Red Carpet Rockstars — Check Out Our Picks For Best-Dressed At The 2015 Oscars!

Last night’s Academy Awards were a mixed bag. On the one hand, Neil Patrick Harris disappointed as the show’s host, relying on in-the-audience bits and a show-long magic trick centered on his Oscar predictions that fell flat. On the other hand, there were some epic moments throughout the evening, such as: when Common and John Legend performed on stage or, later, when they gave a profound speech touching on the racial inequalities and social injustices that persist in  our society; when Patricia Arquette used her Best Supporting Actress acceptance speech to call for equal wages for women; and when Alejandro Gonzalez Iñarritu, the director and writer of the night’s biggest winner, Birdman, reminded people that the US is a country of immigrants and called for Mexican immigrants to be treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. On the fashion front, while many stars who are normally bold risk takers went for disappointingly safe gown options (like Emma Stone and Kerry Washington), others graced the red carpet in memorable gowns that we’re likely to discuss for years to come.

Below, check out my list of the best-dressed stars at the 2015 Oscars!

JENNIFER LOPEZ

This apricot-tinged, nude-colored, intricately beaded Elie Saab gown includes some of the design elements Jennifer Lopez typically gravitates towards when choosing a red carpet gown — such as the plunging neckline in the wide “V” shape and the fitted waist — but it also incorporates a dreamy, full, ballroom-ready skirt with layer upon layer of tulle, which is a deviation from the body-conscious, booty-hugging skirts J.Lo tends to prefer. Yes, she didn’t flaunt her most famous “asset,” but that’s part of why this Elie Saab gown was such a refreshing choice. It felt like Jennifer Lopez was enjoying a princess moment, and yet the look wasn’t too juvenile or precious. It was regal and romantic but still felt unequivocally “J.Lo” thanks to that risqué neckline. Also, two thumbs up to whomever taped her into that dress because her breasts looked nice and perky — and when you’re opting for a deep neckline, that is a must!

LUPITA NYONG’O

Lupita Nyong’o gets my vote for most original gown of the night! The Oscars are the perfect opportunity to make fashion history, and Lupita certainly did so in a ravishing Calvin Klein Collection gown with a halter neck construction and a diamond-shaped cut-out below the bustline.  Six thousand pearls were used to create this jaw-dropping gown, which is truly a piece unlike any we’ve ever seen before. Complete fashion home run!

ROSAMUND PIKE

I’m a sucker for a great red dress, and this strapless Givenchy gown just moved me. The strapless number’s scalloped neckline feels romantic and coquettish, as does the thigh-high center slit, while the sheer panels along the sides of the waist create a subtle peek-a-boo effect that infuses a vampy quality to the design. The fit is also impeccable, cinching Pike’s tiny waist and hugging her body in all the right places.

REESE WITHERSPOON

Throughout this awards season, Reese Witherspoon has been opting for minimalist gowns that showed off her rockin’ bod and felt refreshingly modern in their simplicity. This Tom Ford number was no exception. As with the SAG Awards, Reese opted for a primarily white gown, but this one incorporates a black waistband and a black off-the-shoulder neckline to create a very Mod color contrast.

MARION COTILLARD

The moment I saw Marion Cotillard in this Christian Dior Couture gown, I knew she’d rank among my picks for best-dressed for the evening. There’s a playfulness to this gown, with its polka dot motif, that’s then countered by the dramatic billowing back. Cotillard also gets points for making every element of her look cohesive, opting for diamond-studded drop earrings in spiraling shapes that echoed the geometric motifs of her dress without feeling redundant and wearing her hair up, with a swooping side part that again created a sense of movement. All around lovely.

ZOE SALDANA

It’s hard to believe that Zoe Saldana just had twins. Look at that body! Yes, she’s got more cleavage and hips than ever before (Zoe’s typically rail thin), but the extra weight looks great on her, giving her an enviable Jessica Rabbit-like silhouette that I personally hope she keeps (though, with Hollywood being obsessed with thinness, I’m assuming she’ll be a waif again in three months’ time). In any case, this nude Atelier Versace number shows off all of Zoe’s newfound curves and feels evocative of old Hollywood thanks to the boning along the bodice and the crossover draping along the midsection which, in addition to giving the gown a hint of Grecian classicism, also works to minimize the waist and accentuate the hips (hence why this particular design element is so popular with Sofia Vergara!).

FELICITY JONES

I was on the fence regarding this Alexander McQueen gown for most of the evening, but the more I looked at it, the more I began to appreciate it. The bodice indubitably provides the major wow factor: from the high neckline to the floral embellishments  with pretty pearl centers. The pleated ball skirt, meanwhile, offers some much-needed contrast, allowing the ornate top to breathe and adding volume and drama to the design. My only caveat regarding this gown is that the knotted details at the hips seem excessive given the intricacy of the bodice. At times, it felt like the skirt and bodice were having a tug-of-war for our attention, and that could’ve easily been avoided had the skirt been stripped of any unnecessary adornments. Still, it’s a dreamy gown in a majestic but understated color.