Sorry, necklace fans; this just isn’t your year. Stars decided to forgo the fancy neckwear, opting instead for elaborate necklines, built-in bling, long, flowing locks, or just plain naked necks on the Academy’s Red Carpet. This is good news for accessory-phobes and fans of the little black dress: with a little risk-taking in terms of shape, even basic black can stand-alone.
Creative necklines ruled the night. Kate Winslet’s one-shouldered Valentino, Nicole Kidman’s candy apple red Balenciaga halter, and the intricate bodice of Penelope Cruz’s Atelier Versace all shone bright enough without jewels. Let the drama come from the shape of your dress not the size of your jewels with Tadashi’s ivory tiered v-neck halter gown
($237), BCBG Max Azria’s ruched one-shoulder dress
($132) or A.B.S.’s black taffeta sleeveless shirt collar dress
($162).
Jennifer Lopez (in Marchesa), Beyoncé and Cate Blanchett (both in Armani Privé) let their dresses do double duty. With crystal strands, elaborate beading, and enamel stones built right into their gowns, there was no need for necklaces. Check out Nicole Miller’s crochet detail silk dress ($246) or Vera Wang’s jeweled silk gown ($587) for looks with embedded insta-sparkle.
Or just do what Reese Witherspoon and Gweneth Paltrow did: use your flowing locks as an accessory. Reese, in a strapless Nina Ricci gown, and Gweneth, in apricot Zac Posen, did the Rapunzel thing and rocked an accessory they wouldn’t have to return at the end of the night. To let your ‘do do all the talking, opt for Vera Wang’s black silk satin strapless mermaid dress ($477); it’s a virtual blank canvas to show off your stellar highlights.
