Casual Versions of Red Carpet Style

Following up on my red carpet blog from the Golden Globes, I thought it might be fun to find some more casual clothes with some of the same flattering and eye-catching features of the stars' red carpet looks. If you loved some of the outfits I commented on in that blog, read on for some affordable, wearable looks that echo those styles!  [Note: Some of these styles are currently on sale, so prices of linked pieces may increase in the near future.]

If you loved the dropped shoulders and diamond necklace of Allison Janney's look, check out this lovely embellished sheath dress from JC Penney ($57). It features rhinestone straps and a rhinestone side buckle, a wrapped skirt, and softly draped sheer sleeves. 

The shape of Cynthio Erivo's gown was a bit extreme for everyday wear, but you can echo the flared silhouette and the gorgeous silver-on-black textured pattern in this embroidered midi dress from Kohl's ($71). The sleeveless dress falls to mid-calf and features a scoop neck, black ribbon belt, and a sheer embroidered overlay over a black underdress. 

Glenn Close wore a long-sleeved, form-fitting black velvet gown emblazoned with embroidered silver writing. A more accessible casual look is this velvet metallic mesh sheath dress from Sears ($79). This above-the-knee dress features cap sleeves, a notched jewel collar, and a front panel with silver floral embroidery. 

Jennifer Coolidge's black peasant dress was too casual for the red carpet, as well as too bulky and high-waisted. But this ruffled midi dress from Bloomingdale's ($74) has a sleeker silhouette, a natural waist, fewer layers of ruffles, and a touch of color in blue and black stripes while still giving off the same boho vibe. 

Kate Hudson has a lot more occasions that call for a ball gown than most of us, so her lovely strapless gown with beaded stripes would spend a lot of time at the back of the closet. But this embellished ruffle strapless cocktail dress from Nordstrom ($398 - okay, it's not exactly a bargain, but it would be an investment) is suitable for plenty of occasions, and features similar spangled striping and a similar silhouette, but with a shorter and less full skirt. 

Not many of us could pull off the severe angles and exaggerated proportions of Kali Reis' double-breasted suit with flared pants. But this beautiful double-breasted suit with wide-legged pants from Oyrosy ($150) looks great in the boardroom or at a party. With squared-off shoulders and a nipped-in waist, it flatters a wide variety of figure types. 

Kathy Bates' look was already relatively casual, but her charcoal bugle-beaded jacket was pretty high-end. You can get a similar but much more affordable look with this floral sequins pattern jacket from Draper's ($150). It features a satin shawl collar, a sunburst rhinestone closure, 3/4-length sleeves, and an asymmetrical hem. The wrap style is flattering on both full- and small-busted figures. Pair it with velvet pants or a short or long velvet skirt for effortless elegance. I'm not a fan of Bates' Sneex - the comfort factor of the sneaker design is negated by the addition of uncomfortable stiletto heels for me - so I'd recommend these black velvet dragonfly loafers from DSW ($50) for a better balance of comfort and beauty. Or, if you really want the height, opt for a Naturalizer Mason sandal from DSW ($70), with a solidly chunky heel for support. 

Michelle Yeoh stunned in a high-necked black mermaid halter dress that was fitted to the knee before flaring dramatically. We lesser mortals might do better wearing this Maggie London funnel neck sleeveless midi dress from Nordstrom ($76). Its slightly raised neckline has a small bow detail, and the dress is fitted to the hip with some figure-flattering ruching at the waist before falling into a straight below-the-knee skirt. This is a great LBD that can be worn to the office with a blazer or cardigan or to a wedding with a dressy cropped jacket, like the one above from Draper's. 

Quinta Brunson wore a form-fitting spangled gown in rich chocolate brown velvet with a deep sweetheart neckline and wide shoulder straps. You can get the same general look for a more casual occasion with this sweetheart neck wide strap sequin bodycon dress from Dillard's ($54). It has a less plunging sweetheart neckline, similar wide straps, plenty of sparkle, and a mid-thigh hemline. 

The feature I liked most about Anna Sawai's strapless white column was that the peplum was relatively short and not too flared. And I loved the overall silhouette. You can get a similar effect in everyday wear with this boat neck peplum dress from Kohl's ($57). The combination of built-in belt, peplum, and slim skirt create curves, but sleeves and a higher neckline make it appropriate for all situations. 

