Top 10 Favorite Oscar Looks

The day of the Academy Awards is like Super Bowl Sunday in my house. Junk food is spread out on the table before me, I have my Oscar trivia book at hand in order to look up questions that arise during the broadcast, and I sit screaming in front of the television all day. And if the Academy Awards telecast is the game, then the red carpet arrivals are the Super Bowl commercials. So as part of the ongoing celebration of Oscar month (and they're definitely airing now!) I have decided to indulge my inner fashionista and rank my favorite Oscar gowns. Such a girly thing to do, and sorry to the fellas who don't care, but what's the point of having a blog if I can't bask in the glow of my own trivial pastimes. So here they are, my favorite Oscar ladies in their Sunday best.





10. Maggie Gyllenhall (2005)
If you'll look around, upto this point Maggie hadn't usually dressed her body in the most flattering designs. So I was relieved to see her looking so tall and elegant in this nude Prada, which I think actually complements her skin tone. I also really dig that metallic sash around her hips - it keeps the dress from becoming blah.









9. Michelle Williams (2006)
The fashion police were fairly split over this dress. I agree with those that say the top of the dress isn't the best suited to her frame, but the bottom half definitely works and I absolutely love the marigold color of the Vera Wang gown. It was risky and I think she looks smashing in it. And pairing it with the bright red lips is fabulous! (Also love the curly tendrils around her face.)









8. Kate Hudson (2003)
She generally has a hippie vibe going on that works for her, but in this pale pink gown she looks like a classic leading lady. The neckline and capped sleeves actually make her look curvier and the make-up perfectly enhances the frothy color of the dress.











7. Reese Witherspoon (2002)
America's sweetheart has had other fetching Oscar ensembles, but this Valentino, her first Oscar appearance, perfectly captured a fun, flirty vibe while simultaneously looking elegant. And I love the short and sassy hair.














6. Cate Blanchett (2005)
Cate is known for taking fashion risks, so at first this dress seems a little safe. But the butter-yellow Valentino is a stunning choice because the color and fit suit her flawlessly. Love the burgundy sash, the jeweled shoulder piece, and the soft gold curls.










5. Gwyneth Paltrow (2007)
Our gal Gwyn rarely goes wrong (well, stay away from the 2002 disaster), but this Zac Posen design was a real risk. The cut and the color are both unusual, but I love them both and think she looks gorgeous. And kudos for taking chances! Many thought the hair was "undone," but I think it adds an element of looseness to the ensemble that an up-do just would not have accomplished.







4. Kate Winslet (2005)
Oh, Kate. I love you, I love you, I love you! I've always hated periwinkle blue, but the color of this Badgley Mischka is just gorgeous on my favorite lady. The cut flatters her lovely curves (in truth, almost no other actress consistently dresses so well for their body type), and I love the soft, relaxed hair and make-up.










3. Uma Thurman (2006)
Many complained that 2006 was too safe (sheer nudes and simple cuts were abundant) but I don't think any other dress has ever made Uma looked like such a Grecian goddess! In this Versace, she is so statuesque and regal. And I know you can't see it well in this photo, but the hair was perfectly mussed.










2. Renee Zellweger (2003)
Red is a color that's been done right many times (see Marcia Gay Harden in 2001 and Kate Winslet in 2002), but never lovelier than on Renee. I had trouble choosing between this and the daring yellow she donned in 2001, but the backless Carolina Herrera, combined with the modest hair and red lips, ultimately won me over. This is simplistic chic done right.









1. Helen Mirren (2007)
It took a few minutes for the beauty of this dress to fully hit me, but I haven't stopped thinking about it since. The Christian Lacroix gown is simultaneously sexy and mature and it really needs to be seen in motion. The color is marvelously mirrored in her gorgeous white-blonde hair and that smile brings it all home. Please God, let me look this hot when I'm 61.


So there goes my attempt to be fashion commentator. Don't hate on me - it's really hard to talk about cut and color and whether or not the hair is right without sounding like a total jackass who should just stick to movies and leave the couture to the experts! If anyone is still reading, and has a best Oscar fashion moment of their own they'd like to share, feel free!