HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 12: Rihanna attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 12: Rihanna attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
CNN  — 

The 95th Academy Awards delivered a lesson in understated glamour on Sunday, with restrained colors and elegant silhouettes dominating the evening’s fashion.

In a break with tradition, the Oscars red carpet turned champagne-colored for the night — and many stars followed suit by arriving at LA’s Dolby Theatre in an array of lighter tones. Among an abundance of white gowns were Emily Blunt’s figure-hugging Valentino design and Michelle Williams’ strapless Chanel Couture dress, which featured a sheer overlay embroidered with crystals.

Fellow Best Actress nominee Michelle Yeoh produced one the most eye-catching takes on the trend in a feathered white Dior dress. Elsewhere, Sofia Carson wowed in a voluminous princess dress by Giambattista Valli, while Halle Berry’s sophisticated white Tamara Ralph gown shimmered with bejeweled floral detailing.

The evening’s more adventurous men also embraced softer colors. Paul Mescal and Brian Tyree Henry were among several stars opting for cream tuxedo jackets. Harry Shum Jr. meanwhile broke with black-tie orthodoxy in a white jacket by Adeam — a label usually known for womenswear — that featured a thick fabric belt around the waist.

There were welcome pops of color, too. Hong Chau and Allison Williams both looked resplendent in sophisticated shades of pink, wearing dresses by Prada and Giambattista Valli, respectively. Angela Bassett meanwhile stunned in a custom ultraviolet mermaid gown by Moschino and Cara Delevingne turned heads in a dramatic red off-the-shoulder Elie Saab gown.

And stars from the music industry produced two of the event’s biggest fashion moments. Lady Gaga wore a fresh-off-the-catwalk sheer dress from Versace’s Fall-Winter 2023 collection, which debuted on the runway just three days ago, while Rihanna stunned in a leather Alaïa gown that accentuated her baby bump.

See below for some of the red carpet’s best looks.

