Pale, pretty, pastels. Metallic, sequins and charcoal, oh my!

Oscars night 2013 was a tale of two distinctive looks. While many of the pale hues were soft and subtle, some looked washed out against the bold colors of the evening. Amy Adams' fairy tale gray gown didn't stand a chance against Nicole Kidman sparkling in L'Wren Scott. Catherine Zeta-Jones looked like a living breathing Oscar. As did "Zero Dark Thirty's" Jessica Chastain.

Some of the biggest pops of color came from these three women: Jane Fonda in bright yellow, Jennifer Aniston in vibrant red and Jennifer Garner in the perfect shade of eggplant (if that's possible).

For our look at some of the most talked-about dresses of the evening, we picked the brain of Tara Murphy, the managing director of MNfashion and one of the most outspoken fashionistas in town.