6 big fashion trends from the best dressed Critics Choice Awards guests

The red carpet became the runway as the best dressed Critics Choice Awards guests showcased some of 2022's biggest trends. Although the latest season of fashion shows have drawn to a close, awards season ushers in some of the most important dates in the style calendar. 

While the latest fashion trends are dictated by the runway shows in New York, London, Milan, and Paris, awards season offers designers the chance to showcase their work on some of the biggest names in film, television, and music, putting them in front of an audience of millions. From custom designs to hot off-the-runway looks, getting a dress on a celebrity isn't easy, but helping a star to the best-dressed list is priceless. From the Met Gala to the  top Golden Globes dresses, all eyes are on the red carpet to see what styles are hot, and what's not.

When it comes to the power of awards season though, we're looking at more than just the films. The red carpet is a great indicator of what fashion and shoe trends 2022 has in store too, dictating everything from color palettes to fabrications that will eventually filter down to the ready-to-wear market over the coming months. 

6 trends spotted on the best dressed Critics Choice Awards guests

1. Dopamine Dressing

When it comes to how to wear bright color clothes, nowhere is better for inspiration than checking out the best dressed Critics Choice Awards guests. After two years of limited in-person events, stars were clearly pleased to be back as they brightened up the red carpet in a host of mood-boosting hues. Coined 'Dopamine Dressing' for its ability to instantly put a smile on everyone's faces, bold hues have been seen on everything from clothing to the latest handbag trends. 

For the red carpet Caitlin Thompson, Alexis Martin Woodall and Zoey Deutch all opted for highlighter tones that ensured they would not be missed. While you're unlikely to see this played out in ballgowns in your local department store, do expect to rock this trend with some of the new season's best blazers and best midi dresses for an easier interpretation of the trend. 

2. Velvet

This '90s inspired trend was a big hit for the BAFTAs best dressed 2022 and it seems that the stars at the Critics Choice Awards were loving velvet too. Inspired by a Gothic revival, this trend made a big impact on runways at the likes of Saint Laurent and British clothing brand Burberry. At the BAFTAs velvet took on a very feminine aesthetic, with beautiful dresses being the main vehicle for the trend, while some of the best dressed Critics Choice Awards guests took a more suited and booted approach. Reinterpreted into some of the best tuxedos and tailored designs, expect velvet to be back in full force as for party season later this year. 

Keeping it sharp, Melanie Lynskey and Halle Berry reinforced the notion that red carpet dressing is not limited to evening gowns, while Julianne Nicholson looked absolutely beautiful in a cut-out column dress in deep forest green. 

3. Red

It might seem like a bad idea to match the carpet, but wearing red to an award ceremony isn't as frowned upon by the fashion set as you might think. An iconic and stand-out hue, red always helps a star to not only get noticed but exude confidence too. 

Chrissy Metz, Issa Rae and Juliette Lewis all showed up in bold red dresses. While Chrissy opted for a silhouette elongating center ruffle, Issa opted for a spring-ready floral print and plenty of swishy layers to add drama; Juliette Lewis meanwhile looked absolutely stunning in a shoulder-baring number with a statement bow.

4. Metallic

What's a red carpet without a healthy dose of sparkle? Although there weren't huge amounts of sequins among the best dressed Critics Choice awards celebrities, there were certainly a few standout metallic looks. While many of us reserve our best-sequinned looks for the Holiday party season, opting for lighter sequin hues, such as pale silvers and more muted golds is a great way to work sparkle into your spring/summer wardrobe and an ideal choice if you're still working out what to wear to a wedding in the warmer months. 

Jada Pinkett Smith glistened in gold and although she opted for a metallic fabrication over sequins, the effect was still just as impactful. Brocades are a wonderful way to weave shine into your wardrobe with a more subtle finish. Jean Smart fully embraced the sequin life with a fishtail style skirt and a white overlayed top for a well-balanced and statement look. Meanwhile Serena Williams looked every inch her A-List status in a figure-hugging slip style, sequin gown, completing her outfit with a heavy fabric train.

5. White

Wearing white feels risky at the best of times, but opting for white on the red carpet is a brave and bold look indeed—although these celebrities pull it off with ease. While generally, one doesn't wear white in the US before Memorial Day, the red carpet is one place where this fashion rule certainly does not apply. 

From Sonequa Martin-Green's leg-baring dress to, Maggie Gyllenhaal's structured gown and Georgie Flores's frothy frock, stars really embraced the ethereal look., offering inspiration for summer dressing. From what to wear to a christening, to bridal trend inspirations, the white dresses at the Critics Choice Awards really did turn heads. 

6. Dresses with pockets

Perhaps inspired by our need for comfort post-pandemic or just women's obsession with pockets, we're seeing increasing numbers of evening dresses and bridal gowns weaving pockets into their designs, and we're really not mad about it.

How many times have you exclaimed 'its got pockets!' when asked about a new dress or skirt? And it seems celebrities really are just like us, as the best dressed Critics Choice Awards guests couldn't stop putting their hands in their pockets as they posed for pictures. 

From Kirsten Dunst's baby blue A-line dress, to Juliette Lewis's evening frock and Caitlin Thompson's envy-inducing look, it was all about a relaxed aesthetic, even on one of the most glamorous nights of the year. Expect this trend to filter its way to a store near you over the coming months.