The 5 best colour trends from 2024’s awards season
Posted by: House of Colour, March 15, 2024
Every year, the awards season is a glamorous exhibition of breathtaking runway gowns and custom couture, with our favourite celebrities competing to be on the best-dressed list. And whilst each star-studded show, from the Golden Globes to the BAFTAs and the Oscars, delivers a legion of jaw-dropping, to-die-for looks, some trends stand out like no other.
For 2024, we saw androgynous dressing (Bella Ramsey, Billie Eilish), levitating shoulder straps (Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh) and a lot of pink (Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling). It was a fashion feast for the eyes, and we truly indulged!
When it came to colour, this year’s myriad of red carpets mirrored the runways of Spring/Summer 2024 with shades of oranges, browns, blues and even peaches and lavenders materialising in bodycon ballgowns and tailored two-pieces.
“There was a fabulous fusion of bolder, more vibrant colours and softer, more understated tones. It’s always amazing to see that dynamic spectrum on each red carpet,” Sandy, our expert stylist based in Chiswick, London, points out.
As always, key colour trends emerged. And, with the help of our expert stylists, Sandy Lancaster and Charlie Crittenden, House of Colour has broken down the top 5.
Black is a core choice, one you could say is the stalwart colour for any event. During awards season, the red carpet becomes a sea of black in the form of sequins, feathers, silk, tulle, and chiffon.
Also this year, we had Ayo Edebiri winning her Best Supporting Actress Emmy in a custom 3D Louis Vuitton leather number, whilst black lace offerings came from Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Selena Gomez and Jennifer Coolidge.
Charlie, our expert stylist from Staffordshire and Derbyshire, explains that the good news for those wanting to appear effortlessly chic is black never goes out of style. “Being a cool, high-contrast colour, it’s best suited to Winters who can create edgy and sophisticated looks to their hearts' content. Other seasons can swap it out for the darker neutral shades of their palettes so as not to overwhelm their complexions.”
Want to find out if black is your neutral? Find your local stylist and book a colour analysis!
In contrast, we were also presented with various tones of white this season. Celebrities spoiled us with a spectrum of shades from fresh white (Ryan Gosling, Elizabeth Olsen and Ayo Edebiri) to off-whites (Jeremy Allen White, Ariana DeBose and Selena Gomez) that leaned towards more oat milk tones. And with a variety of fabrications on display, from feathers to lace and tulle, white felt fresh after a year of bold colours.
“Whether worn in a monochromatic ensemble or with a bold pop of colour, white can be a wardrobe staple, channelling open-minded sophistication. When done right, this neutral can look expensive, but pay close attention to the tone. Warm seasons effortlessly harmonise in creamy, oat, and ivory tones, while cool seasons are better in soft, pure, or crisp fresh whites.”
Want to find out your best white? It’s time to book a colour analysis!
Pinks being popular came as no surprise. We are, after all, coming off the back of a year of Barbiecore. But the reds also reigned supreme! Newly appointed fashion icons Barry Keoghan and Andrew Scott wore deeper shades of red in suits by Louis Vuitton and custom Berluti, respectively, whilst the likes of Florence Pugh, Julianne Moore and Emily Blunt all opted for true red.
“Turning heads during awards season is a powerful power play,” Charlie says. “This attention-grabbing colour provokes a passionate response and can showcase your extroverted side!” Fortunately, primary red can be worn by all seasons, but to get the full effect, a colour analysis is recommended to find your best shade of red.
Whether your reds are warm tomato, flame, earthy brick, chestnut, or warm with a hint of orange, there'll be a number of jaw-dropping options for you. Cool seasons impress in shades of deep rose, strawberry pinks, raspberries, cherry, burgundy, maroon to scarlet and rich ruby red.
What’s an award season without a little sparkle? The metallic trend dominates the awards as much as black does!
“Whether in the form of sequins, metallic fabrics, or embellishments, these luminous colours added a radiant sparkle to the red carpet,” Sandy notes.
This year, metallics were displayed through liquid golds and silvers (Carey Mulligan, Florence Pugh), disco ball floor-length gowns (Claire Foy, Julia Garner) and embellished sarees (Deepika-Padukone).
“The Glitz and glamour of metallics provide effortless after-sun-down sparkle at any event, making you the star of the show,” says Charlie before going on to explain that Springs shine best in bright yellow golds; these could have a satin or brushed finish. Autumns look best in rich gold, copper, or brass shades. Summers ooze elegance in silver and even antique rose golds when paired with brown and burgundy accessories. Winters wow in silver and gunmetal tones.
A smorgasbord of pastel tones broke up the colour wheel and offered us a sweet treat! Buttery yellows were effortlessly worn by the likes of Audrey Plaza (in that infamous Loewe pin dress), whilst seafoam shades were showcased by Emma Stone, Hailee Steinfeld and Hannah Waddingham. Even Pedro Pascal got involved at the Critics’ Choice Awards wearing a custom Zegna suit (matching arm sling included!)
“These delicate pastel hues invoke a refreshing, soothing sense of calm, elegance, and serenity - which we could all use right now! Springs can add a dash of sunshine with warm and light pastels, from paler banana hues to buttercup, delicate light pinks, peach, and apricots. Autumns do better in softer apricots, rosewood pink and organic, earthy pastels like sage and light olive. Winters can rock pastels with a clear, bright, icy appearance and a touch of colour. Summers can go to town in their cool, soft smoky pastel shades.”
Sandy goes on to add that “there was a notable presence of ethereal pastel shades, such as blush pink, soft lavender, and pale mint green – best for our Summer clients. And these delicate hues brought a sense of femininity and romance to the awards season styling, creating a refreshing softer, romantic essence in contrast to the bolder more striking colour choices.”
Want to find out if black, red, metallics or pastels suit you? Click here to book a colour analysis with your local stylist!
Image Credit: Getty Images, FilmMagric, Variety,
