The Oscars 2011: “age appropriate” does not equal “boring”

Looking at the spectrum of gowns that grace, what seems like, the hundreds of red carpets this time of year, there’s plenty of opinions and mudslinging to be done but in an attempt to avoid the ugly, we bring you two champions.

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On one end of the spectrum we have Helen Mirren in a gunmetal Vivienne Westwood gown. She is a lesson in age appropriateness for women over 50. The dress is classy but still has an eye-catching cut with the square neckline and detailed sleeve construction. It achieves a sense of sexy without showing a lot of skin. Dare we say GILF?

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And on the other end of the spectrum we have Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa. The 14-year-old has done a stellar job during this awards season of finding age-appropriate dresses that are young, fresh and fun. Let the kids be kids, there’s plenty of time for women to achieve sexy and sophisticated. For now, enjoy a little kick in your circle skirt and sparkle on your shoulder!