The Philippine Online Chronicles

Some of us may feel the post-holiday slump or proceed to ticking off resolutions, but come January, many of us only anticipate one thing: the awards season. The Golden Globe Awards is typically the first one to roll out its red carpet, and from there we see fashion exhibitions from Spring/Summer runway shows in New York, Milan, and Paris. Afterwards trends emerge from these glamorous events, including the SAG Awards, shaping the sartorial landscape for the next few months.

From fishtail gowns to fishtail braids, here are some noteworthy trends that stood out from the awards shows and how you can cop these looks!

Skin surprise

Skin was in during the awards season, thanks to plunging necklines and statement backs. Emma Stone and Rooney Mara were lent some height by deep Vs that illuminated their faces. And some of the best views were to be had from behind, as Julianna Margulies and Nicole Richie demonstrated. When translating these to your street styles, leave some mystery by keeping the rest of your look covered with fabrics that drape snugly around the body.

Tone it down with strategically placed sheer fabrics, like the lace at the back of Michelle Williams’ red Valentino dress at the SAG Awards. Cutouts at the back or front of the bodice also offer an interesting glimpse of skin without revealing too much. This way you can be at ease during intimate dinners and social affairs.

Color—or the lack of it

Nude was the color of choice for many attendees, dressed in garments tinged with peach and washes of white. Charlize Theron, Kate Beckinsale, and Heidi Klum were aglow, their bronzed skin against the pale fabrics. Julie Bowen, however, appeared washed out with her fair skin and blond hair, but Kristen Wiig got away with brunette tresses grazing her shoulders.

Unfortunately, wearing blush or nude colors can be tricky. If you have fair skin, opt for rosier shades, whereas darker-skinned women can wear more taupes—just not something that is too close to your skin tone. Once you have found your match, punch it up with bright accessories and makeup (perfect for summer!) or keep it interesting with textures from the same color family.

All in the details

Go bold or go home—that is how some celebrity stylists and their clients think when choosing their winning outfits. In the sea of cream-colored frocks and column dresses, others stood out in their meticulously detailed gowns and frothy silhouettes. Sarah Michelle Gellar was a refreshing sight to behold in Monique Lhuillier, a dress with swirls of blue ink on a white base; Evan Rachel Wood’s skin was luminous against her dark plume-and-sequin Gucci dress; and Madonna was youthful yet edgy in Reem Acra’s sparkly A-line gown worn with symmetrical cuffs and a biker’s glove.

These unexpected combinations can inspire many outfit choices; classic or too-girly silhouettes can be updated with a striking print, and monochromatic ensembles can be given dimension by textures and juxtaposing styles.

Take the train

Fishtail, serpentine, mermaid—whatever way you call it, a dress with a pool of fabric at its back creates drama whatever the event. For this reason many ladies thought it best to open the New Year with such impact. The lengths were varying; dainty extensions were seen in Michelle Williams’ Jason Wu dress and Lea Michele’s form-fitting Marchesa gown, while generous flares of cloth continued on Kelly Osbourne’s and Sofia Vergara’s hems at the Golden Globe Awards.

Fishtail skirts are a great way to show off your gams and the other styles an even better excuse to wear your highest heels without necessitating a grand occasion. But if the look is too bold for your preference, balance it with some masculine details (crisp shirts and touches of leather) or tone it down by adding some casual elements (basic tank tops and a slouchy purse).

Fresh and clean

The ladies’ faces were the highlight of their ensembles; nary a strand was out of place and getting in the way of their beauty. Starlets like Kaley Cuoco and Dianna Agron sported fishtail braids at the SAG Awards, casually framing their features. At the Golden Globe Awards, on the other hand, Charlize Theron and Michelle Williams chose adorable and age-appropriate crystal hairbands to adorn their heads.

Elongated, smoky cat-eyes made the actresses eyes more expressive, and their lips were painted in soft pinks and glossy peaches to balance the hues. Angelina Jolie’s puckers were red-hot, though, yet her eyes were lined and full at the outer lashes, softening her vampy appeal. Gone are the bed-head locks and messy raccoon eyes; the beauty look that trumped during these events was feminine, elegant, and subtly sexy. It is a look that’s easy to put together and will surely flatter many face shapes and colors, no matter the season.