Entertainment’s biggest night is Sunday, and soon there will be only one question on everyone’s lips: “What is she wearing?” A diverse group of nominees made up of newcomers and fashion veterans alike will be bringing their A-game on Sunday with style surprises and timeless favorites.

Zoe Saldana (Creative Commons)

This season, the stars have been taking big risks with color. The pale pinks, nudes and golds of the last Oscars red carpet may have made some appearancesthis year on stars like Natalie Portman in a feminine Viktor and Rolf gown, and Scarlett Johansson in champagne colored Elie Saab at the Golden Globes, but the sartorial standouts of the season are pulling out major pops of color.

Who can forget Mila Kunis’ showstopping forest green Vera Wang at the Golden Globes or the deep red hue of the Alexander McQueen she donned for the SAG Awards? The vibrant colors of Catherine Zeta-Jones’ forest green Monique L’Hullier gown and Sofia Vergara’s electric blue Robert Cavalli also completed some of the season’s most dramatic looks.

Best actress nominee Jennifer Lawrence took a risk at the SAG Awards in a hot pink Oscar de la Renta, while “The Kids Are Alright” star Julianne Moore donned an equally polarizing one shoulder Lanvin gown at the Golden Globes in a similar shade. While there have certainly been a fair share of brightly hued misses, these ladies should be credited for taking an innovative approach to their red carpet fashion.

But these starlets might not make comparably daring color choices at the Oscars, which are known more for classic couture than playful hues. They may instead choose the classic springtime romanticism of designers such as Elie Saab, an Oscar favorite.

One of the most pervasive trends of the year is sure to be seen on Sunday’s red carpet. It’s undeniable: the ladies of Hollywood love to sparkle, and glam embellishments will be everywhere on Oscar night. Swarovski-encrusted and sequined gowns in shades of metallics and nudes have been a favorite this year on stars such as Johansson, Carrie Underwood, and Olivia Wilde.

The lace inserts of Nicole Kidman’s navy blue Nina Ricci gown and the lace overlay on Tina Fey’s red Oscar de la Renta hint at another feminine detail that could be all over the Oscar’s carpet.

Last year’s ubiquitous one shoulder silhouette has taken a back seat to two opposing looks: the naughty, plunging neckline and the more demure long- and short-sleeved styles. January Jones, one of the year’s most talked about fashion A-listers, has worn both trends to mixed reviews. Her bright red bandage Versace at the Golden Globes featured the barely-there sex appeal of the plummeting neckline, while the short-sleeved black and gold Carolina Herrera she wore for the SAGs was a distinct departure.

Oscar de la Renta’s Fall 2011 collection features an update to the sleeved gown look, with sheer netting covering strapless dresses in metallic shades and strong-hued purples, both of which could be favorites on Sunday night.

At the Oscars, the long-sleeved, low-backed trend is sure to be a favorite. While more modest than some silhouettes, it adds the drama that is expected on such a star-studded occasion. Angelina Jolie’s royal green Atelier Versace at the Golden Globes was the epitome of this style, which Oscars host Anne Hathaway also favored in an Armani Privé bronze backless gown at the same event.

Whether these fashion favorites choose bright hues or pastels, excessive embellishments or understated minimalism, the Oscars red carpet promises to deliver one thing: glamour.

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