It’s true that not every Oscars look is deserving of its own Wikipedia page. But those that do linger in the cultural zeitgeist for decades, long enough to influence trends on red carpets and in retail chains alike. For 2022’s highly anticipated return to the Dolby Theatre, the Academy Awards attendees were expected to dress for revenge, following a grim, pandemic-era ceremony last year. As anticipated, the stars dialed up the glamour. While Zendaya stunned in a shimmering silver sequin skirt and cropped shirt, Lupita Nyong'o went for the gold in a dazzling gown. And Ariana DeBose turned heads in a Valentino pantsuit. Below, our favorite looks of the evening—and how they stack up to the legendary best dressed of yore.
Zendaya in Valentino
A white button-down isn’t the first thing you think of when the Oscars comes to mind, but leave it to Zendaya to make it happen with a dazzling sequin skirt. The midriff-baring top is playfully offset by the skirt’s train, once again proving the Dune star is a master of red carpet dressing.
Timothée Chalamet in custom Louis Vuitton
No shirt, no problem.
Nicole Kidman in Armani Privé
This look is deceptively simple, but with a pointed bustier, a voluminous bustle, and a sparkling sash, it’s one of our favorites of the night.
Ariana DeBose in Valentino Couture and De Beers jewelry
While she’s not sporting hot pants like Kristen Stewart, Ariana DeBose proves you don’t have to opt for a gown at the Oscars.
Rita Moreno in custom Carolina Herrera
Why get your hair done when you can make an even chicer statement with a feathered headdress?
Jessica Chastain
Chastain, who went on to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in The Eyes of Tammy Faye, caught our attention in this glittering pastel gown with a ruffled hem. The actress paired the Gucci look with Gucci High Jewelry.
Zoë Kravitz in Saint Laurent
Zoë Kravitz channeled Audrey Hepburn with this classic gown. We love the addition of the simple collar necklace, showing that less is indeed more.
Demi Singleton in custom Miu Miu
A simple silhouette doesn’t always mean basic. We love the sweet embellishments on Demi Singleton’s sheath gown, in the prettiest shade of lilac.
Maggie Gyllenhaal in custom Schiaparelli
Maggie Gyllenhaal (probably): “Is it me? Am I the drama?”
Megan Thee Stallion in Gurav Gupta
Megan Thee Stallion is an ice queen in this statuesque gown, in the best way possible. The linear fabric is a feast for the eyes, drawing you from the neckline to the meticulously lain train.
Lupita Nyong'o in Prada and De Beers jewelry
Here, Lupita cosplays as a sequined Oscars statue, but way better.
Jada Pinkett-Smith in Jean Paul Gaultier Couture
This look is a little unhinged, and we love it. Somehow, the sculpted top half complements the dramatic skirt. We can’t imagine anyone other than the Red Table Talk host to stir up the red carpet like this.
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