Red Carpet Looks for Less: 2012 Emmy Awards

Even though the Primetime Emmy Awards were held last week, we’re still thinking about all the stylish looks we saw on the red carpet.
More specifically, we’ve been drooling over the three major trends that emerged on the Emmys red carpet: oxblood, textured florals, and bright yellow. All three were popular choices at this year’s ceremony and while we might not be attending a red carpet event anytime soon (darn!), these trends can still be incorporated into the average college student’s wardrobe.
Read on to learn about these hot red carpet looks, then check out one formal and one casual outfit inspired by each of the three trends:
1. Oxblood

Kat Dennings in an oxblood J. Mendel gown | Photo: ELLE
More Celebs Who Rocked this Look: Jena Malone, Tina Fey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Fall’s ‘it’ color also seemed to influence the Emmys red carpet, as multiple celebs chose to wear gorgeous oxblood gowns. This moody hue creates a sultry (helloooooo, Kat Dennings) and glamorous vibe that can easily work for day or night, as shown below:
Emmy-worthy

Product Info: Dress- River Island, Bag- H&M, Shoes- H&M, Bracelet- Marc by Marc Jacobs | Photo: ELLE
Play up oxblood’s sultry and mysterious vibe in this stylish body-con dress with delicate lace detailing. Black-and-silver pumps and a matching box clutch add some edge, while a black chain-link bracelet adds a trendy touch. Finish this look by painting your lips a similar shade of oxblood and creating a smoky eye, similar to the picture above.
Everyday

Product Info: Top- Urban Outfitters, Watch- Nasty Gal, Sunglasses- Forever 21, Jeans- The Limited, Shoes- ASOS
For our first casual outfit, I was inspired by Tina Fey’s oxblood Vivienne Westwood gown, which had an on-trend baroque neckline. Recreate her look by pairing oxblood skinnies with an ornately patterned top, then add a pair of low-heeled ankle booties. Accessorize with a studded wrap-around watch and animal print sunglasses for a trendy, yet low-key look.
2. Textured Florals

Kate Mara in a textured floral Badgley Mishka gown | Photo: ELLE
More Celebs Who Rocked this Look: Ariel Winter, Julianna Margulies, Ginnifer Goodwin
Florals are pretty much always in style, but for this red carpet, celebs (like Kate Mara, above) wore gowns with floral appliqués, embroidery, and sequins to create a one-of-a-kind look. Textured florals take the print to a whole new level and can create a red carpet-worthy look whether you want to dress them up or dress them down:
Emmy-worthy

Product Info: Dress- zappos.com, Bag- Oasis, Shoes- Charlotte Russe, Ring- Windsor | Photo: ELLE
Channel this red carpet trend for your next fancy night out by wearing an gorgeous floral print sequined dress. Pretty coral pumps pick up on the color of the dress, while a shimmery clutch adds a nice dose of sparkle. Accessorize with a jeweled statement ring, then pull you hair into a soft chignon, similar to the one Amy Adams is wearing in the picture above.
Everyday

Product Info: Top- ASOS, Cardigan- Mango, Skirt- Victoria’s Secret, Earrings- ModCloth, Shoes- amazon.com
Make this trend work for daytime by pairing a floral appliqué blouse with a fitted navy blue pencil skirt for a more casual look. A pastel pink cardigan adds some coverage, while ivory lace-up oxfords continue the casual vibe. Accessorize with a pair of gold statement earrings for a feminine and stylish look.
3. Bright Yellow

Claire Danes in a bright yellow Lanvin gown | Photo: ELLE
More Celebs Who Rocked this Look: Julie Bowen, Julianne Moore, Kaley Cuoco
Celebs like Claire Danes proved that wearing a not-so-mellow yellow on the red carpet creates chic and stylish look. Bright yellow gowns in every hue – from goldenrod to highlighter-neon – were seen at this year’s Emmy Awards. Wearing this standout color is a surefire way to be noticed. Are you brave enough to rock this bold shade? Check out a casual and a dressy look incorporating bright yellow:
Emmy-worthy

Product Info: Dress- Nasty Gal, Bag- amazon.com, Shoes- Endless, Earrings- Topshop | Photo: ELLE
For an edgy, yet dressy outfit inspired by this red carpet trend, try wearing a bright yellow dress with trendy cutout detailing. Add white heels adorned with studs and jewels, then accessorize with a pair of spiked gold chain earrings. Grab a fun heart-shaped handbag in a cool leopard print and style your hair into a pretty side braid to complete this look.
Everyday

Product Info: Blazer- H&M, Dress- AX Paris, Belt- Madewell, Necklace- Piperlime, Shoes- Lulu’s
Incorporate this hue into your everyday look with a structured bright yellow blazer. Pair the blazer with an adorable owl print dress for a cute and casual look, then define the waistline with a sturdy brown belt. Add a pair of simple taupe flats and accessorize with a chevron necklace for a comfy and stylish outfit.
Your thoughts?
Did you watch the Emmys this year? What do you think of these red carpet trends? Which trend is your favorite? What do you think of these outfits? Which ones would you wear? Remember to leave a comment below and tell us what you think!
Posted on on September 30, 2012 / Filed Under: Shopping / Tags: Casual, Celebs, Claire Danes, Emmy Awards, Floral, formal, Kat Dennings, Kate Mara, Looks for Less, Outfit Ideas, oxblood, Red Carpet, Texture, Yellow














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Liz
very cute! so much yellow on the carpet this year! I loved it
Yuilia
The first red carpet dress is not oxblood… it’s a rusty brick red.
Ashley - Flagler College
@Yuilia- I saw Kat’s gown live on tv last week– it was definitely oxblood! For some reason it looks much lighter in this photo. Here’s another pic to compare: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dnMmRmsBMXs/UGCGw9jF6eI/AAAAAAAABrM/WFmOmbtIgBs/s1600/kat+dennings+emmys2012.jpg
Belle
Sorry to be rude (I don’t mean to be) but these outfits don’t resemble the outfits worn on the red carpet… this was a miss
Ashley - Flagler College
@Belle- You aren’t being rude! My concept for this post was to create looks inspired by the red carpet trends, not the actual gowns the celebrities wore. Since college students seldom wear full-length gowns, I wanted to make the outfits more accessible for everyone. I apologize if that wasn’t made clear in the post!
aish
the dress form outfit one is nice
but the sexy yellow cut out dress is awesome…