Janelle Monáe arrived in a custom Vera Wang look featuring a bright orange skirt and plunging crop top.
Janelle Monáe arrived in a custom Vera Wang look featuring a bright orange skirt and plunging crop top.
Kayla Oaddams/WireImage/Getty Images
Riz Ahmed's wool and mohair Prada suit, from the label's Fall-Winter 2023 collection featured an unusual collar detail.
Riz Ahmed's wool and mohair Prada suit, from the label's Fall-Winter 2023 collection featured an unusual collar detail.
Lexie Moreland/WWD/Getty Images
Michelle Williams, nominated for Best Actress, wore a sparkly white Chanel Couture gown and a Tiffany & Co. diamond link choker.
Michelle Williams, nominated for Best Actress, wore a sparkly white Chanel Couture gown and a Tiffany & Co. diamond link choker.
Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images
Sabrina Dhowre Elba, pictured alongside husband Idris Elba, turned heads in a bright green draped gown by Stella McCartney.
Sabrina Dhowre Elba, pictured alongside husband Idris Elba, turned heads in a bright green draped gown by Stella McCartney.
Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images
Nominated for Best Original Song, Lady Gaga made her appearance in an all-black, freshly debuted Versace gown from its Fall/Winter 2023 collection.
Nominated for Best Original Song, Lady Gaga made her appearance in an all-black, freshly debuted Versace gown from its Fall/Winter 2023 collection.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Best Actress nominee Cate Blanchett looked elegant in an asymmetrical velvet top and long satin skirt by Louis Vuitton. She also wore earrings and rings from the label's jewelry division.
Best Actress nominee Cate Blanchett looked elegant in an asymmetrical velvet top and long satin skirt by Louis Vuitton. She also wore earrings and rings from the label's jewelry division.
Eric Gaillard/Reuters
Brian Tyree Henry, nominated for Best Supporting Actor, wore a white double-breasted Dolce & Gabbana jacket with floral embellishments.
Brian Tyree Henry, nominated for Best Supporting Actor, wore a white double-breasted Dolce & Gabbana jacket with floral embellishments.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Best Actress nominee Michelle Yeoh turned heads in a dreamy white, floor-length dress by Dior, paired with diamond Moussaieff jewelry.
Best Actress nominee Michelle Yeoh turned heads in a dreamy white, floor-length dress by Dior, paired with diamond Moussaieff jewelry.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Paul Mescal was one of several men to wear cream or light-colored tuxedo jackets.
Paul Mescal was one of several men to wear cream or light-colored tuxedo jackets.
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Expecting her second child, Rihanna wore a sheer black form-fitting Alaïa dress displaying her baby bump. The star, who is nominated for Best Original Song, also wore jewelry by Moussaieff.
Expecting her second child, Rihanna wore a sheer black form-fitting Alaïa dress displaying her baby bump. The star, who is nominated for Best Original Song, also wore jewelry by Moussaieff.
Eric Gaillard/Reuters
Daniel Kwan attended with his wife, the filmmaker and animator Kirsten Lepore.
Daniel Kwan attended with his wife, the filmmaker and animator Kirsten Lepore.
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Daniel Kwan's suit was a direct nod to a cardigan worn by Michelle Yeoh's character in "Everything Everywhere All at Once."
Daniel Kwan's suit was a direct nod to a cardigan worn by Michelle Yeoh's character in "Everything Everywhere All at Once."
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Nicole Kidman looked elegant in a one-sleeved black Armani Privé gown with floral embellishments and a high thigh slit.
Nicole Kidman looked elegant in a one-sleeved black Armani Privé gown with floral embellishments and a high thigh slit.
Gilbert Flores/Variety/Getty Images
Ke Huy Quan looked dapper in Giorgio Armani tuxedo.
Ke Huy Quan looked dapper in Giorgio Armani tuxedo.
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Salma Hayek and Pedro Pascal wearing Gucci and Zegna, respectively.
Salma Hayek and Pedro Pascal wearing Gucci and Zegna, respectively.
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Halle Bailey wore an aqua-colored Dolce & Gabbana princess dress with De Beers jewelry.
Halle Bailey wore an aqua-colored Dolce & Gabbana princess dress with De Beers jewelry.
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Emily Blunt was a sight in white, wearing an elegant Valentino gown while Dwayne Johnson shone in a ballet pink Dolce & Gabbana suit.
Emily Blunt was a sight in white, wearing an elegant Valentino gown while Dwayne Johnson shone in a ballet pink Dolce & Gabbana suit.
Kayla Oaddams/WireImage/Getty Images
With a touch of old Hollywood glamour, Jessica Chastain shone in a strapless sequin Gucci dress.
With a touch of old Hollywood glamour, Jessica Chastain shone in a strapless sequin Gucci dress.
ABC
"Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" star Angela Bassett, nominated for Best Supporting Actress, arrived in a custom ultraviolet gown by Moschino.
"Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" star Angela Bassett, nominated for Best Supporting Actress, arrived in a custom ultraviolet gown by Moschino.
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Best Actor nominee Austin Butler kept it classic with a black, double-breasted Saint Laurent suit.
Best Actor nominee Austin Butler kept it classic with a black, double-breasted Saint Laurent suit.
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images
Ana de Armas's embellished Louis Vuitton gown featured a ruffled train.
Ana de Armas's embellished Louis Vuitton gown featured a ruffled train.
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Also in white, Halle Berry wore Tamara Ralph Couture with rose-gold crystal floral jewelry at the neck and hip.
Also in white, Halle Berry wore Tamara Ralph Couture with rose-gold crystal floral jewelry at the neck and hip.
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Harry Shum Jr. wore a tuxedo by Adeam — a label usually known for womenswear — that featured a white jacket and a fabric belt at the waist.
Harry Shum Jr. wore a tuxedo by Adeam — a label usually known for womenswear — that featured a white jacket and a fabric belt at the waist.
