Usually with Awards season I’ll pay attention to what people are wearing to the different events just for fun, but it’s not usually too inspiring or exciting.

In more recent years, it’s felt either incredibly safe or incredibly odd.

Either women are dressed in beautiful dresses, but not dresses that excite. Simple colors, classic accessories. Safe.

Or, they try to do something different and it’s just not quite right. Shock instead of awe.

This year there certainly was a lot of safe and a bit of shock, but it seemed like there was more STYLE. Personal style. Or, as I like to call it Style Power.

A woman who is standing in her Style power knows who she is, what she wants to say and how she wants to show up. She knows her style. And she chooses from that place. Yes, it’s appropriate to the occasion, but that doesn’t mean that her personality gets lost. If anything, it’s amplified.

Here’s my round up of the best of Style Power for the Golden Globes and Oscars.

Pushing the Boundaries

The Golden Globes are definitely a better venue for pushing the boundaries of what is traditional and acceptable, but I probably would have loved this pantsuit on Emma Stone even if she wore it to the Oscars. Well, at least to an after-party. It’s young, flirty, feminine and definitely a statement. Plus, I love the juxtaposition of feminine vs. masculine and Emma has certainly been vocal about how she wants to be taken just as seriously as her male co-stars.

Felicity Jones has not only stepped out as a star for her Theory of Everything performance, but also in STYLE. She always has fun with what she’s wearing, even if it is a nod to the classics such as this Dior (which is a bit reminiscent of the New Age style from the 40’s). The color, neckline and shape could be overwhelming on someone who wasn’t as powerful of a presence.
    
 

Playing with Color

We always see a lot of neutrals and black and gray for the awards shows and we definitely saw a lot of pale pink at both the Oscars and the Golden Globes, which was beautiful and feminine, but when you play with colors that not everyone can pull off, you’re guaranteed to stand out … as long as it’s the right color for YOU.

Both Jenna and Naomi shine in their yellow numbers, which are also somewhat simple but both have gorgeous details that also really flatter their figures.

Jenna’s structured draping add some interest the dress without hiding or overpowering her body. In fact, it creates a nice line at the waist.

Naomi’s belt at the waist is not just a style detail, but it helps to create a waist for her slender figure. Not to mention that gorgeous necklace that kicks it up a notch.
    

And even with Benedict Cumberbatch’s wife, Sophie Hunter, you’ll notice a bold color and stunning dress, but subtle accessories to balance it out. She is certainly not just Benedict Cumberbatch’s wife nor is she going to fade into the background.

Subtle Statements

Sometimes less is more and that is the case with these not so subtle statements.

Kate Beckinsale and Cate Blanchett are both natural beauties, so a less is more approach is absolutely perfect. (And I’m not just partial to the name!)

These are definitely not boring basics! For both, they obviously chose neutrals, but they didn’t leave it at that, which is why I love this more than any of the other neutrals I saw on the red carpet. Kate’s dress IS the accessory with that structured shine.

Cate’s dress is simple, but who can take their eyes off that Tiffany necklace? It’s almost somewhat casual for the Oscars, which makes me love it even more!

Dress your Body

Reese, Jessica and Meryl rocked their bodies at the Oscars and I loved it! Talk about celebrating your curves as well as your own personal style.

Everyone loves Meryl Streep and she just hit it out of the park with this look. It’s actually my favorite of all of them (with Reese being a close second). It’s so appropriate for her age and such a statement of her personality as it has a bit of irreverence to it … I mean, Meryl can do whatever she wants because she’s Meryl effin’ Streep.

But what’s more is that this is incredibly flattering. And the winning element to this look is the belt under the jacket – it creates curves without having to be tight. So, she doesn’t have to lose her shape, but she also doesn’t have to wear something skintight, which has never been her style.

Now, Reese Witherspoon is always impeccable and pretty classic with a bit of a twist, which makes this so on point. But what I love about how she dressed so beautfullly for her body to play up her curves is the black on white that is so strategically placed. At the waist, it further accentuates her tiny waist and plays up her curves. And the off the shoulder detail perfectly balances her curves. She is slightly pear-shaped, so this detail creates the effect of the hourglass. It’s always about proportion.
    

Finally, Jessica Chastain. Va Va Voom! Oh my gosh, those curves are just amazing, aren’t they!? Similar to Reese, the structure at the waist and the details at the shoulder balance her proportions and play up her assets.

The key to dressing YOUR body is to pay attention to fit, as each of these beauties demonstrates. Even if you’ve gained weight, you can’t hide behind baggy clothes. Tailored is always going to be more flattering. In fact, if you’ve gained weight, you need to be even more mindful of fit, tailoring and your waist (don’t hide it!).

If you’ve been frustrated in figuring out exactly what is right for your body or even how you can create your own signature Style Power, U*styled can help. Click here to set up a time to chat. We’d love to learn about where you’re at, where you’re going and how we can support you in getting there, easily and effortlessly.