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Okay so I didn’t get invited to the Academy Awards this year…But it’s fine, it’s whatever. There’s always next year, right?! I did watch the awards show briefly, but I only really care about the fashion. And let me say…I was rather disappointed with the red carpet gowns this year. There were a lot of dresses that had potential but ended up falling short. For example, I loved the texture and color of Emma Stone’s gown, but I just couldn’t get on board with the crazy shoulders. Then there was a collection of just completely unflattering looks! Nonetheless, I picked three of my favorites and rounded up similar dresses for you to shop, so you can bring the runway to your front door. Every day should be a fashion show, and the world is your red carpet! (Totally cheesy, but I still love it.) Most of the dresses are cocktail dresses so you can wear them for normal-people special occasions because, unfortunately, not all of us have black-tie events to attend. So get out your cute wallets and happy shopping!
I think Crazy Rich Asians star Constance Wu dazzled in this custom Versace gown. It had gorgeous movement, a pretty fabric, and the perfect yellow shade to scream “spring.” I’m very picky about my yellows, but I think this one was spot-on, and I managed to find similar colored dresses to shop. Not to mention, the dress is insanely flattering and has the prettiest sparkly off-the-shoulder detail!
Dress One // This first yellow dress really captures the deep V neckline of Constance Wu’s and adds a crochet detail along the waist. It would be a great dress to wear as a wedding guest or even for graduation!
Dress Two // This second dress is a lot more casual, which I love because you can wear it all spring and summer long. I chose it because of the off-the-shoulder neckline and the flattering fit-and-flare style.
Dress Three // The third dress also captures the v-neck and fit-and-flare shape of Wu’s Beauty and the Beast yellow gown. This frock is the perfect mix of fancy and casual—style it with sandals and a jean jacket for everyday wear, or dress it up with heels and a statement necklace for a fancy night out.
Dress Four // I think this dress is best for capturing the gorgeous movement of Wu’s. The pleats allow it to flow and elegantly move with you, just like the tulle of the Versace gown!
Dress Five // For a sassier, night-on-the-town look, this fifth dress is for you. The tight fitting bodice and v-neckline accentuate curves and flatter your natural shape. You also can’t beat the price of this piece.
What did you think of Constance Wu’s gown? Would you rock any of these yellow dresses, or is the color not your favorite? I think yellow is so fun and pretty for spring! Can you tell I’m excited for warmer weather?!
I loved the unique metallic shimmer of Emilia Clarke’s lavender Balmain gown, as lavender shades have been all the rage the last few seasons. I also thought the structure of the piece was really stunning and flattered her tiny frame, without overpowering it. However, I found that this gown was the hardest to recreate with everyday dresses! Lavender is usually such a girly color, so a lot of the pieces I found were more feminine with lace details, rather than edgy with an architectural, metallic style. Nonetheless, I did my best with some stunning sparkling, purple, and silver pieces to recreate Clarke’s look.
Dress One // This first dress captures the subtle purple color of the Balmain gown, and while it has a different shape, the form-fitting cocktail style is similarly flattering while remaining more practical for ordinary-people fancy occasions, like a wedding, high tea, or an Easter celebration.
Dress Two // This second dress is more silver than purple, but I absolutely adore the unique metallic sequins and fluted skirt shape. Like I said, it’s quite different than Clarke’s gown, but I thought the shimmery fabric earned a spot on this list.
Dress Three // Again, the shape of this dress is vastly different than Clarke’s and is very feminine. BUT I love the subtle purple color, which is spot on with the Balmain gown, and the cupcake tulle shape is too fun, perfect for any special occasions you have coming up. I would totally rock this to a formal dance, and as you may know, I have nothing against wearing a short dress to prom. The price tag on this whimsical piece is also hard to beat!
Dress Four // I would say this dress is the most similar to the Balmain gown due to its long length, its metallic sparkles, and its very subtle lavender shade. Hello, formal wear!
Dress Five // This dress has a gorgeous lilac sheen with a pretty lace fabric and a retro t-length. Again, I see Easter celebrations, prom, high tea, weddings, or graduations in our future.
Even though Emilia Clarke’s gown was hard to recreate, it was the lavender and sparkle of it that caught my attention. Would you wear this shade? Which of the dresses that I pulled are your favorite? Clearly I have a thing for purple, as my prom dress (featured in the first photo) was a dusty mauve shade.
Last but not least is If Beale Street Could Talk actress Regina King’s stunning and sexy white Oscar de la Renta gown. This look is insanely flattering, and the draping around the thigh-high slit, while could’ve gone horrible wrong, was executed to perfection. I also really love the neckline and think the upwardly-rounded strapless bodice hit in all the right places. Check out my more affordable takes on the look below!
Dress One // While this first dress isn’t strapless, the elegant off-the-shoulder bodice has a similarly flattering neckline as the Oscar de la Renta gown. It’s also got a thigh-high slit to show off your sexy leg!
Dress Two // This dress also has that pretty strapless neckline and slit, but we swapped the draping for some ruffles. Who’s ready for a cocktail party?
Dress Three // If this dress came in a shimmery purple shade, it would be the perfect dupe for Emilia Clarke’s gown! But alas, the unique asymmetry and structure parallels that of Regina King’s look as well.
Dress Four // This last dress has a little baby slit and a pretty neckline, with the added comfort of thin straps. I thought the rosette texture of this frock made it a fun and festive spring dress for all your upcoming occasions!
Did you like Regina King’s gown? Would you give a summery white dress a try? I don’t think I’ve ever owned an LWD (little white dress), but I certainly would like to. I call dibs on number three.
Let me know if you watched the Oscars last night, which dresses were your favorite, and which ones you never want to see again. I love hearing from you! Enjoy shopping and cross your fingers for spring (and more fancy events) to come.
Miles of smiles,
Grace