2012 Academy Awards Red Carpet – The trends, the couture and the stars who wore it best

Despite some negative whispers about her “almost” malfunction on stage, Jennifer Lopez stunned in Zuhair Murad earlier on the red carpet

This year’s Academy Awards Red Carpet was filled with shimmer, shine, delicate and intricate beading and embroidery, gorgeous silhouettes and some stand out looks. From peplum skirts to one shouldered looks, vintage pieces and matching capes, here’s a breakdown of the night’s biggest trends, outstanding looks and the not so impressive ones too.

Starting off with the best dressed ladies of the night…

Emma Stone was gorgeous in red Giambattista Valli Couture

Angelina Jolie showed off her gams in Atelier Versace

Rose Byrne glittered in a one-shouldered sequin Vivienne Westwood gown

Rooney Mara showed off her edgy yet elegant style in Givenchy Haute Couture

Gwyneth Paltrow took a risk that paid off in a white Tom Ford gown with matching cape

Trending on the red carpet:

Shimmer, shine and the metallic allure

Milla Jovovich looked absolutely stunning in a beaded one-shouldered Elie Saab gown

Anna Faris in Diane Von Furstenberg

Judy Greer in Monique Lhuillier

Leslie Mann accompanied her husband Judd Apatow in Roberto Cavalli

Meryl Streep went for the gold on the red carpet as well as on the stage

George Clooney’s Oscar date, Stacy Keibler also went for gold in Marchesa

Ellie Kemper in Armani Privé

Penelope Ann Miller in a halter gown

Bridesmaids star, Wendi McLendon-Covey added a touch of tulle to her embroidered, nude gown

Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji

Not so impressive were…

Jane Seymour, who unfortunately looked like a disco ball in Pamella Roland

Last year’s Best Supporting Actor winner Melissa Leo also failed to impress in this ill-fitting black and gold number

Beauty is all in the details…

Jessica Chastain went for an intricately embroidered black and gold Alexander McQueen number

Sandra Bullock in Marchesa

Natalie Portman went for a bit of whimsy in a vintage polka dotted Christian Dior Couture gown

The “peplum” appeal…

Best Actress Nominee, Michelle Williams looked every inch the Hollywood star in a Louis Vuitton dress featuring a peplum skirt

Tina Fey also played with the trend in a custom navy Carolina Herrera gown

Pop of color…

 

Viola Davis in gorgeous green Vera Wang

Glenn Close also went for green, although in a slightly darker shade in Zac Posen

Penelope Cruz in Armani Privé

The Artist’s Missi Pyle opts for a pop of color

Virginia Madsen in purple

Not so impressive was…

 

The View’s Sherri Sherperd’s attempt at glamour failed to hit the right note on the red carpet. Her matching embroidered waist and collar paired with her exposed black bra didn’t do her look any favors.

Understated elegance…

Cameron Diaz went nude in Gucci

Kristen Wiig also went nude in a J. Mendel dress with a tiered tulle skirt

Kate Mara in an embroidered blush gown

Kelly Ripa in a belted light yellow halter gown

Not so impressive was…

Shailene Woodley took a risk in a white Valentino gown featuring crochet details and unfortunately it didn’t pay off. The breakout star of The Descendants looked much older than her 21 years.

Until next year!