What do all these dresses have in common? They are the show, which is why accessories are almost non-existent.
When fashion calls, we answer! From Indy Film Fest’s Oscar Party we covered reactions to the red carpet during the live show. Then ImageCube made a special Monday visit to the IndyStyle set for a post-Oscar recap on dresses that made a statement, for better or worse. Your own red carpet moment can happen at any time. A first date, an exciting gala event, or an awards dinner in your industry, which is why we're taking a look at the dresses that stood out during this years 84th annual Oscar celebration. WATCH: IndyStyle Oscar Segment

Wear fashion, don't let fashion wear you.
Even if we're not attending the Oscars, a movie premier or Hollywood gala, high profile events can offer perspective on how to stand out, without going too far. In a dynamic emerald green dress by Vera Wang Viola Davis was a knockout! She drove home a simple point about a great dress; it should look effortless, command attention without being gaudy and compliment skin tones, eye color and the hair color, cut and style. Looking nothing like her character in "The Help", she sent a message of unquestionable style and taste.


WHITE was popular this year and we've got six unique looks shown above (from left). Cameron Diaz in a Gucci gown with art deco beading was ethereal elegance. Rooney Mara in vintage Givenchy, gave us a 'soft Goth' look - a surprise as many anticipated she would wear black. Gwyneth Paltrow was a show stopper in a Tom Ford dress, complete with a dramatic cape, inspired by men's fashion. Gwyneth's lean lines offered the kind of body type needed to pull off this look, with a simple bracelet for balance. Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad wore a garment that offered an appearance with too many focal points, with lines radiating from the center and sleeves with cut-out details. If she had worn her hair down instead of an up-do, the eye-line would have been raised and the central  focus would be her radiant face. And the Academy Award winning actress from "The Help", Octavia Spencer, was a standout in a sequined platinum Tadashi Shoji gown, one of my favorite designers, it suited her form and flattered her figure.

 WATCH: IndyStyle Oscar Segment

RED was another popular option and a perennial favorite, there were three that stood out for us. Michelle Williams looked fresh in a bright coral strapless Louis Vuitton gown, with just two light-catchers - a slim necklace and a bow at her hip, the look was spot on for her petite frame. Adding layers can add drama, without flashy jewels. From "The Help", Emma Stone in a crimson Giambattista Valli dress was whimsical glamour with elegant lines, festive shapes and a youthful silhouette. For Natalie Portman who often looks stunning, it seems her diamond-encrusted necklace rescued her appearance from an otherwise dull gown. This was a case of a missed opportunity that was literally too plain for Hollywood’s Biggest Night.

BLACK is a reliable choice for any woman, and yet it's not always a sure thing. For Glenn Close her gorgeous dark green (though it looks black) Zac Posen gown and tuxedo-inspired jacket were all too much. With too many layers, we lost Glenn, whose fresh hairstyle and timeless beauty were buried in fabric. In another case of simply too much the talented and funny Tina Fey in a strapless Carolina Herrera gown was missing a clear focus. With a heavy tone and visual ambiguity, there simply wasn't a statement made other than, "I'm here". Our last dress sums up our review beautifully, from "The Help" nominee Jessica Chastain who wore a dramatic Alexander McQueen gown with stunning black and gold embroidered details. With visual interest and rich contrast, she made quite the impression. 



So, what should you take from this quick review?
Fashion is your friend, and in some cases it can be your power play. The trick is to use your power wisely by avoiding going overboard. For example, if Gwyneth Paltrow had worn a ton of makeup, jewelry and flashy hair, plus a cape, we might be wondering when her super hero movie will be coming to theaters. Instead she used simplicity to command attention, and so can you every day. WATCH: IndyStyle Oscar Segment (Oscar photos: Getty Images / Jason Merritt and Michael Buckner)

Who gave us the "Little Black Dress?"
"Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury." - Chanel
First introduced in 1926, black was previously considered to be a color reserved for funerals and periods of mourning. Truly simple and sexy, Chanel's design was a sleeveless sheath cut just above the knee. She could have never predicted the immediate and lasting love women would have with her simple, chic black dress. (Source)

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