The 2023 Oscars witnessed some magnificent red-carpet moments as Hollywood’s finest stars celebrated their shared passion for entertainment. On March 12, 2023, celebrities and nominees for the 95th Academy Awards appeared wearing some gorgeous outfits at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, California.
For the biggest night in the movie business, it goes without saying that the stars boosted their dress game. They made an appearance wearing custom-made, vintage, and designer attire. These clothes were an instant hit online and took center stage. On the other hand, the champagne-colored carpet witnessed some disastrous outfits as well.
It was a historic evening when an unprecedented number of candidates and presenters debuted jaw-dropping outfits and the famous red carpet became beige. The stars really went all out this year, so we saw some of the biggest highs in fashion as well as some of its more dubious impulses. So, here is a list of the 10 best and worst outfits of Oscars 2023.
Disclaimer: This article is subjective and reflects the writer’s opinions.
10 Oscars outfits that, for better or worse, caught our attention the most
BEST: Mindy Kaling in Vera Wang
The 2023 Oscars featured Mindy Kaling as the star of the show. The 43-year-old actress arrived at the awards ceremony in a custom Vera Wang gown with detachable flared sleeves and clear bodice boning. She arrived immediately after co-hosting the per-Oscars party for South Asian nominees.
The dress she wore included white piping on the corset top. Until the bottom, the rest of the dress was body con-fitted. A sheer panel was also present in the bridal-type dress in white. The actress added more regal flair to her appearance by wearing her hair half up to complement the elegant outfit.
Who looks better in a white gown than Vera Wang? The Mindy Project star looks better than ever in this cleavage-baring Vera Wang gown.
WORST: Florence Pugh in Valentino Couture
Florence Pugh appeared on the red carpet wearing shorts and a cape, which is unusual. At tonight’s ceremony in Hollywood, the Oscar presenter wore a Valentino Haute Couture ensemble with Tiffany & Co. jewels.
Despite our usual enthusiasm for Florence Pugh’s red-carpet fashion, the 27-year-Valentino old’s gown and matching hot trousers gave off a “duvet” vibe, rather than the elegant appeal of red carpet couture. Despite the Don’t Worry, Darling actress’ claims that her gown was “romantic and punk,” the Valentino couture ensemble was a complete disaster.
BEST: Malala Yousafzai in Ralph Lauren
What else is there to say about Malala Yousafzai’s Oscars outfit besides stunning? The 25-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner and activist from Pakistan sparkled brilliantly in a Ralph Lauren Collection gown encrusted in sequins.
The activist chose extreme glam for the occasion, and Ralph Lauren met her expectations by giving her a dress that fits her preferences and personal style, while also stepping up on the glitz so it can compete with the biggest movie stars in the world. We adore how luxurious it feels without being flashy, which wouldn’t have seemed appropriate for her.
WORST: Allison Williams in Giambattista Valli
Allison Williams seemed to be attempting to combine three different looks into one dress. Williams showed up to the Oscars 2023 on Sunday night wearing a striking, long-sleeved Giambattista Valli haute couture gown in pink and silver.
The lavish outfit included a pink tulle cape train with white feather hemlines and flower decorations. The M3GAN actress didn’t win us over with her outfit choice though, landing her on our list of worst dressed stars of the night.
BEST: Cara Delevingne in Elie Saab Haute Couture from AW21
Cara Delevingne looked lovely in her Oscars outfit. She wore an Elie Saab Haute Couture crimson ball gown. The AW21 Haute Couture dress had an off-the-shoulder silhouette with a high leg slit. A large, gorgeous bow design was added to the shoulder, adding fullness.
She completed her ensemble with a magnificent Bulgari snake necklace, earrings, bracelet, and rings in silver and diamonds. Delevigne wore high heels that matched her gown. The supermodel pulled her hair up in a stylish updo to highlight the stunning neckline. The model-turned-actress looked absolutely stunning in a thigh-high cut Elie Saab gown.
WORST: Cate Blanchett in Louis Vuitton
Cate arrived at the Oscars 2023 red carpet on Sunday night donning a sophisticated (and eco-friendly) Louis Vuitton ensemble that had a sleek navy skirt and a blouse with a boldly draped blue pattern that was taken from the house’s archives.
The blond beauty wore Giuseppe Zanotti shoes as accessories, but they were concealed by the train of her skirt. However, we’ll just have to pull off the Band-Aid here, because the Best Actress nominee for her work in Tár chose this understated, regal Louis Vuitton dress. We are dissatisfied and believe she purposefully went for such a subdued appearance to convey the idea that she isn’t straining herself. We do understand it, but our dissatisfaction remains.
BEST: Fan Bingbing in Tony Ward Couture
Now this is an Oscars-worthy outfit! With this sequined Tony Ward gown, Chinese actress Fan Bingbing dominated the fashion scene. Red carpet visitors might take a cue from the starlet on everything from her extravagant emerald cape to her Old Hollywood hairstyle. That is definitely how you return to the red carpet in style (or champagne, in this case!)
The star of The 355 returned to the spotlight in the biggest, boldest, and most gorgeous outfit she could muster after taking a few years off from acting. She won’t be able to squeeze through any little doorways in those sleeves, so the design might be a little over the top. However, she is the type of person who can make it look like the pinnacle of understated elegance. She looks perfect and the styling is exquisite.
WORST: Hong Chau in Prada
The Best Supporting Actress nominee and star of The Whale collaborated closely with Prada on the creation of her gown, suggesting the Mandarin collar as a reference to her ancestry. That was a wise choice because it adds a unique and personal touch to this stylishly retro, sleek gown. However, it’s unfortunate that the very superfluous palette train almost completely ruins the entire event.
BEST: Angela Bassett in Moschino
Angela appeared at the 2023 Academy Awards in a stunning Moschino gown with an ultramarine purple tint. Her appearance had a dynamic edge thanks to the neckline and bow element of the gown.
Her hair was blow-dried, and she accessorized her royal purple gown with a Bulgari necklace. The actress was nominated for the Best Supporting Actress award in recognition of her performance in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
With a purple Jeremy Scott gown, the Best Supporting Actress candidate for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever looked positively royal.
WORST: Paul Mescal in Gucci
Paul Mescal, who was nominated for Best Actor for his performance in Aftersun, has seen the kind of career growth in recent years that most actors can only hope for. He appears to have purposefully adopted the most relaxed attitude to his public persona imaginable in response to his spectacular climb.
While the semi-sheer shirt, his messy hair, and the slightly too wide flare on his slacks aren’t exactly our favorites, there is a certain swankiness about this look that truly suits him.
