You can imagine what the 2018 Oscars [1] red carpet might look like all you want, but considering this award season [2]'s past trends — women are wearing black [3] in support of the Time's Up movement [4], but stars wore white roses to the Grammys [5] and the Brit Awards [6] — a lot must be taken into consideration. Celebrity stylists [7] share sneak peeks of their preparation before Sunday night, but we made it our duty to tap a professional forecaster, too.
Moda Operandi's Elizabeth Leventhal is the general merchandising manager of Ready-to-Wear for the high-fashion shopping site. Elizabeth tracks the runways [8] and keeps a careful eye on how the looks we see translate to the red carpet, as well as in stores. Elizabeth worked with us to determine what this year's stylish nominees [9] just may wear for Hollywood's biggest event. Ahead, brush up on the leading females, read up on Elizabeth's trustworthy predictions, and shop the dresses if you're feeling fancy.
Meryl Streep
She's Nominated For: Best Actress in The Post
Her Red Carpet History: She wore this Lanvin dress to the 2014 Oscars, and sticks to neutral looks that flatter her figure [10].
Elizabeth's Pick: Elizabeth Kennedy
Elizabeth Says: "Without doubt, Micaela Erlanger will style Meryl in a classic silhouette. It's her go-to and she pulls it off without fail. We love the off-the-shoulder look for her on the Oscars carpet, especially with the added dramatic sleeves from this Elizabeth Kennedy gown. Coupled with a pair of drop earrings and a simple clutch, and this look is complete."
Elizabeth Kennedy M'O Exclusive Off The Shoulder Balloon Sleeve Gown [11] ($6,480)
Margot Robbie
She's Nominated For: Best Actress in I, Tonya
Her Red Carpet History: She wore this girlie Rodarte dress to the I, Tonya Paris premiere in January 2018, but Margot's looks run the gamut [12] from ladylike and whimsical to edgy and striking.
Elizabeth's Pick: Rodarte
Elizabeth Says: "We love the idea of Margot Robbie in this gorgeous embroidered, tulle gown from Rodarte. It's the perfect balance of femininity and romance. It's the perfect balance of sweet and sultry."
Rodarte Embroidered Floral Tulle Dress [13] ($11,675)
Saoirse Ronan
She's Nominated For: Best Actress in Lady Bird
Her Red Carpet History: Saoirse chose this embroidered Rodarte gown for the 2017 IFP Gotham Awards. Her usual looks are avant-garde [14], but fashion-forward, and she's not afraid to try out a daring trend.
Elizabeth's Pick: Rodarte
Elizabeth Says: "Saoirse has such a gorgeous skin tone that she could pull so many colors off, but she looks exceptional in muted pastels. We love this soft pink Rodarte tulle dress with a fitted bodice and illusion sweetheart neckline."
Rodarte Tulle Strapless Dress [15] ($13,110)
Mary J. Blige
She's Nominated For: Best Supporting Actress in Mudbound
Her Red Carpet History: Mary J. Blige simply does not go without making a statement. So when she chose this black Elizabeth Kennedy dress for the European premiere of Mudbound in 2017, she covered up with a wow-worthy furry shawl.
Elizabeth's Pick: Elizabeth Kennedy
Elizabeth Says: "Mary J. Blige loves a skin-showing moment on the red carpet. I would love to see her in something that has a pop of color, like this elegant Elizabeth Kennedy dress that is two-toned in green and light blue. The one-shoulder and gathered waist will show off just the right amount of skin and curves."
Elizabeth Kennedy One-Shoulder Cutout Jersey Gown [16] ($3,950)
Octavia Spencer
She's Nominated For: Best Supporting Actress in The Shape of Water
Her Red Carpet History: Octavia loves to wear gowns with embellishments, be it feathers or sequins. She always makes sure to play up the shine, just as she did at the 2017 Oscars in this Marchesa number.
Elizabeth's Pick: Jenny Packham
Elizabeth Says: "There is no denying that Octavia Spencer has a signature silhouette: the empire waist. It beautifully shows off her curves in the most elegant way. This Jenny Packham dress with cold shoulder details is a great update with a slight drop waist."
Jenny Packham Alula Sequin Gown [17] ($4,625)
Allison Janney
She's Nominated For: Best Supporting Actress in I, Tonya
Her Red Carpet History: Allison's dresses can often be costume-like, covered in playful patterns, and usually formfitting. She chooses stunning jewels to play up her beyond-basic looks. She wore this La Bourjoisie design to the 2015 Emmy Awards.
Elizabeth's Pick: Pamella Roland
Elizabeth Says: "This season, Linda Medvene has loved putting Allison Janney in shades of blue and green. This emerald green lace, tiered column dress with ruffles by Pamella Roland would be a winning look for her this season."
Pamella Roland Metallic Tiered Lace Gown [18] ($6,600)
Greta Gerwig
She's Nominated For: Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for Lady Bird
Her Red Carpet History: Greta Gerwig can clearly pull off trendy fabrics and cuts on the red carpet. She made velvet shine in this Prada design at the 2016 National Board of Review Gala.
Elizabeth's Pick: Brock Collection
Elizabeth Says: "Greta owns eccentric sophistication on the red carpet. Cristina Ehrlich has been putting her in navy lately. I love this velvet Brock Collection dress in deep navy, which I think will capture her style so well."
Brock Collection Denali Dress [19] ($7,400)
Sally Hawkins
She's Nominated For: Best Actress in The Shape of Water
Her Red Carpet History: If Sally isn't wearing dizzying stripes or the type of embroidery you "ooh" and "ahh" over, then she's in the boldest shade on the carpet. At the 2014 Oscars, Sally arrived in this breathtaking Valentino Couture dress.
Elizabeth's Pick: Marchesa
Elizabeth Says: "While Sally typically loves a good vintage dress, this Marchesa gown is a seamless blend of modern romance with some old-school charm. The whimsical floral details on this dress nod to her typical sartorial picks. Also, pink has been a huge trend on the red carpet this season."
Marchesa Embroidered Sheer Gown [20] ($8,995)
Frances McDormand
She's Nominated For: Best Actress in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Her Red Carpet History: Frances can rock the heck out of a bohemian-inspired maxi dress on the red carpet. Give her a pair of heels or a simple, stunning necklace, and she'll wow you. She chose this pleated ankle-length emerald dress for the Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri screening at the Venice Film Festival in 2017.
Elizabeth's Pick: Luisa Beccaria
Elizabeth Says: "Frances never takes herself too seriously, so I would love her to have some fun with her Oscars red carpet look. This Luisa Beccaria dress is understated, yet glam for the big night - especially with those killer dramatic sleeves"
Luisa Beccaria Flutter Sleeve Gown [21] ($3,630)