Hollywood’s finest hit the red carpet this past Sunday for the 84^th annual Academy Awards. Gorgeous and talented A-list stars donned couture dresses and perfectly tailored suits. While their beautiful ensembles cost more than most people’s cars, JC students can easily find budget-friendly versions of the night’s favorite trends.

This season’s biggest trend has to be confidence and going outside one’s comfort zone.  Young fashionistas such as Emma Stone took a major risk with a gorgeous high neck red Giambattista Valli gown with a statement bow on the shoulder.

When it comes to prom, try something new. Forget usual patterns and go for solid colors.

New to the red carpet, “The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo” star Rooney Mara ditched her usual dark gowns for a slick white Givenchy Couture dress.  Like many stars, Mara didn’t wear a necklace, which should be considered when prom comes around.   It’s trending in Hollywood to leave the necklaces behind and stick with earrings and bracelets.

Girls can learn from these A-List stars when it comes to dressing for dances. Ditch the usual strapless satin gowns and go for chiffon and lace. A major trend on the red carpet was long-sleeved dresses worn by young starlets such as Anna Faris and Shailene Woodley.

Red carpet alum Gwyneth Paltrow took a risk in a fabulous modern Tom Ford white gown with a chic, simple white cape attached. Other starlets who wore white were Jennifer Lopez and Milla Jovovich.  Obviously, a major trend this season seems to be long, simple, white gowns perfect for everything from the Oscars to a school dance.

When it comes to male fashion, actors such as Brad Pitt and George Clooney wore black Armani. This should teach all guys that staying simple will always be better than wearing a tacky blue or white suit.

Take a tip from Oscar fashion and stay simple for prom and ring dance, because nothing is truer than the almighty proverb, ‘less is more.’

Eva Bialobrzeski is an A&E Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com