The Standout Gowns At The 2018 Oscars, According To Fashion Director Marie Kelly

There was a lot of white, plenty of tulle and a penchant for column gowns at the 2018 Oscars. But the women who deserve gongs for being the best dressed are as follows.

Helen Mirren in Reem Acra

This gown is such an elegant and modern choice by English actress Helen Mirren. The 72-year-old works the Oscars red carpet like nobody else, always choosing colours that flatter her pale and ageing complexion and white hair, as well as silhouettes that create a beautifully feminine shape. Great style is all about balance, and Mirren always demonstrates an inherent understanding of this. Because the dress is so minimal, Mirren has chosen elaborate jewellery, while her beautifully feathered hairstyle brings a much-needed softness to the clean lines of her silhouette.

Emily Blunt in Schiaparelli Haute Couture

“Ethereal” is not an easy look for grown women to pull off, but The Devil Wears Prada actress absolutely aced it at last night’s Oscars in this divine Schiaparelli Haute Couture gown. Blunt has the quintessential English Rose complexion, so this watery blue shade of tulle works beautifully on her. Rosebud lips and hair that’s been softly swept back imbue the look with an effortlessness that suggests Blunt was born to be dressed like this.

Saoirse Ronan in Calvin Klein

The Irish Academy Award nominee looked simply magnificent in Calvin Klein. The colour, the ankle-length hemline, the oversized bow and train all combined to create a gown that looked youthful and modern but sophisticated too. Choosing a shoe in the same fabric as the dress kept the look unfussy, while the simple diamond drop earrings added just enough interest without interfering with the coherency of the outfit. This is one of Ronan’s best Oscars gowns.