Oscar fashion: black, red and conformity

Hitchcock once called actors cattle. Herd mentality certainly ruled the Oscar red carpet, with most actresses choosing one-shouldered gowns in black or red. The coif du jour? A rain-resistant ponytail -- spotted on Cameron Diaz, Anne Hathaway, Saoirse Ronan and Miley Cyrus.

Amy Ryan

First look: The nominee for "Gone Baby Gone" made no cannonball splash in a one-shouldered, navy Calvin Klein gown and a bun better suited to a Denny's waitress.

Final verdict: A little red lipstick would have whispered, "pick me."

Tilda Swinton

First look: Tilda Swinton, utterly bare of make up and accessories, still captivated in a simple black sheath and trademark titian coif.

Final verdict: Even pesky Ryan Seacrest didn't have the nerve to ask the amazon tigress "Who are you wearing?" Er, it was Lanvin.

Marion Cotillard

First look: Hmm. Was she wearing Aunt Carol's guest room duvet?

Final verdict: The scalloped white gown by Jean Paul Gaultier had more personalities than Roseanne Barr.

Amy Adams

First look: Glamorous Veronica Lake-inspired locks, gold accessories and a deep emerald satin Proenza Schouler gown nodded to classic Hollywood movie star.

Final verdict: Meet the new Rita Hayworth.

Anne Hathaway

First look: The best representation of red goes to the actress wearing a crimson Marchesa dress with a floral applique neckline.

Final verdict: Note to spray-tan addicts: A ruby dress applauds porcelain skin. The Harry Winston 10-carat earrings didn't hurt either.

Ellen Page

First look: The vintage Jean Louis Scherrer Haute Couture black chiffon gown was designed way before the "Juno" star was born.

Final verdict: Page's penchant for unfitted frocks is frustrating. Duckling? Be a swan, please.

Nicole Kidman

First look: Wearing a necklace of nearly 1,400 carats of rough diamonds designed by L'Wren Scott, the pregnant actress used bling to distract from her bump.

Final verdict: With all those rocks, who could see the Balenciaga dress?

Jessica Alba

First look: An elegant aubergine strapless Marchesa with a feathered neckline well-suited the mom-to-be.

Final verdict: Thank God, here's one pregnant actress who doesn't flaunt her growing bosom.

Daniel Day-Lewis

First look: The actor known for ochre plaid suits and pork pie hats dazzled in a classic shawl collar tux with piped lapels.

Final verdict: Ahoy! He doesn't leave home without his gold hoop earrings.

Keri Russell

First look: Finally, an actress who didn't opt for red or black. Her oyster dress and elegant updo proved stunning.

Final verdict: All it takes to stand out in Hollywood is to go against the grain.

John Travolta

First look: Shorn hair and a traditional tux didn't wow.

Final verdict: Why couldn't he have come in drag?

James McAvoy

First look: Eschewed a formal bow tie for the laid-back knotted version and forgot to shave. Cowlicks were endearing.

Final verdict: Youthful, but more in a prom date sort of way.

monica.corcoran@latimes.com

melissa.magsaysay@latimes.com