Sandra Bullock's Red Carpet Style

By Jennifer Ferrise
Updated Feb 23, 2014 @ 10:00 am
Credit: Chris Polk/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Ever since Sandra Bullock got lost in space in the thriller Gravity, her fresh and colorful red carpet looks have caught the eye of every designer and fashion aficionado (including our very own editor Ariel Foxman and Fashion News Director Eric Wilson). With the 86th annual Academy Awards just one week away, we're sure the nominated leading actress will keep her bold red carpet streak going -- to infinity and beyond!

Usually Wears: Whether it's a bold print, a pop of color, or an unexpected cut (like this emerald strapless Lanvin frock), Bullock effortlessly mixes Hollywood glamour with a dash of fresh modernity to each of her looks. "She is the epitome of a classic Hollywood star, but she is always still kind of fresh, a little athletic, a little down-to-earth and I think  that's what makes her so likable and believable on the red carpet," says Foxman during InStyle‘s Google Oscar Hangout Debate.

Favorite Designers:Lanvin, Stella McCartney, Zuhair Murad, Giambattista Valli, and Antonio Berardi.

Wildcard Factor:  Bullock continues to push the style boundaries, but manages to make it look so easy. No matter how avant-garde the silhouette or how bright the hue may be, the effect is never contrived. “Sandra has a timeless beauty, and her red carpet style tends to step outside of the box. She can do color, drop waist silhouettes, embroidery—you name it, she’s worn it," says designer Zuhair Murad. "In 2013, I saw a new Sandra—she’s elegant, her body is flawless, and her confidence is through the roof. This year, Sandra doesn’t need over-the-top glamour to make a statement, she’s already on top.”

What We'd Like To See: "I really get excited when someone like Sandra Bullock takes a risk with color, the Alex Perry dress I loved  because it was that clash of pink and red and it dipped into the lace appliqué trend that has been going on for awhile. But I liked to see some color, I think if she continues that streak she's going to look incredible," says Wilson during the Google Oscar Hangout Debate. "I think that she is just getting better with age, adds designer Rachel Roy. "That is something for women to look forward to, you start to learn yourself more, know who you are, know what works, what doesn't work, and so for me—with that beautiful jaw line that she has—I would really love to see a Rodarte, or kind of a modern take on a Oscars gown."

Take a look back at all of Sandra Bullock’s best looks ever in our gallery!

MORE:We’ve Decided the Red Carpet Fashions for the Oscars!The 86th Annual Academy Awards NomineesSee How Sandra Bullock's Style Has Evolved!

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In a black and white printed dress, 2015

Credit: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

The Our Brand Is Crisis star went romantic for the Hollywood premiere of her film and paired a floaty printed cutout gown with a soft updo.

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In a black cutout dress, 2015

Bullock smoldered on the red carpet at the Toronto International Film Festival for the premiere of her film Our Brand Is Crisis. The actress showed off her svelte figure in a tight black dress with diamond cutouts.

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In Stella McCartney, 2015

Credit: Bauer Griffin

Bullock, at the world premiere of Minions, chose an embroidered paisley-print asymmetric Stella McCartney dress that revealed a black mini underneath.

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Alexander McQueen, 2014

Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage

Bullock didn't lay eyes on this custom-draped Alexander McQueen stunner until the day before the Oscars. "McQueen is edgy, classic, and well constructed," said the best actress nominee for Gravity. "It was worth the wait." A Lorraine Schwartz diamond ear cuff balanced her soft side-swept curls.

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Lanvin, 2014

Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage

In a bespoke rich emerald lame Lanvin gown at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, which she accessorized with heels by Jimmy Choo and a Roger Vivier clutch.

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Alex Perry, 2014

Credit: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

"Sandra looks gorgeous in a sharp silhouette," says designer Alex Perry of the star at the Palm Springs Film Festival. "This one is ladylike, but the clashing colors make it fun."

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Peter Pilotto, 2014

Credit: Getty Images

At the People's Choice Awards she seriously cleaned up (taking home four) but looked playful in Peter Pilotto's floral asymmetrical dress paired with chartreuse Kurt Geiger heels and a navy JImmy Choo clutch.

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Stella McCartney, 2013

Credit: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images

The secret to those long, lean legs? Body by Simone workouts five days a week and, at the London Film Festival, a lace Stella McCartney mini and 5-inch Charlotte Olympia pumps to show them off. 

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Elie Saab Haute Couture, 2013

Credit: Dan MacMedan/WireImage

For the Oscars, Bullock wore a million dollars in Harry Winston diamonds, a vintage Swarovski clutch, and a lace Elie Saab Haute Couture dress, which took a month and a half to make.

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J. Mendel, 2013

Credit: David Fisher/REX USA

J. Mendel's Gilles Mendel dreamed up the gown with a "modern-day siren in mind." Bullock fit the bill. "She is sophisticated and every inch the iconic movie star," says the designer.

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Marchesa, 2010

Credit: John Shearer/Getty Images

When Bullock won her Oscar for The Blind Side wearing this elegant custom Marchesa look, designers Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig recall feeling exhilarated. "The gown caught the light beautifully, and its fully beaded skirt was the epitome of glamour. It was perfect for such an important night in Sandra’s career," they said.

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Bottega Veneta, 2010

Credit: Steve Granitz/Getty Images

Perhaps purple is her lucky hue. After three previous noms, Bullock scored her first Golden Globe (for The Blind Side) in a wispy chiffon Bottega Veneta gown complemented with gray diamond drop earrings and a 10-carat cocktail ring by Lorraine Schwartz.

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Lanvin, 2007

Credit: Chris Polk/FilmMagic/Getty Images

"I felt so good in this dress," Bullock says of the softly pleated Grecian-style gown that she wore to the L.A. première of Premonition. "Lanvin just seems to get it right all the time."

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By Jennifer Ferrise