How to look Oscar-ready at your viewing party for under $100

Hannah Southwick | Reviewed

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This Sunday marks the 94th annual Academy Awards. Although not every nominee will take home the Oscar for “best” in their categories, it’s safe to say that every star brings their best when it comes to red carpet fashion.

The celebration of cinema doubles as a sartorial Super Bowl, influencing trends for the year ahead. But while attendees are decked out in designer duds, big glamor doesn’t have to come with a big price tag. Look no further than Sharon Stone’s 1996 and 1998 Oscars outfits in which she wore a simple black Gap T-shirt underneath a charcoal gray turtleneck and a white button-down shirt, respectively, on the red carpet. Stone proved that you don’t have to break the bank to make an entrance.

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What makes the Oscars red carpet special?

With pandemic restrictions starting to lift in many areas, in-person celebrations and Oscar viewing parties are coming back—along with the (self-imposed) pressure to find the right outfit. For insider tips on bringing red carpet glamor to your closet, we tapped New York-based stylist Eric Archibald, who has styled stars including Megan Thee Stallion and Tyra Banks, and New York-based stylist and author Andrew Gelwicks, whose previous styling clients include Catherine O’Hara and Susan Sarandon. Forget thanking the Academy一when it comes to finding the right outfit, stars have their stylists to thank.

There’s no business like show business… and there’s no night like the Oscars. “The power of the Oscar red carpet is huge… in the way that it transcends,” says Archibald, who has styled Jennifer Hudson for the Oscars four times. He adds that stars’ styles “forecast” trends and “what people want to wear throughout the year, whether it's to a wedding [or] to a bat mitzvah.”

Gelwicks also recalls magical red carpet moments: “My favorite part of styling a red carpet look is that moment during a fitting when she walks out in the dress for the first time and you just know it's ‘the one.’ It's completely electric.”

If you’re hoping to experience that electricity—and channel the confidence of a star strutting the red carpet—consider these style staples under $100.

Get a good foundation dress

For a fancy event, a dress could play the leading role in an outfit. “You start with a dress and then you build from there,” says Archibald. While he says a simple black dress is “very powerful,” the tailoring and fit are key regardless of which design you choose. While you might be inspired by the colors and styles seen on stars, Gelwicks recommends staying true to yourself. “If you're trying to elevate your look, give yourself time to figure out what feels right to you,” he says. “It takes some experimenting.”

Consider the Free People Look Into the Sun Maxi Dress, one of the brand’s top-rated designs, which reviewers call “so comfortable.” It comes in six colors in women’s sizes XS to XL, and can be dressed up or down.

If a satin-finished fabric is more your style, grab the UO Mallory Cowl Neck Slip Dress at Urban Outfitters. The design is recommended by a whopping 96% of reviewers, many of whom mention its “flattering” fit and adjustable straps.

Fancy up your feet with cute heels

Even if you’re not donning a dress, the right shoes can still add a little extra something to your look. “For shoes, [your pick] should make you feel sexy and confident, like you're strutting down the red carpet,” Gelwicks says. “These can be paired with even a simple jeans and T-shirt look.”

High heels are a great way to, quite literally, elevate your everyday style, but Archibald recommends ditching sky high pairs that are hard to walk in. “It's not always about wearing the highest heel,” he explains. “You can find shoes that can still make you feel sexy even with a cute little kitten heel.” For an added bit of sparkle, he suggests trying shoes with an adornment on the toe.

When it comes to shoe shopping, you don’t need to pay for Christisan Loubuton red bottoms to feel red carpet ready. Try the Kelly & Katie Blaken Pump from DSW, which comes in women’s sizes 6 to 11. Beyond the twinkling toe bow, many reviewers called the designer dupes “comfortable to walk in.” If you prefer a platform heel, snag the ASOS Nix high platform heeled sandals, available in black in women’s shoe sizes 5 to 11.

Make it all about the bag

What’s more fashionable and functional than a cute carryall? To give your outfit some extra star power, Archibald recommends accessorizing with a handbag made of satin, mesh or crystal.

If there were an award for a sub-$100 bag sported by the most stars this last year, the JW PEI Gabbi bag would probably, well, have it in the bag. The vegan leather purse, which comes in 13 colors, has been carried by countless stars ranging from Emily Ratajkowski to Megan Fox.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a sparkly mesh option consider the INC Doris Sparkle Mesh Pouch from Macy's, which comes in four dazzling shades. Many reviewers highlight its shape, with one calling it “just the right size for all the little essentials.”

Be bold with your neckwear

And the award for best accessories goes to…statement-making jewelry. “Finding the right accessories is really key to giving yourself that red carpet glamor—wherever you are and for whatever you're wearing,” says Gelwicks. Whether you’re slipping on a dress or opting for a simple shirt a la Sharon Stone, a statement necklace can make any look shine.

Finish off your look with the high-shine Bell Torsade Statement Necklace from Loft or the Givenchy Crystal Lariat Necklace from Macy's. For a smaller necklace that still has big shine, score the Short Rhinestone Necklace from H&M.

Accessorize your ears

If a bold necklace isn’t your style, let your earrings be the star of the show. “When it comes to picking out statement jewelry, I always go with the jewelry that really celebrates the dress,” says Archibald.

Add a pop of color with the Kaia Earrings from Baublebar, which come in six colors, or match the Oscar statuette with the Waterfall earrings from J.Crew—made of gold-plated recycled brass—or the gold-tone Spiral Drop Pearl Earrings from Anthropologie. If silver’s more your style, consider the Dew Drop Threader Earrings from Blue Nile, made of sterling silver.

Sport some sparkly stockings

If you opt for a dress or a skirt for spring, take stock of your stocking options. Archibald recommends trying ones with “some sort of shimmer” or a pattern. “Don't shy away from stockings, they’re back,” he says.

If you’re looking for a durable option, consider the Sheertex Classic Super-Sheer Tights in Silver Sparkle, which come in women’s sizes XS to 3XL. Our reviewer found a pair of Sheertex stockings lived up to the company’s claim that the tights are indestructible by human hands. For some more subtly adorned black stockings, look to the Emilio Cavallini Dotted Tights at Anthropologie, which come in sizes S/M, M/L and L/XL.

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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

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