News Awards & Events Oscars Oscars 10 Best-Dressed: Not an Easy Choice, Says Eric Wilson By Eric Wilson Eric Wilson Eric Wilson is an experienced journalist who was InStyle's first Fashion News Director. He was previously a fashion critic for The New York Times and is currently in Hong Kong where is the editorial director of the Tatler Asia Group. InStyle's editorial guidelines Published on March 3, 2014 @ 01:23AM Pin Share Tweet Email Trending Videos Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage Fashion took a dark turn at the 2014 Academy Awards, where, for the first time in recent memory, black and midnight blue were surprisingly popular choices among A-list actors and nominees (along with the occasional over-the-top sparkler, of course). This made for a fairly sober, rain-soaked red carpet that was, at times, even a little sleepy. What the awards lacked in bold and bright colors, though, was made up for with some daring shapes and fabric treatments – so long as you could make them out. 1. Angelina Jolie in Elie Saab CoutureJolie didn’t need to expose a leg to draw attention with her dazzling column of silver-embroidery. The sheer arms and defined waist also help to break up the vertical emphasis. 2. Naomi Watts in Calvin Klein CollectionAs sleek as her hair, this dress marked a rare moment of lightness that was heightened by the Bulgari jewelry. 3. Margot Robbie in Saint LaurentNewly brunette Robbie opted for black, a beaded bow top over a long black skirt by Saint Laurent designer Hedi Slimane. While Slimane also provided the on-stage tuxedos worn by Ellen DeGeneres and the white-jacket look for best supporting actor winner Jared Leto, Robbie was the fashion winner. 4. Charlize Theron in DiorThat unusual neckline, like a pair of uncorked champagne bottles, was a dramatic way to celebrate the Oscars, and her sheer suspension skirt made for a modern take on the traditional train. 5. Anne Hathaway in GucciThe crystal bib of a Gucci crepe halter had a mesmerizing effect, and might have been a sly nod to Hathaway’s provocative apron dress from the Oscars last year. 6. Lupita Nyong’o in PradaA fairy tale gown was a suitable choice for such a charming actress, and how cute did she look dancing to “Happy” with Pharrell? The ice blue hue offered a nice respite from the bold pops of color Nyong’o has become known for, and that gold and diamond headband from Fred Leighton was bound to make a statement. 7. Glenn Close in Zac PosenThe custom embroidered organza halter gown and matching jacket featured panels of contrasting textures that added unexpected richness and read beautifully on high-definition TVs. No extravagant jewelry was required. 8. Sandra Bullock in Alexander McQueenOf all the dark navy or black gowns out there (Julia Roberts in Givenchy couture lace, Amy Adams in a Gucci tuxedo-inspried look), Bullock’s sculptural strapless number with its intersecting fountains of pleats was most captivating. 9. Emma Watson in Vera WangIf you’re going to go dark, take Watson’s example and incorporate lots of shine. The casual crew-neck style makes the dress youthful and as comfortable looking as a T-shirt. 10. Meryl Streep in LanvinThe boho asymmetrical two-tone separates are a Streep signature, as is jazzing up the look with flashy accessories. With her Lanvin mousseline draped blouse and techno silk crepe skirt, she wore a crystal chain belt, crystal bracelets, and an animal print clutch. Do you agree with Eric’s best dressed? Pick your own with our A-List tool and share it on Facebook! 01 of 10 1. Angelina Jolie Jason Merritt/Getty Images in Elie Saab Couture with diamond earrings by Robert Procop. Back to article. 02 of 10 2. Naomi Watts Steve Granitz/WireImage in a Calvin Klein Collection dress and Bulgari jewels. Back to article. 03 of 10 3. Margot Robbie Stewart Cook/REX USA in Saint Laurent with Forevermark jewels. Back to article. 04 of 10 4. Charlize Theron Jason Merritt/Getty Images in Dior with Harry Winston jewels. Back to article. 05 of 10 5. Anne Hathaway Steve Granitz/WireImage in Gucci with Neil Lane jewelry. Back to article. 06 of 10 6. Lupita Nyong'o Jason Merritt/Getty Images in Prada and Fred Leighton jewels. Back to article. 07 of 10 7. Glenn Close Steve Granitz/WireImage in Zac Posen. Back to article. 08 of 10 8. Sandra Bullock Steve Granitz/WireImage in Alexander McQueen with Lorraine Schwartz jewels. Back to article. 09 of 10 9. Emma Watson Steve Granitz/WireImage in Vera Wang, a Chanel ring, and an Anya Hindmarch clutch. Back to article. 10 of 10 10. Meryl Streep Kevin Mazur/WireImage in Lanvin. Do you agree with Eric Wilson's 10 best dressed? Pick your own with our A-List tool and share it on Facebook!