February 25th, 2013 
If Hollywood is a High School, then the Oscars are their prom. And accordingly, the starlets of “Hollywood High” brought their fashion ferocity at this year’s annual honoring of the best in film. Neutrals were a popular choice among starlets as were deep hues of emerald, navy and an array of red tones. While nearly all of the ladies put their best Jimmy Choo-adorned foot forward, there were a few actresses whose red-carpet looks would have earned them the title of Prom Queen.
There are few women who manage to look flawless both with and without hair, but Charlize Theron manages to do both effortlessly. The starlet showed up rocking a blonde pixie cut and a stunning peplum white Christian Dior Coutoure gown. She accented the look with minimal Harry Winston jewelry. I am thoroughly convinced that Ms. Theron could show up a potato sack and still take away Best Dressed honors simply based on her timeless beauty alone.
Charlize Theron in Christian Dior Haute Couture
(Photo Credit: The Examiner)
America’s newest sweetheart and Silver Linings Playbook Best Actress Award winner Jennifer Lawrence also sported white in a Dior Haute Couture gown with a tight bodice and a full skirt. She accented the dress with a down-the-back diamond necklace and drop diamond earrings both by Chopard.
Jennifer Lawrence in Christian Dior
(Photo Credit: The Hollywood Reporter)
Les Miserables star Amanda Seyfried looked ethereal in a flowy silver and cream-colored Alexander McQueen creation which she accented with a loose updo and Lorraine Schwartz jewels.
Amanda Seyfried in Alexander McQueen
(Photo Credit: The Hollywood Reporter)
Rounding out my top four neutral looks was Zero Dark Thirty nominee Jessica Chastain who accented her copper-colored beaded Armani Prive gown with her signature auburn locks, a perfect red pout and Harry Winston jewels. She was the epitome of old Hollywood glamour.
Jessica Chastain in Armani Prive
(Photo Credit: The Hollywood Reporter)
From a neutral palate to a jubilee of jewel tones, the red carpet wasn’t the only pop of color on Oscar night. Kerry and both Jennifers (Aniston and Garner) all hit the mark with these colorful gowns.
A presenter and cast member in the evening’s nominated film, Django Unchained, Kerry Washington looked radiant in a gold and strawberry-hued two toned look from Mui Mui accented with a bow belt.
Kerry Washington in Miu Miu
(Photo Credit: The Hollywood Reporter)
Jennifer Aniston also presented looking every bit of classically elegant in her full-skirt crimson Valentino design. With her fiance Justin Theroux on her arm, Jennifer accessorized with gorgeous diamond drop earrings from Fred Leighton and the best accessory of all -love.
Jennifer Aniston in Valentino
(Photo Credit: Daily Mail)
From one Jennifer to another, Mrs. Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner stunned in a plum-colored strapless Gucci gown accented by ruffle detail an antique diamond choker by Neil Lane.
Jennifer Garner in Gucci
(Photo Credit: Just Jared)
Finally, while she didn’t wear color but rather gun-metal gray, Naomi Watts came in a close second to the best dressed of the evening (that title belongs to Charlize) with her asymmetrical beaded gown by Armani Prive. The smokey hue was offset by her signature blonde locks and peaches and cream skin tone.
Naomi Watts in Armani Prive
(Photo Credit: Huffington Post)
There were few missteps on the 2013 Oscar red carpet, but there were a select group of ladies who didn’t put their best foot forward this year.
Despite her Best Supporting Actress win, Anne Hathaway’s ill-fitting pale pink Prada missed the mark for me. The hue was too similar to her porcelain skin, washing her out, and the darting down her bodess made her chest appear pointy. But dress aside, her hair, makeup, and diamond collar necklace were all stunning.
Anne Hathaway in Prada
(Photo Credit: Just Jared)
Funny lady and my favorite Bridesmaid, Melissa McCarthy’s Texas-sized hair was a mismatch with her sage-colored David Meister gown. While she always delivers in the comedy department, I think for this awards show, Melissa fell short.
Melissa McCarthy in David Meister
(Photo Credit: The Hollywood Reporter)
Finally, while Nicole Kidman always manages to dress appropriately for her age and body type, this year’s black and gold second-skin sequined L’Wren dress made her appear matronly.
Nicole Kidman in L’Wren
(Photo Credit: Huffington Post)
Overall, the ladies of Hollywood’s biggest night turned up the glamour volume in an array of neutrals and jewel tones on this year’s Oscar red carpet. What a way to close out awards season!
