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Red Carpet Hits and Misses

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Northwestern chapter.

When asked about her favorite part of the night Halle Berry responded, “I just love to see everybody all dressed up.”  I for one couldn’t agree more.  This self-proclaimed “slave for fashion” was just one of the fabulous women to make my best dressed Oscars list this year.
 
1. Mila Kunis

Buzz about Mila may have started off due to her role in Black Swan, but when she hit the red carpet looking gorgeous in a lavender Elie Saab Haute Couture gown, it was all anyone could talk about. The lace was just enough to give off a sense of elegance, without overpowering her.  The subtle see-through slits down the side add a hint of sexiness to this otherwise demure gown.
 
2. Hilary Swank

I am in LOVE with Hilary’s silver sequined Gucci Première gown.  The strapless bodice was form fitting, and the feathered multi-colored train was a funky twist.  This gown was full of drama- exactly what I love about watching the Oscars.
 
3. Natalie Portman

Looking this good pregnant AND winning best actress?  Life isn’t fair. Mila clearly wasn’t the only star to pull off purple.  Natalie Portman looked gorgeous as always in this violet Rodarte gown with Swarovski crystal beading along the neckline.   The off the shoulder cut and deep V-neck showed off the right amount of cleavage while the empire cut gracefully flowed over her baby bump.
 
4. Reese Witherspoon

Reese will always be close to my heart ever since her Legally Blonde days.  She never fails to impress me when she gets all dolled up, and I loved this black and white Armani Privé dress.  Her emerald earrings and ring were an unexpected pop of color.  Her super sexy high ponytail was the perfect finishing touch. 
 
5. Sandra Bullock

Let’s face it: Sandra’s had a tough year with that low-life two timing hubby.  Regardless, she always knows how to pull herself together and look super classy.  Her structured red Vera Wang dress with a bow in the back showed off her amazing figure. With her hair pulled back in a bun and red lipstick, she looked stronger than ever.  Don’t mess with her!
 
6. Halle Berry

Halle looked hot in a gorgeous champagne colored Marchesa dress with crystals encrusted throughout and a fabulous ruffled train.   She always looks fierce, but this dress featured a softer side of her personality that I adored.  My only suggestion? Switching up the haircut once in a while wouldn’t hurt anyone Halle!
 
7. Gwyneth Paltrow


Gwyneth looked sleek and sexy in a gold metallic Calvin Klein dress with a deep V and figure flattering straight cut.   Keeping her hair down kept some softness to her look, and a brightly colored Louis Vuitton brooch was a fun and surprising addition. 
 
 
Oscar No-No’s
 
Nicole Kidman

What was she thinking in this Dior Haute Couture white gown?  The gold sequined designs had tacky written all over, and the panels sticking out on the side of her hips were unflattering.  The only redeeming element of this outfit?  Her bright red peep-toe pumps.
 
Penelope Cruz

Sorry Penelope, but I was just not feeling your L’Wren Scott red gown with sequined flame-shaped accents.   I know she just had a baby- but can we put the girls away a little?  Way too much cleavage and way too many sequins.  I was distracted rather than impressed.
 
Images from Hollywood Life.

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Kylie Gilbert

Northwestern

Kylie Gilbert is a senior Journalism major and French minor at Northwestern University. She joined HC as a freshman as a contributing writer and has been campus correspondent since her sophomore year. When she isn't writing, online shopping, or reading fashion magazines, she loves watching The Mindy Project, Modern Family, How I Met Your Mother and everything on Bravo.
Monica is a sophomore at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. She spent her early years growing up in a small town in Minnesota, but spent the last half of her life in Seoul, South Korea where she developed a city girl love for good food finds and fashion. Journalism has been a major part of her life, but she can also be found relaxing with a cup of coffee, watching movies, and spending time with loved ones. Though she has a tough exterior, Monica is actually a romantic who loves the power of words, the importance of strength in any endeavor, and who always wears her heart on her sleeve.