Basic instinct: Dua Lipa, Jennifer Aniston, and Timothée Chalamet are just a few of the MANY stars to ditch statement colors for all-black looks this award season

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  • Black is a timeless choice for events that require a polished appearance
  • Veteran stylist Phillip Block says the deep shade is ‘safe’ and eliminates dress code confusion 
  • From Dua Lipa to Jeremy Allen White, sleek all-black looks were popular with both men and women this award season

The color black is inherently associated with elegance and sophistication. Its deep and rich tone adds an undeniable touch of refinement to formal wear, making it a timeless and season-less choice for events and special occasions that require a polished and stylish appearance.

But with so many spectacular couture fashions in statement-making colors available, we did not expect to see so many of our favorite celebrities dressed in the basic shade this award season. 

Veteran red carpet stylist, Phillip Bloch, exclusively reveals why black is back and hotter than ever.

'Dua Lipa got a lot of acknowledgment on her black Schiaparelli dress at the Golden Globes,' said veteran red carpet stylist Phillip Bloch

‘Dua Lipa got a lot of acknowledgment on her black Schiaparelli dress at the Golden Globes,’ said veteran red carpet stylist Phillip Bloch

‘A pink feathery ballgown is a lot to handle, but black is something that’s very easy for people to emotionally handle as a fashion choice,’ explains the stylist who is responsible for some of the most iconic red carpet looks of all time.

‘When you put on a black dress you automatically feel like this is safe and comfortable, you feel familiar with it, it’s not strange.’ 

'Jennifer Aniston has made a best-dressed-list career out of wearing black dresses and black outfits to award shows, if its good enough for one of our favorite fashion friends, it's good enough for everyone else,' joked the stylist

‘Jennifer Aniston has made a best-dressed-list career out of wearing black dresses and black outfits to award shows, if its good enough for one of our favorite fashion friends, it’s good enough for everyone else,’ joked the stylist

Black has always been a popular pick for nighttime occasions for its ability to convey a sense of drama and formality, and for its slimming effect.

‘Jennifer Aniston has made a best-dressed-list career out of wearing black dresses and black outfits to award shows, if its good enough for one of our favorite fashion friends, it’s good enough for everyone else,’ joked the stylist.

The ‘Morning Show’ actress maintained her penchant for the dark shade at the Critics Choice Awards in a custom Dolce & Gabbana ensemble that included a feathered corset top and tapered pants featuring a belt that doubled as a train.

She accessorized with black pointed heels. 

Ayo Edebiri, winner of the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for ‘The Bear,’ looked fashion forward in a leather Louis Vuitton sculpted dress.

Ayo Edebiri, winner of the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for ‘The Bear,’ looked fashion forward in a leather Louis Vuitton sculpted dress

‘Getting dressed up has different dress codes – from cocktail to full-on ballgown regalia – I think the girls get confused and exhausted and they don’t know when they should pull off the big stop, the big ta-da number, black is always going to be right and safe,’ said Phillip.

Primary colors like red, yellow, blue and green grab attention, but according to Phillip, the right black dress can turn heads. 

‘It’s chic and elegant. Dua Lipa got a lot of acknowledgment on her black Schiaparelli dress at the Golden Globes.’ 

The custom-made design by Schiaparelli’s creative director Daniel Roseberry was a nod to her ‘Barbie’ character, Mermaid Barbie.

Made of black velvet, it featured the brand’s signature gold and diamond gilded bones in a skeletal layout and a wide hem.

Also in black velvet at the Critics Choice Awards was Carey Mulligan in Armani Privé and Niecy Nash Betts at the Emmys in Greta Constantine.

Carey Mulligan stunned in a black Armani Privé gown at the Critics Choice Awards

Carey Mulligan stunned in a black Armani Privé gown at the Critics Choice Awards

Niecy Nash Betts accepted her Best Supporting Actress Emmy in a velvet Greta Constantine number

Niecy Nash Betts accepted her Best Supporting Actress Emmy in a velvet Greta Constantine number

'American Fiction' star Tracee Ellis Ross showed off her style savvy at the 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards in an off-the-shoulder Fendi gown

‘American Fiction’ star Tracee Ellis Ross showed off her style savvy at the 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards in an off-the-shoulder Fendi gown

‘The easiest entrance to comfort zone dressing is a black outfit,’ explains Phillip.

‘It is safe, it is comfortable, it is slimming.’

It also allows the focus to shift to intricate design details, fabric textures, and tailoring.

‘American Fiction’ star Tracee Ellis Ross showed off her style savvy on the Critics Choice red carpet in an off-the-shoulder Fendi gown boasting high-fashion pleating.

Her look – styled by Karla Welch – included a stack of gold bangles and large statement earrings. 

