Dressing The Best Actress

You don’t need to be an actress to your have your own spotlight moments. Every woman has a dream of stepping up to the glamorous life of the red carpet, but we also have other less-televised occasions that require a more formal look. The Oscars, to me, are a chance to consider how different looks can work for different types of women. Let’s take just the best actress category this year. We have many points on the fashion spectrum to learn from.

At the youngest end we have Quvenzhane Wallis, from Beasts of the Southern Wild. In the movie itself, she played a poor Southern girl who could barely afford clothes. I think she is so sweet that she has to look like a princess for the Oscars. Baby blue, lavender, or pale pink dresses with square necklines, empire waists, and layered chiffon would bring her innocent beauty out. So far she has shown some of that look at other events. It’s also a look that we can apply to young girls if they need formal wear. Such a tiny body does not merit the little black dress, Think royal colors and think a conservative approach.

The next three are more typical. Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty) has a great neck and shoulders and beautiful red hair. She looks best in blush colors or in black. Sophisticated necklines such as sweetheart strapless, off the shoulder, and bateau look great on her. I am imagining her in a fitted blush French lace over satin dress with a bateau neckline. Any of my clients that have sharp shoulders and an elegant neck can pull off the off-the-shoulder look, which is classic and simple.

Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook) looked great in red at the Golden Globes. To accentuate her gorgeous eyes and her pretty bust, she should wear a strapless dress with a slight curve at the neckline. She looks great in dramatic colors, such as emerald green, aubergine, dark red, and midnight blue. Shiny silk sating with a soft A-line cut will bring her natural beauty out. Women who have darker features can look great in dramatic colors.

Naomi Watts (The Impossible.) She’s blonde, blue-eyed and thin. So far I think she has relied to heavily on black dresses at formal events. For me Naomi will look amazing in heavily beaded, fitted, cowl neck, low back, purple or indigo dresses with trains.

Emmanuelle Riva (Amour) represents the older more conservative side of the fashion spectrum this year.  As with most older women, formal dress should avoid showing too much skin, or trying to look too loud. Emmanuelle looks great in ruffled necklines, well tailored, long sleeved, and taffeta dresses. She would look great in cool shades such as dark grey, violet, or Bermuda blue.

My pick? Jennifer was the best actress. Jessica will win the runway.