Fifty Shades of Pink on the Red Carpet: Which Shade Really Works?

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Pink is a huge trend on the red carpet this year. From blush tones to striking magenta hues on dresses, this color is almost always present in special red carpet functions.

As an adult, wearing pink is a tad more challenging. You definitely want the pink to make a statement (go pink or go home), but you don’t want to look like your 10-year-old daughter or niece styled you.

With that thought in mind, let’s take a look back at the gorgeous women who sampled this trend this year and pick up some tips along the way.

Suki Waterhouse at the 2013 BAFTA Los Angeles Jaguar Britannia Awards presented by BBC America at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles on November 9, 2013Suki Waterhouse at the 2013 BAFTA Los Angeles Jaguar Britannia Awards presented by BBC America at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles on November 9, 2013

Suki Waterhouse’s powder pink gown at the 2013 BAFTA Awards is one of our favorites. This Emilia Wickstead gown has a turtleneck collar and 3/4 sleeves coupled with a gorgeous asymmetrical-hemmed full skirt. We give the British model a gold star for this outfit. The pale pink shade flattered Suki’s skin tone. She also did a great job in the styling department, choosing to downplay the dress a little with a sleek chignon and basic white pumps.

Pixie Lott at the 4th Annual Global Gift Gala held at ME hotel in London on November 19, 2013Pixie Lott at the 4th Annual Global Gift Gala held at ME hotel in London on November 19, 2013

Every time we see Pixie Lott, she is almost always having a Cher Horowitz, from the ’90s hit chic flick ‘Clueless’, moment. The singer’s outfit for the 4th Annual Global Gift Gala is no exception.

While we love this super cute Moschino Cheap and Chic dress and thought it worked well on her figure, it is Pixie’s styling that we have some problems with. She also looked washed out in this shade of pink. If the dress was a shade darker and she steered away from the mod ’60s styling, this would have worked out quite well.

Jessica Alba at the 2nd Annual Baby2Baby Gala in Los Angeles on November 9, 2013Jessica Alba at the 2nd Annual Baby2Baby Gala in Los Angeles on November 9, 2013

Jessica Alba once again showed her fearlessness on the red carpet — or, in this case, the green carpet. We featured her before in a magenta Reem Acra ball gown that is probably also suitable for a debutante. This shade of pink brought out the actress’ gorgeous olive-toned skin.

The dress was saved from being too saccharine by Jessica’s modern styling. She put her hair up in an elegant updo and styled the dress with a pair of blue drop earrings and a black clutch.

Anne Hathaway at Pink Party 2013 to benefit women's cancer research held at Hanger 8 in Santa Monica, California, on October 20, 2013Anne Hathaway at Pink Party 2013 to benefit women’s cancer research held at Hanger 8 in Santa Monica, California, on October 20, 2013

Pink that leans more toward the coral side is easy to wear for everyone! Take a look at this J. Mendel dress Anne Hathaway wore to the 2013 Pink Party. Although we love this pink shade on her, though, we thought the shoes totally dampened the whole look. It would have looked more polished with a satiny pair of black pumps.

Rose Byrne at the 65th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California, on September 22, 2013Rose Byrne at the 65th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California, on September 22, 2013

As fresh-looking as a rose! There’s a reason why Vogue included this look in their best-dressed list. The rose pink Calvin Klein dress made her look impeccable and fresh. The silhouette can’t be faulted. The styling is flawless.

Old rose hues give out a romantic vibe. It also works for different skin tones, but we suggest taking the old school route and going with classic pieces to style it with.

Naya Rivera at the Giffoni Film Festival in Italy on July 23, 2013Naya Rivera at the Giffoni Film Festival in Italy on July 23, 2013

This look once again proves that this shade of pink does wonders to olive skin tones. ‘Glee’ star Naya Rivera was spewing kisses to adoring fans in her Michael Kors dress. The design and silhouette brought out the actress’ toned figure.

Kate Beckinsale at the InStyle and Warner Bros. Golden Globe After-Party at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in California on January 13, 2013Kate Beckinsale at the InStyle and Warner Bros. Golden Globe After-Party at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in California on January 13, 2013

Pink can look downright elegant, too! Just take a look at Kate Beckinsale’s Gucci dress. If not for the satiny finish of the dress, the ruffle detail at the top will easily make this frock look too cutesy for everyone’s peace of mind. Thankfully, this shade worked on Kate. Her styling is also commendable.

Ready to jump into the pink dresses bandwagon? I’m sure you will love the following designer frocks:

Thakoon V Neck Plunge GownThakoon V-Neck Plunge Gown, $1,760

Halston Halter GownHalston Halter Gown, $595

Valentino Pleated Hem Sleeveless DressValentino Pleated-Hem Sleeveless Dress, $1,579.98

Roksanda Ilincic Orianne GownRoksanda Ilincic Orianne Gown, $1,419.54

Marchesa Boat Neck DressMarchesa Boat-Neck Dress, $795

Valentino Fitted Floral Lace DressValentino Fitted Floral Lace Dress, $2,582.21

Now, which of these dresses would you wear?

Credit: Brian To/WENN, Apega, Lia Toby, Daniel Tanner, Ryan, Nikki Nelson, Visual, 
Adriana M. Barraza, Kika