Cate Blanchett

Blanchett's blue draped Louis Vuitton top and long black skirt at the 2023 Oscars make a strong colour contrast feel remarkably calm. The loose, reflective fabric above the waist meets a much narrower line below, with the train carrying that line onto the carpet. She offers a useful counterpoint to the most theatrical choices here: a distinctive design decision can lie in the relationship between two familiar pieces. Study the folds and proportions before looking for more decoration.