Subtle but sexy – and it even matched the carpet… Why champagne chic was the toast of the Oscars

Jamie Lee Curtis has worked in Hollywood for over 45 years, but last night’s Oscars were without a doubt the most important night of her life.

It was the 64-year-old’s first time being nominated for an Academy Award for her supporting role in Everything Everywhere All At Once. Knowing the spotlight would be firmly on her, did the star opt for a dress that screamed, “Look at me, I’m amazing?”

Not quite. She was happy to blend into her crystal-embellished Dolce & Gabbana dress in the soothing champagne hue and was a perfect match with . . . the carpet! It is the first time that the Oscars opt for a ‘soft’ champagne shade instead of the usual red.

Jamie Lee Curtis in Dolce & Gabbana and Florence Pugh in Valentino Haute Couture

Naomi Campbell in Schiaparelli and Cara Delevingne in Del Core at the Vanity Fair after party

The temptation for stars to stand out against such a muted background in bright, gaudy colors must have been immense. Fortunately, the biggest stars of the night didn’t do such a thing (at least most of them). Surprisingly, Jamie Lee was far from alone. From Florence Pugh in Valentino to Naomi Watts in Givenchy, the stage was awash in this hue.

While it may look effortless, was anyone dressed simpler or more stylish than actress Rooney Mara in vintage Alexander McQueen? – champagne as a color is easy to maintain. Think of it as a humble brag, as the champagne color literally demands a champagne lifestyle — a lifestyle free of dirt, toddlers, and alcohol stains.

It also draws attention to the figure of the wearer. But by adding texture, embellishments like Schiaparelli’s metallic sequins worn by Naomi Campbell, or clouds of fabric as seen on Helena Christensen, there’s always a way around that.

Champagne allows the wearer to be sexy without teetering on trashy, and, as it does, provides a soft backdrop for body-con dressing with Zoe Saldana and Cara Delevingne proving all that miraculously.

Olivia Wilde in Gabriela Hearst and Emily Ratajkowski in Feben

Cara Delevingne arrives for the ceremony in Elie Saab and Lady Gaga at Versace

Of course, it’s not a color that will dazzle a watching photographer, so there’s a risk that those wearing this low-key hue will go unnoticed – which could explain why it was the choice for the Oscar’s biggest stars. These were women who understand the power of less-is-more; who can let their talent shine.

This shade also lets the wearer speak. As Best Actress winner Michelle Yeoh said, “Ladies, don’t ever let anyone tell you you’re past your prime.”

Now there is something we can all raise our glasses to.