Oscar Fashion

From vibrant reds to glittery nudes, the colors on the red carpet were wide-ranging. The styles, too, varied from subtle minimalism to over-the-top girly a the 2011 Oscars.

Gold, updos, slit-fronts and ruffles were major trends on the red carpet. But there were also some individualists who went for clean-lined modern glamor and other fashionistas who dared triumph in spectacular prints at the 2010 Oscars.

From Penelope Cruz' amazing Balmain gown to Marisa Tomei's intricately pleated dress, Oscar red carpet fashion featured some of the most lavish gowns we've seen in years. The bling may have been gone, but the detailing on the dresses (even Miley Cyrus' gown featured princess-worthy details) is breathtaking enough to shine without excessive jewelry.

From Katherine Heigl's red Escada to Jennifer Garner's sexy black Oscar de la Renta, the women of the red carpet were glamorous and elegant. Even the really pregnant ones like Cate Blanchett looked chic (and ladies, as we all know, that is no small feat). See what the major Oscar fashion trends were and vote for the best and worst dressed actresses.

Veterans Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett chose two of the most memorable dresses, while Maggie Gyllenhaal and Gwyneth Paltrow both worked the red carpet in dresses by edgier designers that lent a modern sense of glamour to the awards. Younger stars like Kirsten Dunst and Anne Hathaway (left in Valentino) opted for classic designers. See the Oscar dresses that did work, which stars wore them and then vote on best-dressed.

Sometimes the best fashion lessons come from the most unlikely sources: a pants-wearing-only woman, a 10 year-old and a 60-something actress. Find out how to look past the Gwyneths and Nicoles of the red carpet to learn about true style.

Celebrities may be beautiful and fit, but they also use lots of style secrets to look their best on the red carpet, such as playing up their best features and hiding ones they aren't quite as proud of. Find out how to make 7 style secrets from the red carpet work for you.

There are two kinds of fashionistas in this world: those who get Cher and those who don't. I love newly appointed "voice of Oscar fashion" Andre Leon Talley because he, too, adores Cher for her boldness and her ability to take a fashion risk (something sorely missing on the red carpet today). Andre Leon Talley kicked off his red carpet duties by curating a presentation of memorable Oscar dresses in "A Celebration of Oscar Fashion." Browse through the photo gallery of famous Oscar dresses worn by Cher, Barbra Streisand, Nicole Kidman and more.

Not all beautiful people look beautiful together. It takes planning and good taste to look great for the red carpet. The next time you get dressed for a special occasion, take a cue from celebrity couples on the red carpet at the Oscars. Learn the Do's and Don'ts of dressing as a couple.