Red carpet for everyday: 7 Style Panel tips for channeling the A-list at your own Oscar party

Date February 25, 2014

In the thick of red carpet season, it’s easy to get caught up in all the glitz and glamour. We’re sure we weren’t the only ones longing to borrow Lupita Nyong’o’s grassy green ballgown or dying to try out a backless-dress-pant-combo à la Emma Watson at the Golden Globes. But with a serious lack of red carpet invites, we sometimes have to create our own fun to get in on the festivities. While the Superbowl can lay claim to many a tailgate and BBQ party, the Oscars are all about glamorous viewing parties.

Oscar parties are a chance to channel your favourite star in small ways (think Angelina Jolie’s signature sultry red lip) or big ones (a little Jennifer Lawrence in Dior, anyone?) while sipping on champers and eating more than any of the A-list would dare to on Hollywood’s biggest night.

Question 92: How do you do red carpet glamour for everyday? Read the answers now! »

For some inspiration, we turned to our ever-trusty Style Panel for tips on channeling red carpet glamour in everyday life—essentially, how to borrow from the stars for a considerably less TMZ existence. Over My Styled Body’s Lyndsey Forest borrowed some charm from Ralph Lauren, opting for a bright red caped dress just like our latest girl-crush Lupita Nyong’o wore to the Golden Globes back in January. With Love Gabrielle’s Marta Tryshak got some real life tips from an Oscars night spent in Los Angeles, standing out from a sea of LBDs in a frilly cream number.

No matter the scale of the party, the Oscars are a worthwhile excuse to dress up and ditch the sweats. But it’s not like we needed an excuse anyways—every day is a day for glamour! (Kinda)

Becky Kung, 30
Calgary | Velvet & Vino

Lately I’ve been finding glitz and glam in textured pieces such as this feathered skirt and lace top. When I think of the Oscars and the fashion trends spotted on the red carpet, I think unique combined with sexy. Pairing lace with a completely different texture such as feathers gives a strong contrast and makes the entire outfit look unique and pleasantly unplanned.

Becky is wearing: Skirt, Club Monaco. Top, Express. Satchel, TopShop. Necklace and Bracelet, Joanna Bisley Designs. Booties, Me Too Shoes by Winners

Red Carpet for Everyday Lyndsey Forest — Photography by Aeris Photography

Lyndsey Forest, 23
Edmonton | Over My Styled Body

One of my favorite looks this far has to be Lupita Nyong’o’s Ralph Lauren cape gown at the Golden Globes. So when I found a similar version I was beyond ecstatic and figured it would be the perfect outfit to wear to our annual Oscar party. What better way to join in the festivities than watching it with your best girlfriends and in your best dressed? I guess a side of Ryan Gosling wouldn’t hurt either. Happy Oscar watching!

Lyndsey is wearing: Dress, Jollychic. Earrings, J.Crew. Clutch, Vintage. Heels, Kate & Mel via Townshoes

Kira Parn, 29
Edmonton | Northern Style Exposure

I look forward to the Oscar party with my family every year, we each pitch $10 to the pot and cast our academy award prediction ballots. It’s a roller coaster of emotions during the competition between my family members. In all I honesty, I have yet to win the pot! Fingers crossed I break the losing streak this year. When I think Oscars glam I’m drawn to nominees that wear both statement jewelry and pops of unexpected colour. So I thought why not channel both for trends my Oscar weekend look.

Kira is wearing: Coat, J.Crew. T-shirt, Style Lately. Necklaces, Benevolent Jewels & ONecklace. Sunglasses, Super. Bag, Vintage Louis Vuitton via Fifth&. Boots, J.Crew. Metallic Jeans, James Jeans

Marta Tryshak, 24
Toronto/Montreal | With Love Gabrielle

For the past two years, I’ve had the pleasure of traveling to Los Angeles to take part in Oscar festivities and unlike any other occasion, this is not the time to wear black. Wearing black in a sea of black left me feeling invisible, which was the last thing I wanted after hours of getting ready for a special night. On my second visit, I switched things up for an all white look. Combining different textures in the same colour scheme is a great way to wear a monochromatic look without looking bland. Although being a redhead makes my dress pop that extra bit, I paired my look with the shine of Kate Spade pumps and Swarvoski studs for a spruce of glamour.

Marta is wearing: Skirt and Top, Duy. Heels, Kate Spade. Clutch, Marc Jacobs. Earrings, Swarovski

Anum Khan, 23
Toronto | SummerxSkin

Starting next year I’m even planning to start a new tradition among my friends to have a party and watch the Oscars together. While I’d love to channel some of my favourite designers such as Oscar de la Renta and Marchesa, I can’t imagine wearing their creations at a small house party. Instead I’ll opt for a full skirt, glamorous curls and a gold-plated statement necklace. This is more realistic and comfortable too!

Anum is wearing: Skirt, Sarah Donofrio Designs. Necklace, MoonRox Jewellery & Accessories. Bracelets, assorted. Booties, Aldo

Kayla Short, 26
Halifax | Short Presents

Taking inspiration from always seductive Angelina Jolie, I’m opting for a classic black and white look with soft wavy locks and natural makeup. Graphically appealing, and a perfectly classy length, this knit stretch dress is superb for hosting! Add this luxe braided pearl necklace, and I’m ready Oscar party ready.

Kayla is wearing: Dress, Awfully Pretty. Necklace, Sears

Jill Lansky, 26
Vancouver | The August Diaries

I’ve taken a page from Amy Adams’ look and gone with a beautiful cobalt dress in homage to her amazing performance in American Hustle. And while I will be snuggled up on the couch with wine this coming Sunday, a girl can dream about that couture dress, right?

Jill is wearing: Dress, Bazzul. Shoes, Zara. Sunglasses, Ray Ban