For an evening honoring the best of the year in film, the Academy Awards also tends to honor fashion houses and the celebs who wear their creations on the red carpet. Held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, the 88th annual Academy Awards show on Sunday night kept up with this high fashion stakes tradition, as stars strutted the red carpet in dazzling designer gowns. Unfortunately, where one star may shine, another is made more dull in comparison, and there were certainly a handful of non-shining fashion moments this year.
Contrasting elegantly with the red carpet of celebrity events, white gowns have been a staple at the Academy Awards for years, and 2016 was no different. Adding an element of old Hollywood charm, these classic white gowns never fail to turn heads, and this year a range of stars in white fought for attention. From Rooney Mara to Lady Gaga, frumpy to fabulous, and everything in between, the white gown trend is certainly sticking around, but some of these ladies made us wish it wouldn’t.
Who do you think wore the winning white look for the evening? Here are the contenders:
1. Olivia Wilde in Valentino Haute Couture
Olivia Wilde arriving at the 88th Annual Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on February 28, 2016
Perhaps the most interesting and revealing style of gown for the evening, Olivia Wilde’s pleated and open-back gown was a sight to behold. A plunging and wide neckline put the actress’s decolletage on full display, while the unfinished straps draped over her shoulders and gave the illusion of ruffled wings. Unique and sexy, this empire-waisted gown was a bold choice for Olivia, who styled it further with a metallic choker, pearl-embellished clutch, pearl and diamond earrings, and a braided side bun.
2. Rooney Mara in Givenchy Haute Couture
Rooney Mara arriving at the 88th Annual Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on February 28, 2016
Despite not taking home an Oscar, Rooney still shone on the red carpet in this lacy and ruffled gown with a peek-a-boo cutout on the abdomen. Though the look seemed slightly old fashioned, and borderline frumpy, we admire her courageousness for the unique skin-baring design of the gown. We’re not sure how we feel about the dress, but she certainly completed the look with a bang by adding bold, sultry makeup and pulling her short locks into a tight and edgy topknot.
3. Priyanka Chopra in Zuhair Murad
Priyanka Chopra arriving at the 88th Annual Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on February 28, 2016
Although the naked dress style is a little last season, we can’t help but admit that this Bollywood actress looked incredible in this Zuhair Murad creation. With a mesh backing, floral embroideries, and pearl embellishments, this figure-hugging fishtail gown was an elegant choice for Priyanka. A silver belt highlighted her hips, and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry added an extra sparkle to her ensemble. She finished her look with a low ponytail and a slick of deep red lipstick.
4. Lady Gaga in Brandon Maxwell
Lady Gaga arriving at the 88th Annual Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on February 28, 2016
Channeling her inner Marilyn Monroe with a modern edge, Lady Gaga stole the spotlight in this gown and pantsuit combination from Brandon Maxwell. Ruffled layers spill out on both sides from the waist of this white gown, and split down the center to reveal a surprising set of sleek white pants that highlighted the singer/actress’s long legs.
Despite the elegance factor of her ensemble, we weren’t impressed with the unflattering cleavage display from the gown’s wide sweetheart neckline. The rest of her look was on point, however, as she complimented the classic display was some Lorraine Schwartz jewelry and wore her platinum locks brushed back in soft curls at her shoulders.
5. Megalyn Echikunwoke in Prabal Gurung
Megalyn Echikunwoke arriving at the 88th Annual Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on February 28, 2016
Though she denies having anything more than a friendship with of the host of the evening, Chris Rock, there’s no denying the two have been quite cozy lately. Regardless of who she’s spending time with, Megalyn certainly dressed to impress at the Academy Awards in this sexy mesh cutout frock.
The 32-year-old actress went with a bold design that features a unique thigh-high slit through a draped skirt, mesh-covered side cutouts and shoulder cutouts, and see-through butterfly sleeves. Classic with a dramatic edge, this look was fierce on the talented star, and she turned up the heat even more with sultry brown eye makeup and a messy high ponytail. Her 3-strapped gold sandals added some glam to her overall effect.
6. Isla Fisher in Marchesa
Isla Fisher arriving at the 88th Annual Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on February 28, 2016
We hesitated to add this gown to the white dress category, but the classic style and monochromatic hues fit well enough with the others. Always pretty, Isla Fisher looked sweet and elegant in this embellished floral off-shoulder gown which highlighted her trim figure from a metallic-belted waistline.
Feminine and classy, this gown was nice to look at, but unfortunately didn’t do much else for the actress. We would have preferred to see her in a more youthful look, as this style seems more appropriate for some of the elder Hollywood stars. Isla styled her amber locks up in a curled updo and added some color with a slick of bright pink lipstick.
Credit: Brian To/WENN/FayesVision