Oscar Buzz-Worthy Trends

No one watching Sunday night's red carpet would have guessed we are in a recession. Perhaps because it feels like we skipped right over last year's Academy Awards (indeed, an Oscar ceremony sans Vanity Fair after-party is not much of a celebration at all), celebrities pulled out all the stops this time around. Accordingly, the traditional red-carpet LBD was noticeably missing. Angelina, in strapless Elie Saab, was one of the few stars who chose to wear the dark hue. The stars' opulent gowns ranged from Penelope Cruz's frothy, dreamy Balmain concoction to Freida Pinto's asymmetrical azule Galliano frock. Indeed, some critics have wondered aloud whether some attendees meant to dress for a royal wedding and landed on the wrong carpet.

This year's three most prevalent red carpet trends took their cues from the spring runways:

Trend 1: Metallic Gowns
Jennifer Aniston, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Anne Hathaway (below in Armani Prive) all chose sparkly gowns in light washes.

Photo: justjared.buzznet.com



Trend 2: Architectural Details
Heidi Klum, Jessica Biel, and Marisa Tomei, pictured below in Versace Atelier, took risks with origami pleating and sculptural necklines.

Photo: Getty Images

Trend 3: Statement Necklaces

While Beyonce rocked a bare neck and wrists with her House of Dereon Couture gown (a dress that reminded me of how glad I am that I'm NOT forced to wear what my mother chooses for me), stars like Amy Adams and Tajari P. Henson, both in Fred Leighton, didn't shy away from elaborate gems to complete their looks.

Photo: Getty Images

Although many critics are saying otherwise, I thought Amy Adams was the fashion highlight of the evening. Yes, her Carolina Herrera gown had some unfortunate black piping, plus it matched the red carpet. But with her red hair and elegant 1950's bib necklace, the overall effect was stunning.

Bee Fashionable!