Oscars 2014 party looks: The 10 best dressed guests that never made it on TV

by Jessica Flower March 3, 2014

See the best Oscars 2014 party looks »

Sometimes, no matter how big a star you are, you can’t nab an invitation to the Oscars ceremony. But perhaps there’s more fun in dressing up for fun and hitting the party circuit than stuck in a theatre seat all night. Just take a look at the Oscar parties frequented by many a celeb and star—the glamorous styles didn’t stop at the red carpet. Just because you aren’t nominated for an Oscar doesn’t mean you can’t join in on the fun, right?

Taylor Swift went for some drama in a black sequined column dress with a sexy sheer back by Julien MacDonald, keeping things in line with her usual look of relaxed waves and a red pout. In the same vein as TSwift, Allison Williams upped the ante in a backless Emilia Wickstead gown in bright bubble gum pink, expertly tailored with a full skirt and a high pseudo-turtleneck. Both pretty young things kept their jewellery to a minimum going for statement earrings and blinding rings—a new engagement ring in Williams’ case.

Sheer, one of the biggest trends from the runway in recent years, was (in)visible at the Oscars party with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley getting in on the action in a powder blue sheer concocation by Cushnie et Ochs. The statuesque model went for a some serious side-boob action with sheer side panels trimmed in pearls. Fellow model Karlie Kloss took sheer to a new level in a daring Azzedine Alaïa black racer back dress with sheer cut outs right on her keister. Combined with the down-to-there plunging neckline and ladder-effect lacing, the dress proved why Karlie is a top model—the girl can wear anything. Going a similar route in a black plunging dress was Reese Witherspoon in a quirky Hugo Boss cocktail dress. Giving it some southern spunk, Reese kept things interesting with her asymmetrical bob, bright green Irene Neuwirth earrings and a split skirt—embellished geometric pattern on the left and pleated black overlay on the right. Sofia Vergara did cut-outs in a slightly different way, going instead for some glimpses of torso, to balance out the high collar of her halter neck. The pearl and gold mermaid Roberto Cavalli dress with its mermaid silhouette might have been a safe choice for Vergara, but she knows how to flaunt her enviable figure.

The soon to be Mrs. Kanye West, Kim Kardashian turned up to Elton John’s annual viewing party in a va-va-voom red ballgown by Celia Kritharioti, putting her assets on display thanks to a lack of jewellery. Also going for a bold red was Sienna Miller in a strapless Alexander McQueen dress and gold arm cuffs. What might have been contrived on a younger starlet, Miller makes the warrior-like armbands look bohemian and natural thanks to her beachy waves and simple makeup. Also going for a fierce warrior look Heidi Klum went for an armour-like black strapless Atelier Versace gown, choosing only to accessorize with a black jewelled bracelet/ring combo. Given Sienna and Heidi’s unusual accessory choices, perhaps the best accessories of the night were the unusual ones—the bejewelled statement necklace seems very 2013.

Going somewhat against the grain was Elizabeth Banks in a bright blue Swarovski jewel and feather skirt and matching crop top by Jenny Packham. Despite being an unusual choice for such a high glamour event, the look is stunning and made formal thanks to the high shine finishes and noteworthy colour.