We've gotten so used to seeing shades of neon and metallics on the red carpet, we almost forgot how breathtaking a solid black gown can be. But for the 2022 Oscars, plenty of actresses set out to remind us, arriving at both the awards show and the after-parties in their own elegant versions, each one different and special in its own right.

While a little black dress feels like a basic when you're getting ready for a cocktail party, at a fashion bonanza kind of event — where electric, vibrant, over-the-top designs have become the norm — suddenly this muted neutral becomes a bolder choice. We also can't help but think that these stars and their stylists were looking toward the future — black dresses were all over the fall 2022 runways, which is all the more reason to fish one out from the back of your own closet, ASAP.

Laverne Cox

Velvet and voluminous, the actress' dress was custom-made by August Getty Atelier.

Vanessa Hudgens

Hudgens' sequined Michael Kors design also featured sexy side cutouts.

Sofia Carson

Carson looked like a princess arriving for the ball in a tulle Giambattista Valli gown.

Maddie Ziegler

While attending her first-ever Oscars, Ziegler kept it classic with a strapless, black Giambattista Valli gown accented with glittering Swarovski jewelry.

Rachel Zegler

Although her invite to the Oscars was last-minute, the West Side Story actress showed up dressed to impress in a sheer Dior Haute Couture look.

Cybill Shepherd

Shepherd skipped the heels and wore comfy sneakers with her black dress.

Kourtney Kardashian

It was a coordinating couple moment for this duo. Kardashian matched her man in a sleek Mugler dress.

Maggie Gyllenhaal

Gyllenhaal had a magical red carpet moment in this embellished Schiaparelli design.

Billie Eilish

This voluminous, ruffled Gucci gown proved to be good luck for Eilish, who took home the Oscar for Best Original Song for "No Time to Die."

Rita Moreno

The 90-year-old West Side Story actress showed off a single shoulder in her Carolina Herrera gown.

Anya Taylor-Joy

The actress arrived at Vanity Fair's Oscars after-party in a sheer tulle gown from Dior's Fall 2022 collection and a coordinating headpiece to complete her look.

Lily James

While she went with a light pink gown for the awards show itself, James took things to a new sexy level later on in the night, changing into a layered black mini dress from Fendi Couture.

Kate Hudson

Don't let that top layer fool you — Hudson's Carolina Herrera corset dress also included a pair of pants!

Kate Beckinsale

Beckinsale nailed the fashion mummy trend in this sheer, sequined, black design.

Kristen Stewart

While nothing tops wearing hot pants on the Oscars red carpet, Stewart's after-party dress — which was sheer and featured a plunging neckline and tiny bow — was just as stunning.

Tinashe

The singer-songwriter's after-party outfit gave the night's top trend a unique spin: a matching feathery black set that included a hint of blue.

Alexandra Daddario

It's possible that while attending Carolina Herrera's Fall 2022 show, inspiration struck for The White Lotus actress. She snagged this black, beaded gown right off the runway and wore it to Vanity Fair's Oscars after-party.