Oscar Nominees' Best Dresses Ever

Alex Apatoff, Senior Style Editor: It’s almost impossible to pick a best dress ever for one of the most stylish women in Hollywood, but this striking yellow gown (with its stunning 360º view) ended up taking top honors thanks to its memorable color, perfect fit and absolutely flawless beauty look.

Catherine Kast, Style Writer: The Still Alice nominee never shies away from color (her shocking yellow Dior is particularly memorable), but it’s so rare to see the redhead in blue, like this velour gown with a dramatic back bow she wore to the 2011 BAFTAs. The lush hue and the perfectly drawn red lip just might be my favorite color combo against the star’s porcelain skin.

Andrea Lavinthal, Style and Beauty Director: Most fashion people would say that the teal Christian Dior Couture gown the star wore to the Golden Globes was her best look ever. I’m not one of those people. I thought it overwhelmed her petite frame and would’ve loved to see her in a softer color and a more streamlined silhouette. And that’s exactly what she delivered at the SAG Awards in a pale pink custom Balenciaga design, expertly styled with Van Cleef and Arpels earrings.

Catherine Kast, Style Writer: The French actress was a high-fashion darling even before she became a Dior girl: for the 2008 Oscars she was able to rock a bespoke Jean Paul Gaultier gown from a couture collection inspired by mermaids and the sea. Only an ultra-confident Best Actress winner could pull off such a sensational piece (it’s covered in embroidered scales!).

Brittany Talarico, Style News Editor: Maybe it’s the breakup bangs. Maybe it’s the deep amethyst color of the gown. Maybe it’s the ruffle ombré train. Or maybe it’s the way it fits the Oscar nominee in all the right places. Actually, it’s all of these things. The design was custom-made for the by Olivier Theyskens using 40 meters of silk jacquard from Switzerland. I still remember watching her hit the red carpet at the 2007 Oscars with my dorm roommates. She was our best dressed pick. And I hope she brings it again this year.

Jackie Fields, Beauty Writer:: Wearing a mint green Erdem gown with floral lace embellishments, romantic style was in full bloom at the 2012 L.A. premiere of Anna Karenina. The custom piece was a study in contrasts – prim, yet whimsical and both structured and flowy. Plus, any time she wears a bold lip it’s a beauty win in my book.

Sarah Kinonen, Editorial Assistant: My all-time favorite look Rosamund wore on the red carpet is this super-feminine floral-print Giambattista Valli number from the Jack Reacher fan screening in South Korea. The Spring 2013 design is equal parts sexy and cute – and was the perfect dress for the Gone Girl star to begin her style parade in.