out of the Janelle Monáe clashing black and white patterns book in a somewhat ’60s trippy Versus Versace top and skirt. Bonus lipstick points too.
Looking cool as ever – this time in Chloé – and with the award for best actress to boot is Isabelle Huppert and I wonder if she will repeat this win tonight against Emma Stone.
Jenny Slate is in a handsome men in suits sandwich with Jon Hamm and Edgar Ramirez. Love her choice of Luisa Beccaria pleats and halter for this seaside venue. 
New dad Mahershala Ali continued his fabulous suit streak and the best thing about this is the red shoes he paired it with.
And I am finally seeing Moonlight this afternoon and this has been a very good movie watching weekend. 
Keeping the suave Moonlight cast score high is Trevante Rhodes in a double-breasted grey number paired with oxblood shoes.
More Moonlight and bonus delightful kids alert as Jaden Piner leans casual whereas Alex R. Hibbert does the tuxedo thing (but keeps things chill in white Vans).
My favorite suit of the day and Hidden Figures’ Aldis Hodge is giving great mixed patterns. The pocket square/pin/tie details give this three piece suit ensemble the edge over everyone else.
I saw rumblings on Twitter the other day that there might be a Casey Affleck upset tonight and that Viggo might be the reason. Regardless of whether he does win the Oscar, he looks great here in burgundy.
David Oyelowo had one of my favorite looks at the 2015 Spirit Awards in a knockout blue suit and this year he’s gone for something a little more subdued, but still just as stylish and his tie delivers a splash of color.
As I mentioned above it is going to take a little bit of time getting used to John Mulaney and Nick Kroll out of their Gil and George costumes/makeup. This is a good start and along with a hilarious and blistering monologue they both look fabulous.
Ending things on a super smiley Annette Bening looking cool as fuck in a black turtleneck. I saw 20th Century Women yesterday and it was everything I hoped it would be and more. This post has been written to Talking Heads because of this movie.
Come back tomorrow for plenty more red carpet posts.
TV Ate My Wardrobe 
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