Oscars 2010: Young Hollywood Beauties

Fashion critics say seasoned actresses like to play it safe on the red carpet, especially on such glamorous and important events like the Academy Awards. Comparatively, younger stars are more daring in their choices, which is not necessarily a bad thing – as this year’s edition of the Oscars undoubtedly proves.

The female representatives of younger Hollywood took the usual stroll on the red carpet last night and, from Cameron Diaz, who is always like a breath of fresh air at such events, to newcomers Carey Mulligan and Kristen Stewart, they all managed to get an A for effort and style. What’s more, they did so by combining vintage elements with new ones and choosing gowns that reflected their personalities, instead of just wearing what they were told would look good on them.

Starting off with Cameron Diaz, the actress created quite a stir in a heavy champagne gown from Oscar de la Renta’s Fall 2010 collection. Aside from the heavy embroidery, the dress was also cut to the waist, thus accentuating it, which compensated for the rather simple design. The star, who presented an award during the ceremony, finished off her look with a clutch by Roger Vivier Haute Couture Sesame, Brian Atwood shoes and Cartier jewelry.

Kristen Stewart and Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan were among the few women to wear black this year, but that’s not to say they did not look smashing in it. While the “Twilight” star kept it traditional in a siren satin organza gown by Monique Lhuillier, with Bally shoes and H. Stern diamond bracelet, Carey worked the vintage look. The actress worked a new cut and hair color, a Prada black strapless dress with a voluminous skirt that trailed but was also asymmetric, a clutch and platforms by Prada and chandelier diamond earrings. Her look was deemed one of the best of the night.

“Inglourious Basterds” star and newcomer to the scene Diane Krueger also went for the vintage look in a pale pink and black ruffled creation that emphasized her slim figure and truly made her stand out from the crowd. The actress matched the apparently messy design with a rather simple ‘do, a black clutch and the best accessory any starlet could ever ask for: “Basterds” director Quentin Tarantino, who walked the red carpet with her, arm in arm.

Miley Cyrus and Anna Kendrick also kept it sweet in sweet colors, with the Disney darling rocking the red carpet in a statuesque, champagne Jenny Packham design, while the “Twilight” and “Up in the Air” star went for an Elie Saab Haute Couture creation in pale pink. The dress also came with a delicate appliqué and a front slit lined with Chantilly lace, making it the perfect combination of vintage and modern. Anna capped off her outfit with Judith Leiber shoes and a small clutch.