Aside from Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford, I was a little underwhelmed with the Oscars red carpet. The Academy Awards is supposed to be the crème de la crème of awards season fashion. But I was much more impressed with the Golden Globes and SAGs. Still, there were a few trends I’d love to try in real life…

BROOCHES

Michelle Williams (Louis Vuitton), Missi Pyle (Valentina Delfino), Kate Mara (Jack Guisso Couture)

A brooch instantly adds sparkle to any dresses… whether it’s a ball gown or a classic LBD. With the help of a bobby pin, you can also fasten a brooch to your hair for a shiny updo. Click here to see different ways I’ve worn a brooch in real life.

DARK LIPS & LIGHT DRESSES

Giuliana Rancic (Tony Ward), Rooney Mara (Givenchy), Milla Jovovich (Elie Saab)

White and silver dresses were a major trend of the evening. One way actresses chose to make them pop was with a bold lip. Short white dresses are going to be very popular this year, so take note of this beauty tip while styling yours at home. You go classic red like Milla or give the angelic color a goth vibe with a deeper pout like Rooney.

Luckily, when it came to the after parties, actresses stepped up their A-game with bold colors and plenty of drama. See my top six from the Vanity Fair fete…

Shailene Woodley (Proenza Schouler), Rosie Huntington-Whitley (Antonio Berardi), Lily Collins (Monique Lhuillier), Selena Gomez (Dolce & Gabbana), Venus Williams (Christiane King,) Elizabeth Banks (Chadwick Bell)