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Stephanie Hsu stood out in a pink, strapless Valentino gown with a flare bubble hem.
Stephanie Hsu stood out in a pink, strapless Valentino gown with a flare bubble hem.
Eric Gaillard/Reuters
Eva Longoria wore an all-white number with a plunging neckline and built-in choker from Zuhair Murad's Spring-Summer 2023 collection.
Eva Longoria wore an all-white number with a plunging neckline and built-in choker from Zuhair Murad's Spring-Summer 2023 collection.
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Florence Pugh looked stunning in Valentino Couture and a statement Tiffany & Co. necklace.
Florence Pugh looked stunning in Valentino Couture and a statement Tiffany & Co. necklace.
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Vanessa Hudgens in a black Chanel dress with white trim.
Vanessa Hudgens in a black Chanel dress with white trim.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Vanessa Hudgens completed her look with matching black and white nail art.
Vanessa Hudgens completed her look with matching black and white nail art.
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Sandra Oh attended wearing an eye-catching marigold draped gown from Giambattista Valli Haute Couture's Spring-Summer 2023 collection.
Sandra Oh attended wearing an eye-catching marigold draped gown from Giambattista Valli Haute Couture's Spring-Summer 2023 collection.
Ashley Landis/Invision/AP
Ariana DeBose arrived on the red carpet in a custom bright white Versace gown with a plunging V neckline and silver embellishments.
Ariana DeBose arrived on the red carpet in a custom bright white Versace gown with a plunging V neckline and silver embellishments.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Cara Delevingne hit the carpet in a striking red, off-the-shoulder Elie Saab couture dress.
Cara Delevingne hit the carpet in a striking red, off-the-shoulder Elie Saab couture dress.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Allison Williams wore a glamorous floral-embellished pink gown by Giambattista Valli with long sleeves and a cascading tulle cape train.
Allison Williams wore a glamorous floral-embellished pink gown by Giambattista Valli with long sleeves and a cascading tulle cape train.
David Fisher/Shutterstock
Jay Ellis in a black tuexedo with beaded floral appliqué by Fendi.
Jay Ellis in a black tuexedo with beaded floral appliqué by Fendi.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Best Supporting Actress nominee Jamie Lee Curtis shimmered in a sequined Dolce & Gabbana dress.
Best Supporting Actress nominee Jamie Lee Curtis shimmered in a sequined Dolce & Gabbana dress.
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Dazzling in white, Sofia Carson wore a custom voluminous ball gown by Giambattista Valli Haute Couture.
Dazzling in white, Sofia Carson wore a custom voluminous ball gown by Giambattista Valli Haute Couture.
ABC
Malala Yousafzai shone bright in a sequined Ralph Lauren hooded gown and an emerald flower ring by Santi Jewels.
Malala Yousafzai shone bright in a sequined Ralph Lauren hooded gown and an emerald flower ring by Santi Jewels.
Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images
"The Whale" star Hong Chau impressed in a pink satin Prada gown with an embellished train and jewelry by Mikimoto.
"The Whale" star Hong Chau impressed in a pink satin Prada gown with an embellished train and jewelry by Mikimoto.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Marlee Matlin wore a black floor-length Dolce & Gabbana gown.
Marlee Matlin wore a black floor-length Dolce & Gabbana gown.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Elizabeth Olsen wore a shimmering black Givenchy dress from the label's Fall-Winter 2023 collection.
Elizabeth Olsen wore a shimmering black Givenchy dress from the label's Fall-Winter 2023 collection.
Ashley Landis/Invision/AP
Brendan Fraser, Best Leading Actor nominee for his role in "The Whale," wore a Giorgio Armani suit topped off with a bow tie and paired with an Omega watch.
Brendan Fraser, Best Leading Actor nominee for his role in "The Whale," wore a Giorgio Armani suit topped off with a bow tie and paired with an Omega watch.
Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images
Ashley Graham, decorated in jewelry by Pandora, wore a custom black dress by Alberta Ferretti with cutouts and an embroidered crystal skirt.
Ashley Graham, decorated in jewelry by Pandora, wore a custom black dress by Alberta Ferretti with cutouts and an embroidered crystal skirt.
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Winnie Harlow wore archive Armani Privé, arriving in a yellow gown from the label's spring couture 2005 collection.
Winnie Harlow wore archive Armani Privé, arriving in a yellow gown from the label's spring couture 2005 collection.
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
James Hong arrived wearing one of the night's boldest accessories: a blue bowtie adorned with — in a nod to "Everything Everywhere All at Once" — a pair of googly eyes.
James Hong arrived wearing one of the night's boldest accessories: a blue bowtie adorned with — in a nod to "Everything Everywhere All at Once" — a pair of googly eyes.
Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images
Last year's Best Supporting Actor winner Troy Kotsur wore a deep purple suit, while wife Deanne Bray wore a sleek floor-length gown.
Last year's Best Supporting Actor winner Troy Kotsur wore a deep purple suit, while wife Deanne Bray wore a sleek floor-length gown.
Kayla Oaddams/WireImage/Getty Images
Fan Bingbing arrived in a voluminous Tony Ward Couture gown.
Fan Bingbing arrived in a voluminous Tony Ward Couture gown.
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images
Harvey Guillen, who noted he was the first plus-sized male actor to be dressed by designer, put a twist on the traditional suit with a flared, embellished jacket by Christian Siriano.
Harvey Guillen, who noted he was the first plus-sized male actor to be dressed by designer, put a twist on the traditional suit with a flared, embellished jacket by Christian Siriano.
Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images
Laverne Cox arrived in a custom Vera Wang gown with a turquoise flowing train and black fingerless gloves.
Laverne Cox arrived in a custom Vera Wang gown with a turquoise flowing train and black fingerless gloves.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Top photo: Rihanna (Mike Coppola/Getty Images)