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The Oscar Trend: Dramatic one-shoulder gowns
Why it Works: No one was giving starlets like Anne Hathaway, Hilary Swank, and Katherine Heigl the cold shoulder while they worked the Red Carpet last night: in their one-shoulder stunners, they were impossible to ignore. Although several hot trends were seen on celebs at the show, this one was especially chic. One-shoulder gowns do double duty, drawing attention to flawless hair and makeup and standing in for over-the-top jewels by adding just enough drama and flash to the decolletage. Strapless gowns are expected and long sleeves practically unheard of, so lovely one-shouldered gowns strike a beautiful balance with an artistic asymmetry that keeps things interesting.
Get the Look: Lipstick red was most definitely the color of the night, so flaunt two trends at once in Valentino's luxe gown ($7,650) with a glam front pleat and pavé detail at the waist. If black is more your style, grab a Grecian-inspired draped dress that would make Project Runway's Rami swoon, like Azzaro's Deco gown ($5,400).
Not planning on strutting your stuff down the Red Carpet anytime soon? Go short and sweet while showing off your shoulders. Look for unexpected, unusual accents, like Anne's and Hilary's so-feminine flowers and Katherine's artsy red ring. DSquared2 dresses up their one-shouldered LBD ($795) with a kicky pouf of ostrich feathers that eliminates the need for fussy jewels. You could also take things to a Carrie Bradshaw level with Dior's Godet dress ($5,000), a snow white shift with an oversized crepe satin lily at the shoulder.
