5 outfits to wear to an Academy Awards viewing party

Drinks with Oscar at the bar

Your Oscar invitation got lost in the mail and you don't fancy watching at home? Head to the nearest bar that’s hosting a viewing party. Fun fact: Sipping on cocktails exponentially increases the snark factor of armchair fashion critics. Keep your duds casual yet polished with elements of sequins, leather and denim, and ground the look with something risky, like these leopard calf–hair kitten heels. Low rise indigo jegging, $29, joefresh.com.   Calvin Klein sleeveless lace sequin blouse, $40, thebay.com. Lisa black biker leather jacket, $690, mackage.com.  Ice crystal 360 double-side stud earring, $50, bananarepublic.com.  Spotted calf hair kitten heels, $150, anntaylor.com.

Movie-themed dinner party

If you’re lucky, you’re celebrating the Oscars at a friend’s house with a nominated movie–themed eight-course menu. Show up in an elegant LBD with subtle yet effective accessories. Side note: If you want to be invited back for 2016, bring bubbly, lots of bubbly. Dress with over skirt, $70, zara.com. Editor’s pouch, $268, elabyela.com. Celestial drops, $34, baublebar.com. Cobalt suede pumps, $100, aldoshoes.com.

Comfy couch viewing pary

If a few bottles of Merlot, a couple good friends and a pimped-out cheese tray sound like your dream Oscars night, host your own viewing party. Fight the urge to wear sweats—instead, opt for an outfit almost as comfortable, but way more stylish. We love this striped sweater and loose trouser combo. Add a wee bit of bling and a ballet slipper and you’ve got yourself a sweet, sophisticated and comfy combo. Half stripe sweater, $30, joefresh.com.  Wilfred ‘Viala’ pant, $110, aritzia.com. Concerto layered necklace, $44, baublebar.com.  Leather ‘Blustery’ ballet flat, $80, ninewest.ca.

Black tie Oscar-themed gala

Take your award-show viewing to the next level by splurging on a ticket to an Oscars’ party hosted by a lavish hotel. The extravagant setting calls for black-tie attire, so go for a long dress. Impress with a floor-grazing chiffon gown in a smoldering crimson and accessorize with gold-toned jewellery, shoes and an embellished clutch. Saloni ‘Irina’ halter neck chiffon gown, $300, matchesfashion.com.  Phoenix wing earring cuff, $28, baublebar.com. Cuff bangle $7, hm.com/ca.  Kotur ‘Margo’ metallic jacquard clutch, $225, theoutnet.com. Badgley Mischka ‘Giovana’ T-strap sandals, $292, shopbop.com.

Red carpet cocktail hour

Skip hours of heartfelt speeches and just watch the good stuff—the red carpet. Judging from this award season’s red carpets so far—Emma Stone in a dazzling Lanvin jumpsuit at the Golden Globes and Gwen Stefani wearing an Atelier Versace jumpsuit at the Grammys—this is the year of the romper. Take in the glitz and glamour with bevies and besties while wearing your very own inspired-by-the-red-carpet sleeveless jumpsuit—best-dressed list–worthy! Hayworth gem drop earrings, $32, baublebar.com.  Sleeveless trench jumpsuit, $168, jcrew.com.  Pin Up Stars shrug, $140, yoox.com. Court shoes, $50, hm.com/ca.   Lulu square stone clutch, $194, bcbg.com.