Auli'i Cravlho wore a lovely satin top that was fitted to the hip, paired with a long broomstick skirt. You can get a more casual outfit with a similar silhouette in this two-piece v-neck button-up sweater vest and maxi A-line skirt from YesStyle ($27). 

I would happily wear Kate Winslett's white pantsuit with a touch of black floral beading exactly as is, except that I suspect it costs more than my entire wardrobe. But I could afford - and look great in - this similar refined floral embellished pantsuit from Sierra Darien ($175) which features a single-button jacket with flap pockets and wide-legged flared trousers, both with rhinestone floral embellishments. 

Keri Russell's decidedly haute couture white jacket dress reminded me how much I love a nicely tailored jacket dress. I wouldn't wear a slit down to there and up to here dress like hers, but I'd love a well-fitting simple jacket dress like this casual blazer dress from Kohl's ($92). It features flap pockets, oversized buttons, notch lapels, and a slightly plunging neckline (I'd wear it with a lacy camisole), and falls to mid-thigh (I'd also wear it with tights or leggings). 

Tilda Swinton's long, tailored boucle jacket looks gorgeous on her long, lithe figure. For a jacket that works on those of us who aren't built like supermodels, this collarless tweed blazer from Walmart ($40) will do the trick. It features bell sleeves, a nipped-in-waist, and gently curved, slightly angled front panels for flattering and slimming lines.  

Amy Adams wore a burgundy gown with an off-the-shoulder portrait collar and a straight skirt with a train. For a more casual party or going-out look, try this A-line off the shoulder knee-length satin cocktail dress from JJ's House ($134). Criss-cross details on the bodice add visual interest, and the fit-and-flare silhouette is graceful and flattering. 

Emma Stone's red dress put too much emphasis on the hips and was too bare at the shoulders, but I liked the belt and the concept of the pleats. This vintage sweetheart neck pencil dress with belt from Walmart ($44) offers toned-down versions of those details. The neckline is open enough to not be too prim, the elbow-length sleeves and narrow belt emphasize the waist, and the skirt is just barely tapered for a figure-smoothing line. 

Isabella Rossellini's red lace dress was lovely but a little over-the-top. This square neck lace dress from Macy's ($140) minimizes the sea of lace with a cocktail-length hem, open neckline, and short sleeves,  packing a visual punch without overwhelming the wearer. 

Ariana Grande wore a lovely chiffon empire-waist dress with beading on the bodice. This sweet embellished empire waist mini dress from Dillards' ($54) carries the same Audrey Hepburn vibe while being fresh and contemporary. 

Cate Blanchett's gold bloused dress has a super-clingy skirt. This metallic silver sequin cap sleeve midi dress from Ann Taylor ($70) features a similarly bloused sleeveless top with a slightly higher waist dropping into a slim but not clinging skirt that falls to just below the knee. 

Elle Fanning's ballgown featured leopard print panels on the bodice accenting a solid color dress. This 
1960s leopard plush v-neck pencil dress from Retro Stage ($45) takes an LBD with a v-neck with narrow lapels and a narrow black belt and jazzes it up with wide bands of leopard print fur along the cuffs and hemline. 

Felicity Jones' metallic silver mirrored dress was unforgiving of any figure flaws, which she does not have. For those of us who do, this sequin long sleeve faux wrap dress from Nordstrom ($82) forgives lots of flaws, creating and accenting curves and skimming over problem areas, all with a sparkly textured sequin finish. 

Mikey Madison wore a simple gold column with a straight upper edge that got most of its visual interest from its gold scales. This v-neck sleeveless sequin midi sheath dress from Dillard's ($95) has a similar texture from its sequin finish, with a graceful v-neck with a small sheer panel at the base and a figure-skimming silhouette. 

Nikki Glaser's gold satin gown paired an angular corset-style strapless bodice with a softly draped, full skirt and overskirt. Similarly, this corset skater midaxi dress from Boohoo ($32) pairs a ruched corset-style long-sleeved bodice with a wide fitted waist panel and a mid-calf-length full skirt.  

The best part of Zendaya's gorgeous gown was the unusual copper color and shiny satin finish, This casual satin cowl neck spaghetti strap minidress from Amazon ($40) features a similar color and finish in a simple, versatile style that can easily be dressed up or down for all kinds of occasions. 


Did I miss any of your favorites? Let me know!