Fashion Favorites from the 2019 Oscars

Well, it all culminates here, right? The Oscars are arguably the biggest awards show and this year was no exception. From the drama of determining who would host (ultimately: no one) to the buzz of so many excellent movies (or so I’ve been told; I have children and therefore watch one non-animated film per year), this is a night I’ve been looking forward to for awhile.

I didn’t miss having a host. The first presenters of the evening were Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph and I would’ve been happy to see them lead the show, but really, nothing was lacking for not having someone at the helm. I’d also watch Melissa McCarthy and Bryan Tyree Henry host. Or read the phone book out loud.

It’s time to share my fashion favorites from the show. I tried to narrow it down to a top 10, but it wasn’t possible tonight. Here are my 10+ favorites.

Gemma Chan in Valentino Couture

How does this work? If I wore this, I’d look like a wad of bubble gum on my way to the beach. On Gemma Chan though? FLAWLESS. This dress is a STATEMENT and I’m here for it. I think she is just fantastic. I loved her at the SAG Awards, she was phenomenal in Crazy Rich Asians (which was the one non-animated film I saw this year), and she’s a vision here as well.

Lady Gaga in Alexander McQueen

In all honesty, I’m not 100% sure what I think of this dress. However, I keep returning to it, and if it’s caught my eye like that, it should be included. I think the dress is just ok. The exaggerated silhouette is cool, but I think what I’m really digging is the leather gloves. I actually liked her performance dress better. The back of it was fabulous. And I don’t want Bradley Cooper and Irina Shayk to split up at all, but his chemistry with Lady Gaga is undeniable.

Paul Rudd

I have loved him since Clueless and I will not stop. The fact that he stopped aging at some point and can wear the heck out of a tux helps too. (Remember the blue tux in I Love You, Man? Whew.)

Elaine Welteroth

I’m not sure I’d have caught this dress if I hadn’t switched on the pre-show for a couple of minutes before putting my daughter to bed. This feels different from anything else I saw last night. The icy color is beautiful on Elaine. I can’t tell if the fringe is iridescent—looks like it near the top but less so at the bottom—but it’s beautiful.

Helen Mirren

This dress is cool. It’s great on Helen Mirren, who is 73, and I would totally wear it at 33. The color and tulle are very on trend, but this won’t look dated when we look back in five years.

Marina de Tavira

What a gorgeous color. Is this raspberry? Strawberry maybe? When I look at this dress, my brain says “frothy confection” which is kind of weird. (Do I maybe just want an Icee?) Regardless of my brain, this dress is good and Marina is lovely. And those earrings are major.

Chris Evans in Salvatore Ferragamo

Are you tired of me talking about colorful velvet jackets yet? This color is cool; I don’t think I’ve seen it on a red carpet jacket before.

Trevor Noah in Salvatore Ferragamo

This. Is How. You Wear. A Tux.

Michelle Yeoh in Elie Saab

When I saw Michelle Yeoh speaking to someone on the red carpet, my jaw dropped over this dress. (It looked better on video than it does in the still below.) The top is all sequins and it fades into a blush pink gown. Just amazing.

Michael B. Jordan

So handsome. See Chris Evans above for my thoughts on a velvet jacket and Paul Rudd above or John Krasinski here for my thoughts on blue.

Tina Fey in Vera Wang

Without being impolite, I will offer that I don’t always love Tina Fey’s formalwear, usually due to fit. Not the case with this. She looks like a Greek goddess here.

Jessica and David Oyelowo in Etro

Best looking couple of the night in my book. All my favorite things are here: colorful velvet tux, well-tailored pants, and a navy blue sparkly dress. Perfection.

Are we done?

This is the last big awards show for awhile! I’ve so enjoyed the last few weeks of watching these and picking fashion favorites. I’ve tried to pick a favorite from this awards season… but it’s just impossible!

Who was your favorite of the night? Of the season? Let me know if I missed a major fashion moment!