Our favourite Oscars looks from 1954 to now. Photos / Getty
Our favourite Oscars looks from 1954 to now. Photos / Getty
The Oscars are just around the corner and, we confess, we're much more concerned about who's going to win in the style stakes than we are about who takes home an award.
What makes every year's red carpet endlessly fascinating is the pool of absolute stunners swimming among complete fashion travesties.
Ahead of Monday's parade, we've taken a look back on the best dresses to grace the carpet, from Audrey Hepburn in 50s Givenchy to Lady Gaga's flawless jumpsuit last year and all the sequins, safety pins and faux pas in between.
If there was ever a dress that epitomised the character of its wearer, it was this Givenchy number donned by Hepburn at the 1954 Oscars. The refined cut and delicate lace fabric cinched with a smart waist belt was perfection on the chic, graceful star.
In what was to be her final public appearance in Hollywood, Grace Kelly shone at the 1956 Oscars in this full skirted gown complete with kid gloves and silk capelet. The next day she flew to Monaco to wed Prince Rainier, never to return to the silver screen again.
• 1969: Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand. Photo / Getty
It was her first Oscars outfit and, according to Vanity Fair, she had no idea it was completely see-through. The pantsuit by Arnold Scaasi with flared legs and tuxedo cuffs has since become a stalwart on "Wackiest Oscars Outfits" lists. But we're featuring it on our best for being a bold, unforgettable choice.
• 1978: Farrah Fawcett
Farrah Fawcett wearing Stephen Burrows. Photo / Getty
The Charlie's Angel star wore an aptly-coloured golden chainmail gown by Stephen Burrows that stole the show.
• 1986: Cher
Cher. Photo / Getty
Shocking? Yes. Game changing? You betcha. By foregoing a traditional elegant gown in favour of a cape, a bare midriff and a headdress sure to have ruined the view for whoever sat behind her, Cher's look signalled a turning point for what was deemed appropriate on an Oscar's carpet.
• 1991: Cindy Crawford
Cindy Crawford wearing Versace. Photo / Getty
You can't forget Cindy at the 1991 Oscars in an eye-catching, bright red, plunging Versace dress that has inspired many remakes over the years. Cindy is pictured above accompanied by her then beau and Hollywood heavyweight Richard Gere.
• 1994: Elizabeth Hurley
Elizabeth Hurley wearing Versace. Photo / Getty
This is one of the most iconic dresses, not just at the Oscars, but ever. The decision to wear safety pins on a red carpet saw Hurley go from Grant's girlfriend to a star in her own right.
• 1999: Gwenyth Paltrow
Gwenyth Paltrow wearing Ralph Lauren. Photo / Getty.
To receive the award for Best Actress in Shakespeare in Love, Gwyneth dressed as a perfect red carpet princess in this pink Ralph Lauren dress.
• 2000: Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman wearing Dior. Photo / Getty
Australia's golden girl, Nicole Kidman, shone in a gold asymmetrical dress by Christian Dior.
• 2002: Halle Berry
Halle Berry wearing Ellie Saab. Photo / Getty
Only Halle could pull off a sheer mesh dress with embroidered flowers and a full maroon skirt. Kendrick Lamar put it perfectly: "Halle Berry. Hallelujah."
• 2004: Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie wearing Marc Bouwer. Photo / Getty
A young Angelina gave us angelic vibes in a plunging white Marc Bouwer gown offset by neutral makeup.
Michelle Williams wearing Vera Wang. Photo / Getty
Back in 2006, yellow was a colour seldom seen on the red carpet. But Williams set the trend with this chiffon and tulle gown by Vera Wang, created especially for the actress after producing hundreds of sketches and mock up versions.
• 2007: Penelope Cruz
Penelope Cruz wearing Versace. Photo / Getty
Penelope sparkled in a pale pink and feather flared Atelier Versace gown. This dress is definitely going down in history as one of the most iconic of all time.
• 2008: Marion Cotillard
Marion Cotillard wearing Jean Paul Gaultier. Photo / Getty
Marion won more than the Best Actress award for her lead in La Vie en Rose. The mermaid-esque, silver embroidered gown by Jean Paul Gaultier went down swimmingly.
Avatar actress Zoe Saldana decided to embrace a new colour, purple, in all it's shades. The actress shocked in the risky, ruffled, ombre ensemble by Givenchy Haute Couture.
• 2011: Mila Kunis
Mila Kunis wearing Ellie Saab. Photo / Getty.
After her role in Black Swan Mila went for a softer look in lilac lace for the Oscars. Although she missed out on the Best Supporting Actress award she still shone in this Ellie Saab dress.
• 2012: Rooney Mara
Rooney Mara wearing Givenchy. Photo / Getty
Rooney Mara, star of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, transformed into the girl with the Givenchy gown for the Oscars. Her bold hair and makeup were in perfect contrast to the structured, bright white dress.
Lupita wore a plunging pale blue Prada gown to accept the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in 12 Years a Slave.
• 2015: Emma Stone
Emma Stone wearing Ellie Saab. Photo / Getty
A lesson in amplifying your dress with unexpected accessories, Stone paired red lippy and her striking red hair with a jaw-dropping, pale green, backless Elie Saab dress to create this memorable look.
• 2016: Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga wearing Brandon Maxwell.
You can expect Lady Gaga to be shocking and that is why we love her. Last year was no different. She rocked a white Brandon Maxwell jumpsuit to the awards and we can't wait to see what she'll put together this year.
