The 2024 awards season was filled with unique and boundary-pushing styles, ranging from large, billowy silhouettes to raised shoulder looks. Many celebrities were dressed in luxury branded or custom-made designs, making it difficult to replicate the trends seen on the red carpet. However, the concepts can be re-fashioned to conform to the price range and style of the general, public. By dissecting the core ideas of the biggest trends, anyone can bring the red carpet into their closet.
One major trend this year was a sort of regency-era corset style, as seen in Emily Blunt’s Schiaparelli Oscars gown and Lea Michele’s Tony’s dress. These bodices are tightly fitted with vertical boning, slimming the waist. If you’re still a bit confused about what this means, think of the corsets the women in Netflix’s “Bridgerton” wore.
While it is unrealistic to procure gowns as intricate as the ones seen on the carpet, there are two aspects of this corset style that can be recreated for anyone. The first is the general shape, a boned bodice made to slim the waist. Corsets have risen in popularity in recent years, making them readily available. Urban Outfitters offers their Out From Under Modern Love Corset, and Edikted has many corset-style tops on its website. These options are great for teens and are suitable for nights in DC or concerts. To elevate this look, the second aspect of this style can be included: the regency-era feel of the corset in regards to design and decoration. A linen or tencel corset could achieve this look, as well as more muted colors. Cult Gaia has their pastel green Dorian Top, while NOT JUST A LABEL sells a more modern spun Polite Society top, called Collar Corset Asymmetrical.
A second trend seen is what I call, for lack of better wording, a ‘napkin’ neckline. These necklines are often coupled with an off-the-shoulder top with a raised and pointed piece coming up from the top of the neckline. This neckline was worn most strikingly by Kim Kardashian in her Balenciaga Oscars afterparty look. While not the most typical neckline, and very stark in the case of Kardashian, this style can be toned down to fit a restaurant scene. Revolve offers a very subtle napkin style in their Xenia Top, with an asymmetrical neckline that embodies the style but on a much smaller scale. Reformation offers a slightly different interpretation of the neckline, with subtly pointed black pieces peeking out from under a white bodice. This top feels a bit more elevated, making it perfect for a fancy night out.
The third and final trend is much more accessible. This trend is simply an outfit featuring the contrasting tones of black and white. As many men returned to a more classic outfit this year, black and white was a very popular combination. Celebrities like Skylar Astin sported black and white, with the actor wearing a double-breasted suit at the Tony’s. Mychal-Bella Bowman also wore black and white at the Emmys in her Prada gown. While both of these looks were embellished with unique silhouettes or jewelry and metal adornments, the core idea of black and white can easily be imitated.
For a simple, unisex day outfit, a pair of white linen pants and a black linen or cotton button down does the job. The colors could also be flipped, with black bottoms and a white top. A pair of black or white jeans and a contrasting fitted tee or tank would also be perfect for a casual look. A more feminine twist could include a black mini skirt with a white button down, and, for a more comfortable outfit, a black hoodie or crewneck with a pair of white sweatpants is an amazing lazy day outfit.
As you can see, the red carpet isn’t all that out of reach. Fashion is boundless, and there is room for everyone, not just celebrities. By noticing trends and getting creative with adapting them, Vogue-worthy outfits can turn into your daily wear.
