The red carpet became the runway as guests of the Best Dressed Critics’ Choice Awards showcased some of the biggest trends of 2022. While the latest season of fashion shows has come to a close, awards season has kicked off on some of the most important dates in the style calendar.
While the Fashion Trend 2022 offering is dictated by runway shows in New York, London, Milan and Paris, awards season gives designers a chance to showcase their work on some of the biggest names in film, television and music. them in front of millions of spectators. From custom designs to hot off runway looks, finding a dress for a celebrity isn’t easy, but helping a star make it onto the best dressed list is invaluable.
However when it comes to the power of awards season, we are seeing more than just movies. The red carpet is a great indicator of what fashion and shoe trends have in store for 2022, deciding everything from the color palette to the fabrication that will eventually be ready to wear on the market in the coming months.
6 Trends Guests Spotted at the Best Dressed Critics’ Choice Awards
1. Dopamine Dressing
Caitlin Thompson, Alexis Martin Woodall and Zoey Deutch light up the red carpet in bold block color
(Image credit: Getty Images)
When it comes to wearing brightly colored clothes, there’s nowhere better for inspiration than checking out the best dressed Critics’ Choice Awards guests. After two years of limited in-person events, the stars were clearly happy to be back as they lighted up the red carpet in several mood-boosting colors. Coined ‘dopamine dressing’ for its ability to put an instant smile on everyone’s face, bold color has been seen on everything from clothing to the latest handbag trend 2022.
Caitlin Thompson, Alexis Martin Woodall and Zoey Deutch all opted for highlighter tones for the red carpet, which ensured they didn’t get left out. While you’re unlikely to see it sported in a ballgown at your local department store, expect to rock the trend with some of the new season’s best blazers and best midi dresses for an easy interpretation of the trend.
2. Velvet
Melanie Lynskey, Halle Berry and Julianne Nicholson All Impressed in Velvet
(Image credit: Getty Images)
This ’90s-inspired trend was a huge hit for the BAFTAs best dressed 2022 and it looks like the Critics’ Choice Awards stars were loving velvet, too. Inspired by the Gothic revival, the trend made a big impact on the runways at the likes of Saint Laurent and British clothing brand Burberry. Velvet captured a very feminine aesthetic at the BAFTAs, with pretty dresses being the main vehicle for the trend, while some of the best dressed Critics’ Choice Awards guests took a more appropriate and booted approach. Reinterpreted in some of the best tuxedo and tailored designs, expect velvet to be back in full force for party season later this year.
Keeping it sharp, Melanie Lynskey and Halle Berry reinforced the notion that red carpet dressing isn’t limited to evening gowns, while Julianne Nicholson looked absolutely beautiful in a cut-out column dress in deep forest green.
3. Red
Chrissy Metz, Issa Rae and Juliette Lewis stunned in red
(Image credit: Getty Images)
It may seem like a bad idea to match the carpet, but wearing red to an awards ceremony isn’t as much off the fashion set as you might think. An iconic and stand-out colour, red always helps a star not only get noticed but also exudes confidence.
Chrissy Metz, Issa Rae and Juliette Lewis all appeared in bold red outfits. While Chrissy opted for a silhouette-long center ruffle, Issa opted for a spring-ready floral print and lots of eye-catching layers to add drama; Juliette Lewis meanwhile looked absolutely stunning with a statement bow flaunted shoulder to shoulder.
4. Metallic
Jada Pinkett Smith, Serena Williams and Jean Smart All Wore Metallic Shades to the Critics’ Choice Awards
(Image credit: Getty Images)
What’s a red carpet without a healthy dose of sparkle? While the Critics’ Choice Award best dressed celebrities didn’t have huge amounts of sequins, there certainly were some extravagant metallic looks. While many of us reserve our best sequined looks for the holiday party season, opting for lighter sequin colors, such as pale silver and more muted gold, is a great way to add shine to your spring/summer wardrobe and a Ideal choice if you’re still working out what to wear to a wedding in the warmer months.
Jada Pinkett Smith gleamed in gold and although she opted for a metallic construction over the sequins, the effect was just as impressive. Brocade is a great way to add shine to your wardrobe with a more subtle finish. Jean Smart totally embraced the sequin life with a fishtail style skirt and white overlay top for a well-balanced and statement look. Meanwhile, Serena Williams boosted her A-list status in a figure-hugging slip style, sequined gown, completing her outfit with a heavy fabric train.
5. White
Sonaqua Martin-Green, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Georgie Flores Dazzle in White
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Wearing white looks risky at the best of times, but choosing white on the red carpet is actually a brave and bold look – although these celebrities pull it off easily. While generally, no one wears white in America before Memorial Day, the red carpet is one place where this fashion rule definitely doesn’t apply.
From a leg-baring dress by Sonaqua Martin-Green, to Maggie Gyllenhaal’s structured gown and Georgie Flores’s frothy frock, stars embrace a truly ethereal look, providing inspiration for summer dressing. From what to wear to christenings, to bridal trend inspirations, the white dress really turned heads at the Critics’ Choice Awards.
6. Dresses With Pockets
Kirsten Dunst, Juliette Lewis, Caitlin Thompson all seen dressed with pockets
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Perhaps inspired by our need for comfort post-pandemic or women’s obsession with pockets, we’re seeing an increasing number of evening dresses and bridal gowns in their designs, and we’re really not crazy about it.
How many times have you said ‘It’s pocketed!’ When asked about a new dress or skirt? And it looks like celebrities really are just like us, because the best dressed Critics’ Choice Awards guests couldn’t stop putting their hands in their pockets as they posed for photos.
From Kirsten Dunst’s baby blue A-line dress to Juliette Lewis’ evening frock and Caitlin Thompson’s envy-inducing look, it was all about a relaxed aesthetic, even on the most glamorous nights of the year. Even on one. Expect this trend to filter into stores near you in the coming months.
