Red Carpet Trends:
by Yuna Han
Photo Courtesy of Getty Images
As the Golden Globes and SAG award shows kicked off this past month, stars commemorated another year of achievements in film and television. In addition to honoring their works, actors and actresses arrived on the red carpet flaunting their style choices. The ladies of Hollywood made appearances in their most dazzling gowns, laying down the trends that we can expect to see more of at the highly anticipated Grammys and Academy Awards. This year, actresses strutted down the red carpet in unique designs that included floral embellishments, plunging necklines and bare shoulders.
Florals
Although the winter season is not over yet, this did not discourage starlets from braving the red carpet in fun, floral prints and embellishments. This feminine trend appeared in numerous gowns and in many unique forms, ruling Hollywood fashion once again.
In Valentino, Claire Foy––who took home the SAG award for best female actress in a TV drama––triumphed the carpet in a dark, yet romantic floral gown. The black tulle gown paired with floral embellishments created a daring yet dreamy look. Similarly, award-winner Emma Stone donned a McQueen black lace gown with dark floral embroidery. Kate Hudson arrived at the SAG awards in a sheer black Dior gown, but with an added twist to the floral trend: a corsage. The 37-year-old showed off her stunning dress accessorized with a pinned poppy flower on the side.
At the Golden Globes, Nashville actress Connie Britton took on lighter rendition of the floral trend in an elegant blush-colored dress decorated with white, floral embroidery. Downton Abbey actress Laura Carmichael wore a simple and chic spaghetti-strapped gown with bold floral embroidery detailed down the front of the dress.
Bare Shoulders
Another trend that has dominated the red carpet is the cold-shoulder/off-the-shoulder detail. This look is both sweet and flattering, and it does not seem to be losing its fashionable appeal. In a show stopping Vera Wang gown, 20-year-old Hailee Steinfeld wore a lavender, long-sleeved number with cold-shoulder details. This fun, princess-like dress caught media attention around the world. Additionally, Drew Barrymore arrived at the Golden Globes in an embellished, ivory dress with large shoulder cut-outs, looking confident and sophisticated. Nicole Kidman stepped out in a daring, long-sleeved silver gown by McQueen with cold-shoulder detailing as well. This trend seems to be a fan-favorite as Boston University students have found that showing off your shoulders is a trend they, too, have been loving.
Cammi Lin (COM ’20) finds that the cold-shoulder detail is one she has been keeping her eye on.
“It makes these gowns look more modern,” said Lin. “And it’s definitely a trend I would wear because I have seen cold-shoulder detailing appear in popular clothing stores and casual tops everywhere.”
This trend has become very popular throughout the world as fashion bloggers, designers, celebrities and nearly all fashionistas have sported it.
“I love the off-the-shoulder trend because it’s the most realistic look to wear in everyday settings,” said Melody You (COM ’20).
This well-known trend offers automatic flattery and high-fashion appeal to any outfit or look on any occasion!
Plunging Necklines
Actresses also are hitting the red carpet in daring silhouettes that included deep necklines. Mandy Moore arrived at this year’s Golden Globes in a simple yet stunning gown that featured a plunging v-neckline. Jessica Biel also graced the red carpet in a navel-grazing, square neckline that exposed her chest. This Elie Saab gown showed off her physique, while still being incredibly chic. Actress Kristen Bell wore a striking Jenny Packham gown that also had a plunging square neckline at the Golden Globes.
BU student Melody You finds this trend one of her favorites, as well.
“I also really like the deep V necklines on all these red carpet looks,” said You. “It looks so elegant and classy.”
Cleavage is not dead, and the high presence of the plunging neckline on the red carpet is proof. This look shows that women are more comfortable embracing their bodies through fashion. Regardless of breast size, working with your neckline can be a modern, sexy and sophisticated way to show off your confidence.
“I love the plunging necklines because they are really feminine!” said Ally Chang (COM ’20). “My favorite take on this trend is Emma Stone’s at the Golden Globes this year.”
These Hollywood women and their red carpet look confirmed that some trends are timelessly beautiful. With the Grammys and the Oscars just around the corner, one can expect to to see even more stars take on the red carpet in beautifully adorned gowns that are the perfect combination of sexy and Hollywood chic.