From OH YES to Thank U, Next... Our Best and Worst Dressed at The Oscars

What a season! At this year’s Oscars, it was actually difficult for me to choose my favorite looks because there were so many good ones. It was also hard to find looks I didn’t like, so good job Hollywood! Here are my top and bottom, ten women’s looks this year.

And the Awards for Jaw-Dropping Show-Stoppers go to….

Regina King; More Like Regina QUEEN

The New York Times joked that this look is more like Regina “QUEEN” and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about that. This white Oscar de la Renta gown is just gorgeous with the ruching and white pumps to match. Paired with her beachy bob, this look is both clean and effortless, something I attempt to achieve every day.

Hannah Beachler; Making History at the Oscars and in my Heart

Let us all take a moment to congratulate this woman on becoming the first black woman to win an Oscar for production design for “Black Panther.” I’m usually not a fan of wearing red on the red carpet, but I love this look. I’m especially obsessed with her jewelry and matching shoes and clutch. 

Ruth Carter; Because Obviously a Costumer is Going to Bring It on the Red Carpet

In keeping with the Black-Panther-making-Oscars-history theme, I present to you Ruth Carter, the first black woman to win an Oscar for costume design. She brought some Game of Thrones realness to this look and I am loving every bit of it. She looked regal AF and I, for one, am bowing down. (PS, thank you, Ruth, for the costume design on Michael B. Jordan’s character. I am forever in your debt).

SZA, Please Marry Me?

This is the ‘80s bridal look of my dreams. I love the Vivienne Westwood gown, I love the strappy heels, I love the messy updo, I love ALL of it. Now excuse me while I go add this to my Wedding Inspiration Pinterest board…

Gemma Chan Proves She Can Make a Neon Pink Parachute Look Amazing

Is Gemma Chan physically capable of not looking insanely beautiful? There’s been some negative feedback regarding the color of this Valentino gown, but I think it’s incredible. Only Gemma could pull this color off and not look like she’s trying too hard. I love the high neck detail and the overall parachute-ey look of the gown. She somehow doesn’t look like she’s drowning in it and that’s something to applaud on its own.

Danai Gurira is Dripping in Gold

The Black Panther girls completely owned the red carpet this year and this Brock Collection gown is especially stunning. The belted detail perfectly accentuates her waist, while the jacquard fabric flows to the ground as if she’s dripping in gold. Danai is a showstopper at every event, and this was no exception. 

KiKi Layne; If Beale Street Had Eyes, it Would Love This Look

While it’s clear I love a good ball-gown moment, to me, there’s nothing more beautiful than a good structured gown. This Atelier Versace dress fits that bill perfectly. The neckline is unique and gorgeous, I am HERE for the bow detail on the back, and the dress just overall looks like it was made for KiKi. 

Elsie Fisher; From Eighth Grade to Red Carpet

I love that more and more women wear suits on the red carpet these days. Elsie’s look is beautifully tailored, with a perfectly placed barrette and amazing boots to match. Congrats on your first red carpet, girl, can’t wait to see the next!

Michelle Yeoh Can Do No Wrong

Stunning as always, Michelle Yeoh stepped out in Elie Saab. I couldn’t take my eyes off the gorgeous metallic appliqués that cascade down her gown. I typically don’t like off-the-shoulder dresses, but the fit here is just perfect. I imagine her floating down the red carpet as opposed to walking.

Laura Harrier Makes Simple Look Stunning

Laura Harrier is channeling some major ballerina vibes and I’m in love. The pale blue Louis Vuitton dress is simple but stunning and when paired with a beautiful messy bun and simple choker necklace, the look is taken to a whole other level.

And Those That Can Get Off the Red Carpet and Try Again Next Year Are…

Angela Basset Shows How Not to Do Neon Pink

It pains me to write this because I love Angela Basset more than I love most things in this world. But this pink Reem Acra gown just didn’t do it for me. Where Gemma Chan owned her pink look and SZA rocked an ‘80s vibe, this one feels more like ‘80s Barbie gone wrong.

Jennifer Hudson Wore Two Dresses in One

I don’t like one-shouldered dresses to begin with, and this Elie Saab took it a step farther with a full sleeve on one side. I mentioned earlier that I don’t like red on the red carpet and this is one example. The red of the gown clashes with the red of the carpet and the ruffles down the gown make the whole look a little messy for my taste.

Maya Rudolph is Another Pink Mishap

Where Gemma wore that pink gown, Maya’s pink dress is wearing her. The floral print is reminiscent of wall-paper you’d find in your grandmother’s house and there’s just too much fabric to discern where she begins and the dress ends. Thank u, next.

Awkwafina Looks Awkward

I ALMOST like this look. The suit just doesn’t fit her right. The pants are way too long, cutting her legs off and making her look short and the blazer is puckering in a weird way that makes her look big where she’s not. I do love the color and fabric, as well as the bowtie, it just didn’t deliver in the end.

Sarah Paulson Wore a Skirt as a Top?

I’m not feeling any of this. The color mutes her face, the skirt is too poufy, and don’t even get me started on the top. It looks like she just threw a child’s skirt around her neck. Overall, she reminds me of a popped balloon or a whoopie cushion. Sorry, Sarah, I still love you!

Brie Larson in Celine

It’s not that I don’t like this dress, it’s just that this is a sad knock-off of Gaga’s Grammy look. If it weren’t just two weeks ago, I’d probably let it slide, but Brie’s look isn’t doing anything for me, whereas Gaga’s Grammy rendition slayed.

Constance Wu, It’s Time to Grow Up

Dear Constance Wu, I love you, you are gorgeous and thank you for all that you’ve done for the Asian community in the entertainment industry. However, it’s time to stop dressing like a Disney princess on the red carpet. Event after event, you wear these ultra sweet dresses with full skirts, sashes, and off-the-shoulder details. You don’t have to be a cutesy little girl, I know you can do better than this!

Amandla Stenberg Looks Fine

Just fine. Her hair and glam are gorgeous, but the dress just kind of hangs there. The muted colors make her fade into the background and the skirt is overall just boring. If we were talking top ten beauty looks, she’d no doubt top my list, but I’m left wanting more from her fashion story.

Emilia Clarke Almost Made the Best Dressed List

I love this dress, I just don’t think it fits her well. The color, fabric, and style are all A+’s from me, but something about the fit is off. The top seems too big for her, making her appear longer-waisted than she is, and the way the skirt flares at the bottom makes it appear too big for her.

Linda Cardellini Has a Muppet Moment

All of the ruffles on this gown are overwhelming and are reminiscent of Animal or Elmo. I like the overall cut of the dress, but the fluff takes it over the top for me. Please give the Muppets back their fur.

Now for the men….

Nicholas Hoult

I mean, come on. That Dior Men suit is amazing. It takes a lot for a man in an all-black suit to wow me on the red carpet but holy smokes, Nicholas has made it happen.

Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick always manages to look suave and charming and this year’s Oscars was no exception. Love his glistening jacket and long scarf-type deal hanging from his neck.

Billy Porter

Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor. I obviously had to save the best for last. You’ve no doubt seen Billy Porter’s custom Christian Siriano gown plastered all over the internet and you’re welcome, because here it is again. Everything about this is electrifying; the gorgeous full velvet skirt, the perfectly tailored jacket and bowtie, the ruffled sleeves, his fierce pose. Billy Porter won the Oscars this year and deserves every single golden award given out last night.

Who were your faves? And not-so-faves? Sound off in the comments below or on our IG @exhibita_lk