Academy Awards

Open the contents of this digital envelope to reveal CE’s picks for best and worst colors selections at the Academy’s Gala.

Best Dress Color for Complexion Nominees

Bronze may rank third in certain hierarchies, but on Jessica Chastain’s Warm Spring complexion it warranted an anthem and a flag. Her fair skin is clear and smooth, her strawberry locks are glossy and rich, and her green hazel eyes are strong and sparkling.

This Soft Summer blossomed in Mullberry. Even with Jennifer Garner’s understated makeup, her features are vibrant and intense.

Warm complexions may believe gray a chromatic cruelty unequaled. But Light Summer Naomi Watts proves it can be a decadent reward when applied appropriately. She is luminous yet not overshown, a notable victory considering the amplitude of sequins she’s bearing.

Worst Dress Color for Complexion Nominees

Soft Autumn Jane Fonda is 75 times stunning! And I applaud her for making a big and bold age-appropriate statement on the red carpet. However could the yellow have been ever so much softer and warmer. A gold or bronze would have been ideal, but I would have applauded a butter or daffodil. If you could caught a glimpse of the woman in spite of the dress, you noticed she was left ashy and over-shown

My eyes were misting at the site of this Academy Award darling. Unfortunately the tissue blotted sadness from my cheeks. Technically Deep Winter‘s can wear icy pinks, but that doesn’t mean it’s Anne’s shining color, a shade equal to her crowning moment. The hue isn’t a clashing contrast, but it isn’t a glowing companion either. And those unfortunate bust darts . . . let’s focus instead on her flawless makeup and darling pixie.

This was a truly Misérables. Soft Summer Amanda Seyfried disappeared on the red carpet. The pale lavender utterly depleted her color, transforming her into a dramatic ghost.

What colors do you think soared and sunk at the Oscars this year?

Sequins, Boning, and Brocade. . . Oh My. Below is a list of what oooh’d and what ewww’d on Sunday’s red carpet:

Best Dress for Body Shape Nominees

Each bead of Octavia Spencer’s cocoon-like bodice is dedicated to contouring and corseting her Middle Figure. Metamorphosis ensues as her soft, delicious center is further contracted by the contrasting width of shawl sleeve and a-line skirt. The resulting butterfly emerges as a curvy, proportionate silhouette.

Halle Berry’s strategically lined gown dominated like chess against checkers. Her Hourglass silhouette was amplified as sequins cut into her already narrow waist then bowed over both upper and lower fronts. Angular shoulders and linear lines were also enlisted to stretch and stand in rigid contrast to the curves undulating across the frame.

Jennifer Lawrence’s narrow waist and prominent Lower Figure are showcased in a trimly fitted bodice. While the unexpected bell at her thighs (as opposed to her much narrower knees) maintains relative proportion with her generous hip line.

Worst Dress for Body Shape Nominees

It was difficult to choose a category to nominate this frock for. It failed in color and signature style but possibly the worst effect was on her figure. Drawing parallel lines down Kristen Stewart’s Linear shape mades her trim figure appear boxy and awkward.

If the hip centered gather of Melissa McCarthy’s gown could have migrated 8-10 inches north directly below her bust, her Middle Figure might have been rescued. Unfortunately, folds united at one of her broadest points leaving her shape the primary casualty.

Reese Witherspoon’s gown was beautifully fitted to her darling Lower Figure with middle considerations, but the black panels which visually erased inches from her waistline existed at the expense of her already larger, lower half.

Who do you think was the best or worst dressed at the Oscars this year?

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Academy Awards: Best & Worst Dresses by Color & Complexion

Academy Awards: Best & Worst Dresses by Body Type