Oscar inspired dresses for your spotlight moment

It’s that time of year again, when the world’s best and brightest celebrities get dressed up to the nines and head to LA for the prestigious Academy Awards. And, over the years, we’ve seen plenty of breathtaking outfits that set trends in all areas of the fashion world, including the bridal catwalks. 

Last year, for example, there were a plethora of beautiful dresses that would look just as good at a wedding ceremony as they did on the red carpet. (Check out Michelle Yeoh, Halle Berry and Ana de Armas’s divine looks, to name just a few).

This year we were hoping for more of the same and we weren’t  disappointed. And where better to get ideas for your big moment? So, read on, for the top trends from this year’s awards and our Bridal Expert’s styling tips and Oscar inspired dresses to match…

All-over sparkle

The Oscars really is the time to sparkle and lots of this year’s attendees were glittering from head to toe, including Margot Robbie, Zendaya, Michelle Yeoh and more. Our favourite was Emily Blunt’s shimmering cream sheath. It featured silver detailing around the waist and shoulders and an elegant small train - very bridal!

Get the look… Love Emily’s style? Try beautiful Brazilia by luxury label Aaliyah Quinn, which is covered with thousands upon thousands of glass beads and iridescent sequins from the sweetheart neckline right down to the tip of the train. What’s more, you can copy Emily’s waist-highlighting silver detailing too, by adding an eye-catching belt.

Structural sheaths

Alternatively, if sparkle isn’t for you, there were lots of stars who kept it (relatively) simple. Structural plain sheaths were a big trend with understated fabrics letting the cut of the dress do all the talking. Kim Kardashian wore a figure-hugging white sheath with a dramatic spiked neckline to the Vanity Fair afterparty. Plus, at the main event, Geta Gerwig and Kirsten Dunst both went for smart square necklines with minimal details.  

Get the look… For a similar contemporary feel, try The Signature Collection’s Reid, which is a fresh take on the classic sheath silhouette. Made from simple crepe, the squared neckline, combined with the ultra-low back and figure-flattering illusion cut-outs, give it an elegantly modern red carpet feel.

Details: Frills, 3D florals, ruffles and more

Some celebs used the opportunity to go for details, details and more details, and why not? Lupita Nyong'o and Da'Vine Joy Randolph both showcased  beautiful blue feathers and frills, while Anya Taylor Joy’s stunning silver skirt featured cascading beaded petals. We also loved Emma Stone’s large frilled peplum but our favourite wedding-worthy look came from Jennifer Lawrence. At the Vanity Fair afterparty, she paired a sheer gown covered with fabulous white florals with a matching cropped jacket to beautiful effect. 

Get the look… Channel Jennifer’s style with your own fabulous florals. Raye is an ultra-sparkly A-line from Viva Bride, covered in striking 3D flowers that drape across the arms and tumble down the skirt. Alternatively, Anna Sorrano’s Angelika gives the look a contemporary twist with sculpted, laser-cut blooms and a modern Mikado skirt. Then finish with your own version of Jennifer’s cute jacket.

Beautiful Blush

With Barbie being one of the movies of the moment, it’s no surprise that pink was a popular choice. Instead of Barbie’s sugary pink though, most celebs went for a soft flattering blush instead. America Ferrera looked stunning in a shimmering pink sheath, while Amelia Dimoldenberg wore baby pink edged in silver. Ariana Grande also wore bouncy layers of fabulous blush with a fitted pleated bodice and long blush train.

Get the look… Savvy celebs (and brides) know that blush is a super flattering colour. It also works well with lots of wedding dress styles. For a boho blush, try Heidi Hudson’s enchanting Mylos design, with floaty skirt and delicate florals. Latasha keeps it more classic with a traditional sweetheart bodice, A-line skirt and starlet-worthy scattering of glitter. Or, for the full fairytale like Ariana, try Viva Bride’s Rubie, with off-the-shoulder straps, lace-up bodice and dreamy blush tulle skirt.

New trends to watch

Lastly, we have a few key trends to keep your eye on. We predict they’ll be big in coming months! A wow-factor mermaid is hard to beat, as Carey Mulligan’s amazing black and white version showed. Also, a sheer, boned bodice is the perfect way to add a little sex-appeal to your day, as you can see from Florence Pugh's heavily beaded version, with neat peplum and sleek silver skirt. Finally, will you be doing the twist this year? Charlize Theron showcased this stylish neckline that ‘literally’ adds a modern twist to any design.

Get the look… For a curvy silhouette like Carey’s try Stefano, a simple fitted mermaid with modern cuff neckline. Alternatively, Erika is an elegant way to wear the sheer, boned bodice look down the aisle, while sophisticated Appolina features this season's uber-chic twisted neckline. 

Well, we hope one of these wow factor looks has inspired you to channel your inner Emma Stone for the big day. Don’t forget, you can also chat to our experts online and instore about Oscar inspired dresses. Simply tell them which look you love and they’ll find a dress to match that makes you feel like an A lister, too!

Click here for lots more advice from our Bridal Experts, styling guides and plenty of Oscar inspired dresses, too. Also, for more inspiration, check out our Instagram, Facebook or TikTok accounts.