This year’s Oscars looks were so good that I had to dedicate an entirely separate article to the after-party outfits. Even then, the list is long. I have written a few ‘Best Dressed Lists’ so far in my career, and I honestly think this is the hardest one I’ve ever had to cut down. Guests came to the after-parties ready to fight for a place in those ‘Best Dressed Lists’; honestly, they all deserve one. However, we must pick favourites, so I had to live out my own Sophie’s Choice compiling this list. Without further ado, here are our favourite looks from the night.
Sophie Turner
Oscars After-Party Choice: Louis Vuitton
Sophie Turner attended the 2023 Vanity Fair with her husband, Joe Jonas. She wore a sheer black cape dress with a cut-out just above the plunging neckline. The gothic look complimented the actress’s long red hair perfectly. Combined, the two created a high-fashion Morticia Addams moment.
Adwoa Aboah
Oscars After-Party Choice: Loewe
The Loewe Anthurium collection is the next PP Pink. Celebrities from Zendaya to Emily Ratajakowski are devouring this collection, and it’s easy to understand why. The looks are eye-catching and sculptural, like wearing a work of art. For the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscars Party, Adwoa Aboah wore a white dress from this collection. She chose the piece that featured a bust made from two orchids. Minimal makeup and a plaited up-do complemented the floral look to tie in with the natural elements of the dress.
Gigi Hadid
Oscars After-Party Choice: Zac Posen
I fell in love with this custom Zac Posen look when I saw it. The deep red and intricate pleating made it so attractive to the eye. It was one of those looks where you can physically see the craftmanship that has gone into it. It wasn’t too long before I realised that it reminded me of another all-time favourite look from Gigi Hadid. Of course, I am talking about her iconic Versace coat from last year’s Met Gala.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. How can a latex jumpsuit and oversized puffer jacket possibly remind me of this dainty gown? Just hear me out; Gigi Hadid is a model who knows fashion. She has her cashmere line and co-hosts Netflix’s Next in Fashion, proving her industry knowledge. From her participation in this show, we can see how much she knows and cares about the design process behind a look. I also think that this is something that she incorporates into her own fashion choices.
Gigi’s after-party and Met Gala looks were very dependent on intentional stitching. Each pleat was crucial in the execution of the pieces. Both outfits champion craftsmanship which is what I love about both of them.
Cardi B
Oscars After-Party Choice: Robert Wu
Cardi B took a break from community service to serve us a look instead. The red corseted Robert Wu gown featured the most beautiful train wrapped around Cardi’s neck and covered her face in a sheer red veil. The look was one of the most eye-catching of the night and made for a fun change from the community service outfits that Cardi has been sharing on Twitter recently.
Daisy Edgar-Jones
Oscars After-Party Choice: Gucci
Normal People’s Daisy Edgar Jones opted for a sheer Gucci dress covered in uniform rows of sparkling gems. The look placed a fun twist on the embellished ‘naked dress’ where we usually see strategically placed crystals covering all the parts that you may want to be covered. This Gucci gown did not do that. Instead, the sheer net dress was an overlay to a nude bodysuit where gems were evenly placed in a refreshing take on this trend.
Kerry Washington
Oscars After-Party Choice: Donna Karan
Kerry Washington channelled vintage glamour in an archival look from Donna Karan. The nude gathered gown was reminiscent of those on sculptures of Greek goddesses. The ethereal dress was paired with a glamorous bob that injected some Old Hollywood influences into the look.
Laura Harrier
Oscars After-Party Choice: Saint Laurent
While ‘naked dresses’ were out in full force at the Vanity Fair after-party, Laura Harrier’s might have been my favourite. The look was sleek and straightforward, accessorised with minimal jewellery and some feathered gloves that perfectly lined up with the dress’s neckline. The look placed itself in an exciting position within this trend as the black column gown was only semi-sheer. Therefore, it didn’t follow the usual sheer mesh or selectively embroidered design decisions we are used to seeing.
Cara Delevingne
Oscars After-Party Choice: Del Core
Cara Delevingne changed from her red Elie Saab gown into an ivory tulle dress by Del Core for the after-party. The beauty of this look was in the bones of the dress; the sheer tulle wrapped around the model, revealing the exposed corset at the core of the gown, giving the design an unfinished look. While that may sound like a negative description, this is precisely what made me love this look. It was almost magical, as if the dress captured the moment Fairy Godmother transforms Cinderella’s clothing into a ball gown.
Imaan Hammam
Oscars After-Party Choice: Saint Laurent
Imaan Hammam knows how to dress for a red carpet. The model took to the Vanity Fair after-party in one of the chicest looks of the night. The black hooded gown from Saint Laurent was carefully ruched down the righthand side and delicately draped over the arms in a cape-like fashion. This was one of my favourite Imaan Hammam looks to date.
