There’s no blueprint on how one can slay a red-carpet look. Basing from the fantastic yet random looks of Tracee Ellis Ross’ bright pink Valentino Couture at the 2018 Emmy Awards, Bjork’s iconic swan outfit of 2001, and Anne Hathaway’s Elie Saab leopard print for 2019, landing a part on the best-dressed list has nothing to do with a specific look. The underlying competitiveness of the red carpet can either make or break a celebrity’s career. Some stars along with their glam team have deciphered a “safe” way to tread the risky boundaries of fashion and originality.
Over the years, statements like champagne-colored gowns, mermaid cut, and princess dresses have been tried and tested to pass the judgmental eyes of fans and critics alike. Thanks to the fashion-forward minds of Lindsay Flores, Swennen, and Anita Patrickson, here are some of the looks that people can expect to lay their eyes on at any important red-carpet event:
Champagne
The tried and tested classic hues of champagne have graced and conquered the most significant red-carpet events in history. It’s a popular choice because it compliments a wide array of skin colors. While the vibrant colors of yellow and pink have more impact on the eyes, this neutral tone can be a more elegant and timeless look. Match it with a killer silhouette, and a spot in the best-dressed list might be imminent.
Mermaid Hem
You can never go wrong with a formfitting fishtail silhouette on the red carpet. The iconic shape has been worn by A-listers like Kiki Palmer, Jennifer Lopez, and Kate Winslet to name a few. The reason behind the popularity of the Mermaid Hem is because it accentuates almost any kind of body shape in all the right places.
Fully-Beaded
A fully-beaded dress or gown might be one of the most ingenious creations in the fashion world. The intricacy of this technique gives new dimensions to the typical silhouette. Metallic tones appear to work best as it creates a glamorous look that’s sophisticated and regal.
Off-Shoulders
The Off-shoulder dress isn’t just Meryl Streep’s favorite silhouette; it’s also comparable to her status in Hollywood: It always wins! According to Patrickson, a stylist to Chanel Iman, Paquin, Tika Sumpter, and Camila Alves, the romantic and sexy cut makes a grand frame for necklaces and earrings to have its spotlight. Its style potential lies strongly between looking ethereal, or strong and bold.
White
While white is one of the most elegant and purest colors available, it might be risky to wear if you don’t have a glam team to make the whole look clean and flawless. “In Hollywood white is red-hot,” says Patrickson. Iconic women from the past to the present including Audrey Hepburn snatched everyone’s attention when she arrived in a white lace dress by Givenchy in 1954.