A look at designer trends that were hits and misses on the red carpet

With over 40 million viewers watching the 2013 Academy Awards, the pressure was on for Hollywood’s biggest stars to look their best on the red carpet and on stage. No one wants to end up on the worst-dressed list on Hollywood’s biggest night.

Being red carpet ready is not an easy task. When asked about the process of getting ready in a press room backstage after winning the Oscar, Jennifer Lawrence was quoted, “I’m just cross-eyed! The process today was so stressful. I felt like Steve Martin in ‘Father of the Bride’ watching my house just get torn apart.”

On the red carpet, Lawrence, actress in “The Silver Linings Playbook,” looked stunning in her elaborate Dior Haute Couture dress with Chopard jewels, a Roger Vivier clutch and Brian Atwood shoes. In an interview after her acceptance speech, she blamed the dress for her famous fall on the stairs, explaining, “‘What happened?’ Look at my dress! I tried to walk up stairs in this dress.  That’s what happened”

Even with the minor wardrobe malfunction, Jennifer Lawrence has been on the top of every best-dressed list.  That must only be icing on the cake after being Hollywood’s second youngest actress to receive an Oscar for best leading role.

Also wearing Dior Haute Couture, was Charlize Theron.  The classic look was accessorized with diamond earrings, a diamond cluster ring and vintage diamond bracelets all by Harry Winston.

Another star who has been on the top of many best-dressed lists and nominated in the same category as Jennifer Lawrence was Jessica Chastain. The “Zero Dark Thirty” actress arrived in a custom Giorgio Armani gown in gorgeous bronze color that complemented her skin and hair to perfection. She accessorized with Harry Winston jewels and Christian Louboutin heels.

When asked about why she chose the dress, Jessica told “E” reporter Ryan Seacrest, “It reminds me of old Hollywood glamour.”

Metallic gowns, such as Jessica Chastain’s, were a trend on the red carpet. Fellow Oscar nominee Naomi Watts stunned crowds in her Armani Privé dress. The Australian actress took a risk with the one shoulder cut-out neckline. The dazzling gown was completed with Jimmy Choo shoes, a Roger Vivier bag and Neil Lane jewels.

Other Hollywood beauties like Halle Berry and Kerry Washington were on trend featuring metallic details and embellishments on their gowns.  Berry arrived in her custom-made Atelier Versace gown, featuring a plunging neckline, ombre stripe detail and mesh beading.

The metallic beauty accessorized her look with Adeler black onyx and diamond earrings and a Le Vian gladiator diamond ring.

Kerry graced the red carpet in a strapless Miu Miu gown featuring an embellished bodice. The coral-colored column skirt added a pop of color, which looked beautiful on the red carpet and on stage while presenting.

Kerry completed the look with a clutch by Prada, a diamond and platinum cocktail ring by Fred Leighton, Chopard yellow diamond earrings and Christian Louboutin heels.

Not all the stars were lucky enough to escape Joan Rivers and her crew of Fashion Police. On the top of the worst-dressed list was Oscar-winner Anne Hathaway.

While usually known for her red carpet elegance, Hathaway’s pink Prada gown fell flat at this year’s Academy Awards.

Other stars that were called out by the Fashion Police were Nora Jones, Salma Hayek and Melissa McCarthy.

While the actresses tried to play with this year’s trends, the choice of fabric, design and fit had them trending on the worst-dressed lists.

Nora Jones was on trend in her metallic Tadashi Shoji gown; however, the horizontal detailing was not flattering on the red carpet.

Melissa McCarthy’s custom David Meister gown had similar problems. While playing with a metallic color scheme and embellishments, the fit of the gown and excess fabric did nothing to complement her figure.

Hayek looked trendy with an embellished neckline in her gown by Alexander McQueen, but it was too much with the heavy velvet fabric of her gown.

Being on the best-dressed list is not an easy task. The simplest details gone awry can make for a worst-dressed nominee. Luckily, there are plenty of events for stars to try again with different styles, fits and trends.