Oscars 2022 Red Carpet Fashion: The Good, The Mermaids and The Ugly

This year’s Oscars 2022 was a toss-up. We were so thrilled to have all of our favorite stars back on the red carpet and looking as debonair as ever. There were the great moments – Ariana DeBose saying, “There’s a place for us,” Jane Campion winning Best Director, and yes, there was a moment of silence for Ukraine, which was moving. CODA, a movie everyone seemed to feel good about, won Best Picture. 

Oscars 2022 Red Carpet Fashion

Then there were the not-so-great moments. One can’t ignore the slap heard round the world. Or what came after it (even if there was no audio). The moments when certain stars came out to certain kinds of music that made us think the Academy still had a long way to go. And, for me this year, the fashion did not cut it. There were a few standouts, as there always are, and they stood out more against the mess. But unfortunately, most of the red carpet would go on my Worst Dressed list. Do you agree?

Let’s start out on a positive note. I was delighted to see that Nicole Kidman was back in true form. Her look was beautiful, regal, and she took just a tiny bit of risk-taking. What would you say about Kidman’s dress? (I was literally scrolling through photos wondering if we were going have a hit or a miss. You never know with this one.)

And of course, there were the jewel tones as always. I am a big fan of Old Hollywood glamour. 

The Good: Statement Gowns 

Same neckline much? These two weren’t even nominated and she looked gorgeous. 

And of course…

Say what you will about her husband’s reaction. Or about the high-neck, or the color of her gown. But I think Jada Pinkett-Smith looks absolutely stunning.

Experimental Gowns…and Trousers 

Several experimental gowns won me over. 

No, the color isn’t great but she wears it well. 

Alright well…not a fan of the pasties or that this pants and not a dress, but she wore this look well. 

No, not a fan of the sleeves but the rest of the dress works so I’ll give it to her. 

The Mermaids: Under the Sea? 

I must point out that there was a rather strange mermaid/seashell trend going on at this year’s Academy Awards. Were the designers in on it (as they often are) or is this just the latest fashion? 

The mermaid of the night.

I immediately thought of water. I don’t really like the sudden peek of skin in the middle but the dress itself and the way she wears it is stunning. 

Seashells on her hips. This was a bit confounding.

OK, you can say it’s metallic but I’m getting a water vibe. 

Yes! Fish scales! Or scallops…

Ursula the sea witch? 

Yes, she does look like a disheveled pirate. Or like she just came out of the ocean. One of the two. 

And on that note…

The Ugly: Worst Dressed 

I just don’t know what the celebs were thinking this year. There were so many pasties going over the boobs, and so many strange cutouts. and ridiculous and tacky high slits. Even Tracee Ellis Ross, my fashion muse, looked the worst I’ve ever seen her. 

I know everyone was screaming Audrey Hepburn moment but it doesn’t sit on her well. Blah blah blah

I don’t know…do you like this? It doesn’t feel very Oscars to me. More like fancy dinner party.

Oh Venus, you had a chance. Maybe. Then the shoe came out…and ruined the whole look.

I know she’s patting herself on the back for wearing Christian Dior to her first Oscars –a show she apparently almost didn’t attend – but why does this Christian Dior have to be so sheer. You can see everything. 

I don’t even know what is going on here. She always tries very hard to look different than everybody else. Mission accomplished but shorts, even tuxedo shorts are not appropriate for the Oscar’s red carpet.

I cannot even believe this is Louis Vuitton. It was even worse from the side.

I know I missed a few celebrities on the red carpet! So who did I miss? Please comment below.

–Simona Shemer 

Photos: E! Online, People.com, Vanity Fair

You may also like to read more of Simona’s celebrity style posts like The Best, The Worst and The Most Boring Met Gala 2021 Fashion and A Look At 5 Celebrities for Holiday Style Inspiration.

Are you following Fountain Of 30 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest? We’ve got lots going on, so join in on the fun! Subscribe to our newsletter here.  You don’t want to miss a post and promise not to bug you to death. We also started a Facebook Group called Growing Younger for women to discuss everything good and bad about being over 40. Additionally Lauren now hosts a podcast called Beauty is a Bitch! and a weekly Instagram Live series called “Growing Younger Gabfest with Lauren.”

Please pin!