Channing Murrock

Every year, the Oscars are the show-stopping event in the award show season. From the tuxedos to the ball gowns, celebrities go all out in their glamor and glitz to start trends and get attention. Some stars decide to be minimalistic while others choose to have a “princess” moment. 

So what was the trend of this year? Strapless dresses!  Everyone from Jennifer Aniston to Jennifer Lawrence was in one. 

“Everyone this year was wearing strapless dresses. My favorite dresses of the night were Zoe Saldana’s and Reese Witherspoon’s,” said UA senior Maggie Calder.  

My personal top five were Jennifer Lawrence, Amy Adams, Reese Witherspoon, Amanda Seyfried and Naomi Watts. Jennifer Lawrence is the girl to watch at the moment, and she didn’t disappoint when she arrived wearing a lovely Dior Couture gown. 

Another stunner was Amy Adams, who had a major princess moment in a lavender strapless Oscar de la Renta gown with pulled back hair. 

“Amy Adams’ Oscar de la Renta dress was pure artwork,” said UA junior Brandan Boggs. “It definitely fit her body type. The lower half is just absolutely stunning.” 

Reese Witherspoon wowed the red carpet in a cobalt strapless Louis Vuitton dress. Amanda Seyfried stepped out in a unique Alexander McQueen beaded lilac dress that fit her slim figure and extended out into an elegant train. 

Another notable favorite of mine was Naomi Watts. Her silver Giorgio Armani gown was a knockout because of its unique neckline and futuristic look. 

To get these looks for less, head to your local department store or pop up dress shop. Since formal and prom season are around the corner for high schoolers, dresses are in a plentiful supply. Pick one in a shorter length for cocktail parties or sorority outings, or go all out in a ball gown style. Pull your hair back into an unfussy ’do and keep makeup to a minimal, with attention on either the eyes or the lips. Don’t forget to pile on the jewels, whether real or fake.

Now for the not-so-great looks of the night. My least favorite looks were Halle Berry, Anne Hathaway, Melissa McCarthy, Brandi Glanville and Jennifer Aniston. 

Halle Berry stepped onto the red carpet in a sequin striped Versace gown. While the gown was unique, I felt like it wasn’t right for the Oscars but might have looked great at the Grammys. 

Anne Hathaway was one of the stars most anticipated to walk the red carpet, but I felt like she was a disappointment. I was expecting a “wow!” dress, but this was way too safe in a pale pink Prada gown.

“Anne Hathaway just didn’t do it for me,” said Boggs. “If she would’ve chosen a darker color dress, it wouldn’t look like she was naked on the red carpet. Her skin tone matches the dress color, which doesn’t look good.” 

Melissa McCarthy chose a gray draped dress that didn’t work on her plus sized figure. It added extra pounds and took away from her amazing personality. 

Real Housewife of Beverly Hills Brandi Glanville looked horrible in her ill-fitting beige strapless gown that was a wardrobe malfunction.

Everyone’s favorite it-girl, Jennifer Aniston, was a major disappointment for me in her red strapless Valentino gown. While the dress was beautiful, the thing that killed the look was her signature hair, which she wore down, straight and relaxed, taking away from a glam look.

To avoid a disastrous look when going out, always choose an outfit that flatters your body type. Color is key when picking a dress; although you may like a color, it might not go with your hair color, skin tone or eye color. Also, never overdo accessories. Try to follow the rule of taking off one accessory when leaving the house. Don’t have competing makeup and always have your nails done. Also, follow the most important rule of smiling and looking confident.