Red carpet fashion: How to make the best-dressed list

February 21, 2012
By


Sofia Vergara arrives at the Golden Globe Awards on January 15.

(CNN) — Most Oscar-bound celebrities spend the better part of that Sunday prepping themselves for the cameras — and the fashion critics.

They get their hair, makeup and nails done, shimmy into the proper shapewear, adorn themselves with millions of dollars worth of jewelry, slip on a pair of stilettos, and zip up their one-of-a-kind gowns.

Yet, seconds after they step onto the red carpet, we’ve already decided whether or not their primping paid off.

While it takes a mere moment to wind up on the worst-dressed list, it takes a stunning comeback, or two, before redemption is bestowed. And with everything that goes into achieving a “best-dressed”-worthy look, attendees are lucky they have an entire season to perfect their red carpet style.

“Each awards show has a different personality style-wise, and people have learned to dress accordingly,” said Sarah Bernard, host of “The Thread” on Yahoo!’s Shine. The Academy Awards calls for classic, formal attire, she said, but celebrities can have a little more fun with the Golden Globes, the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Grammy Awards, which allow for edgier ensembles.

But even a classic look isn’t a surefire way to keep the scrutiny at bay. See, not taking a fashion risk is a risk in itself, Bernard said, adding, “It’s important to mix it up.”

Gallery: Golden Globe couture

That’s exactly what “Bridesmaids’” actress Rose Byrne did when she showed up at the SAG Awards wearing an Elie Saab jumpsuit.

“It’s so great to see anybody step out of the box and do something not so traditional,” said stylist to the stars Nicole Chavez, whose clients include Rachel Bilson, Scarlett Johansson and Kristen Bell. “(Celebrities) don’t take as many risks on the carpet as they should. … Because people are so quick to criticize, they’re more careful about their selections.”

But red carpet couture isn’t about setting a trend. It’s about wearing something flattering in a style you love, said the new mom, who hasn’t outfitted anyone this awards season.

One red-carpet regular who has stunned this season, wearing gowns that complement her shape, is “The Help’s” Octavia Spencer, said Yahoo!’s Bernard.

And with so many nominations for best actress in a supporting role — she won the award at the Globes and the SAG Awards, among other shows — Spencer is being watched closely.

The actress has developed a relationship with Tadashi Shoji, the Japanese designer behind the lavender gown she wore to the Globes, and the silver number she donned for the SAG Awards.

“My mom always taught us to dance with the one that brung ya, and (Shoji) gave me a lot of clothes while we were on (“The Help”) publicity tour,” Spencer told E!

It’s common for a celebrity to have a relationship with certain designers, Bernard said, referencing Charlize Theron, who wore a standout pale pink Dior gown to the Globes. (Theron is a spokesperson for Dior.)

Bernard anticipates that Spencer will continue her “classy and fashion forward” streak at the Academy Awards on Sunday, possibly with another Shoji creation.

Gallery: Couture at the Screen Actors Guild Awards

“The red carpet is a very intense situation, and you want to be comfortable out there,” Chavez said. “If you’re confident and comfortable, it reads. It you’re uncomfortable,

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