For the 29th annual ceremony held at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, Emma Stone opted for a one-shoulder Louis Vuitton gown and a choker necklace adorned with diamonds.

Sarah Snook stunned in a tailored black blazer and evening skirt by Vietnamese designer Cong Tri – a look that would definitely be Shiv Roy approved!

Emma Stone opted for a one-shoulder Louis Vuitton gown and a choker necklace adorned with diamonds

Emma Stone opted for a one-shoulder Louis Vuitton gown and a choker necklace adorned with diamonds

Saint Laurent was the right choice for Christina Ricci as she strutted her stuff at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards dripping in emerald Martin Katz jewelry

Saint Laurent was the right choice for Christina Ricci as she strutted her stuff at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards dripping in emerald Martin Katz jewelry

Allison Williams stole the spotlight in a voluminous black gown featuring a long tulle train at the Golden Globes, where she was nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role for her work in 'Fellow Travelers'

Allison Williams stole the spotlight in a voluminous black gown featuring a long tulle train at the Golden Globes, where she was nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role for her work in ‘Fellow Travelers’

Jordana Brewster showcased a sliver of her toned tummy
Abby Elliott teases her cleavage in KYHA Studios

In lieu of a traditional gown Jordana Brewster opted for a two-piece by Alberta Ferretti, while and Abby Elliott teases her cleavage in KYHA Studios and Jennifer Meyer jewelry

Natasha Lyonne donned a black look boasting suspenders
Abigail Spencer's A-line dress was elegant

Natasha Lyonne and Abigail Spencer donned textured black ensembles

Sarah Snook stunned in a tailored black blazer and evening skirt by Vietnamese designer Cong Tri - Shiv Roy approved!

Sarah Snook stunned in a tailored black blazer and evening skirt by Vietnamese designer Cong Tri – Shiv Roy approved!

Juno Temple donned a cutout black dress
Hannah Waddingham shined in a one-shoulder

Juno Temple and  Hannah Waddingham went for basic, but sexy, black

And it wasn’t just the ladies, men also opted for all-black suits this award season.

Ryan Michelle Bathe and Sterling K. Brown hit the red carpet of the Critics Choice in matching dark looks.

Nominated for his performance in ‘Wonka’, Timothee Chalamet brought his signature style to Beverly Hills.

The 28-year-old wore a black suit from Celine Homme by Hedi Slimane, made up of a sparkly jacket and tuxedo pants.

Jeremy Allen White won big for his talents in ‘The Bear,’ wearing a black pinstripe suit at the Critics Choice Awards, accessorized with a red flower lapel pin.

Kieran Culkin looked dapper in a black tuxedo as he was crowed Best Actor In a Drama Series at the Golden Globes, while Emmy Award winner Trevor Noah looked on-point in a sleek suit in the same shade.

Jon Batiste posed in a black suit and matching shirt accessorized by diamond-encrusted jewelry

Jon Batiste posed in a black suit and matching shirt accessorized by diamond-encrusted jewelry

Ryan Michelle Bathe and Sterling K. Brown hit the red carpet of the Critics Choice in matching dark looks

Ryan Michelle Bathe and Sterling K. Brown hit the red carpet of the Critics Choice in matching dark looks

Timothee Chalamet brought his signature style to Beverly Hills
Emmy Award winner Trevor Noah looked sleek in a suit featuring the same shade

And it wasn’t just the ladies, men opted for all-black suits this award season, including Timothee Chalamet and Trevor Noah

Jeremy Allen swept the awards in a black pinstripe suit
Jonathan Bailey gave cool vibes

Jeremy Allen White won big for his talents in ‘The Bear,’ wearing a black pinstripe suit at the Critics Choice Awards, accessorized with a red flower lapel pin

Kieran Culkin looked dapper
Lenny Kravitz gave rockstar vibes

Kieran Culkin looked dapper in a black tuxedo as he was crowed Best Actor In a Drama Series at the Golden Globes, while Lenny Kravitz gave rockstar vibes in Ray-Ban signature Aviator Reverse sunglasses

David Duchovny looked great in a dark suit
Tom Hiddleston was all smiles in black

David Duchovny and Tom Hiddleston sported dark suits

Donald Glover wore a black velvet set with embroidered flowers
Brett Goldstein looked professional in a bow tie

Donald Glover and Brett Goldstein put their own spin on the trending color

Jo Koy acted as Golden Globes host
Mario Lopez took the carpet by storm

Announcers Jo Koy and Mario Lopez have perfected the art of award show dressing

Noah J. Ricketts chose all black
Marlon Wayans accessorized with sunglasses

Noah J. Ricketts and Marlon Wayans brought the swagger to the Golden Globes carpet in head-to-toe black 

Raul Domingo stood tall in black
Nicholas Braun slipped into patent leather shoes

Raul Domingo and Nicholas Braun were fashion forward in all-black looks