Oscars fashion: classic and safe

Stars played it safe for this year’s Oscars, with classic, flattering gowns and sleek, but not overdone, hair. Two hues dominated - reds and purples, and pale blush or metallic tones.

Jennifer Lawrence and Gwyneth Paltrow wore clean-lined Calvin Klein, but Paltrow’s liquid metallic dress was leagues more glamorous than Lawrence’s simple tank dress.

Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Hudson, Penelope Cruz, Anne Hathaway and Scarlett Johansson also went red, and Halle Berry looked gorgeous in a sparkly silver Gucci dress with feathered skirt. Natalie Portman was radiant in an off-the-shoulder dress by Rodarte with a crystal details and side-swept hair. Michelle Williams looked icy cool in her peroxide pixie cut and curve-hugging, pearl-embellished Chanel dress. Mila Kunis chose a pretty lavender, gauzy number from Elie Saab with lots of pleating.

Among those making major fashion statements were Cate Blanchett in a lavender Givenchy dress, and Sharon Stone in an anything-but-basic black one-shoulder dress with black feathers at the shoulder, and dramatic hair and makeup. Amy Adams looked elegant in a sparkly navy L’Wren Scott dress and loose, wavy hair.

The major jewels on display in past years were also toned down, with stars like Hillary Swank even forgoing earrings. Melissa Leo bucked the trends in a stiff, lacy-looking floral dress by Marc Bouwer