The Oscars may have been and gone, but it hasn’t stopped us scrolling through all our favourite celebrity red carpets looks and watching the highlights back on social media (Emma Stone dealing with her wardrobe malfunction, included). And our fashion team couldn’t help but notice that one trend stood out, with several famous faces stepping out in similar styles: all-black outfits. 

While head-to-toe black certainly isn’t anything new, spotting Danielle Brooks, Margot Robbie and Issa Rae all wearing it on the red carpet certainly caught our eye. And while we aren’t recommending that you wear these exact ball gowns for your next supermarket shop, there are some chic styling tips to be learned from every look. Just keep scrolling to see what we’ve found. 

Away from her now-famous Barbie pink looks, Margot Robbie leaned into Old Hollywood glamour with this strapless black Versace dress. While it may look rather understated, a lot is going on. Elevating the classic black shade is a silver-like foil that makes the dress dance in the light alongside clever draping to add interest and accentuate the shape. Plus, a strapless neckline worn without a necklace really draws your eyes straight to the dress, proving that accessories sometimes aren’t needed. So, taking this into our own wardrobes, we’ve learned that all-black looks can be striking enough without added accessories. A little sparkle from the fabric certainly makes more of a statement, and draping details, whether via a tucked-in shirt or wrap-around scarf, can highlight the shape of an outfit.

All-black outfits are a go-to for many office environments. After all, when trying to dress for a more formal setting, few shades are as easy to find – or wear – to feel instantly put together. Embracing this more formal fit, Octavia Spencer brought a blazer onto the red carpet, adding more structure to her all-black outfit. Of course, as this was the Oscars red carpet, Spencer livened up her look with sequins, although for every day we would probably lean towards a less sparkly wool, linen or cotton blend. Plus, pair it with a matching shade skirt or trouser and you’ll look instantly chic. 

Issa Rae wore a statement-making gown after starring in no fewer than three Oscar-nominated films: Barbie, American Fiction and Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse. Opting for an AMI Paris gown with a plunging neckline, hip-high slit and sequin and velvet fabrics, Rae wowed with her red carpet look. But although it certainly was created to be eye-catching on the red carpet, there’s a handful of styling tips we’re stealing. 

Most importantly, the need to get crafty with cut-outs. Not only will showing more skin add a sexy, sultry twist to any outfit but it also breaks up the black fabric without adding in another clothing shade. So, if you’re looking to elevate a date night or evening outfit, it may be time to raise the hem, unbutton a shirt or opt for a top with a lower neckline than you’d usually go for. 

One of the best (and worst) things about wearing a head-to-toe outfit is that you can easily pare it back to the point that you almost blend in with a crowd. So, if you’re looking to wear a low-key look that’s chic yet understated, the deep, dark shade is sure to come in handy. Vanessa Hudgens leaned into this head-to-toe look with a Vera Wang gown that had a high neck, long sleeves and a maxi-length hem with minimal accessories to break up the colour. Plus, it was made from only one type of fabric with no change in texture, shade or pattern, which makes the look nice and simple. Think leggings, a jersey maxi dress or black trousers and a simple T-shirt if trying to recreate the minimalist outfit for an everyday look.

Images: Getty