The 87th Academy Awards just aired a few days ago. You’d think this day, of all days, would be akin to Miss Universe, with fans squealing over gowns and suits rather than pageant contestants, watching TV while munching on chips and popcorn.

But based on the red-carpet fashion I’ve seen, if we were to derive any trends from the last Academy Awards, trends would be dead.

Could a fear of being on the worst-dressed list be the reason this year’s awards-season style seemed more safe and predictable than usual?

I’m not even talking about Cher’s barely-there gown or Bjork’s swan dress from years ago. We are a long, long way from the days when Audrey Hepburn had to make a quick change after coming from an “Ondine” performance the night she won her Oscar.

We’re even pretty far gone from Sharon Stone going the hi-lo route with a shirt from Gap. What about the vintage-gown trend? Long forgotten. You’d think some would choose to become a little serious with their choices, given the political atmosphere of late at the Academy Awards.

VPL

A few years ago, celebs were already starting to play it safe, but back then, we didn’t have the sudden wrath of Twitter and social media, all set to rain on anyone’s parade, with vicious comments like too much Botox here or cellulite there or an unfortunate VPL (visible panty line).

The awards season—and the Oscars in particular—have become big endorsement moments for the stars, and it’s an opportunity for them to turn themselves into walking billboards for the companies they endorse.

Back then, the inner circle of the fashion industry consisted of designers, models and editors. Today, this also includes celebrities and their stylists, but it seems that when they are working with their stylists, they have the late Joan Rivers’ “Fashion Police” at the backs of their minds.

With the exception of a few—Cate Blanchett’s black gown with unfinished edges by John Galliano for Martin Margiela, Dakota Johnson’s slinky red column by Saint Laurent, Lupita Nyong’o’s white pearl-encrusted Calvin Klein gown, Marion Cotillard’s white Dior (the one that looked like someone had overdone it with a puncher)—that was as exciting as things got on the fashion front.

Compared to the predictability of everyone else in 50 shades of gray, blush and nude, and Jennifer Lopez’s perennial plunging necklines, those gowns can be considered eccentric in comparison. At least Lady Gaga returned to form in a shimmering Alaïa ensemble paired with oversized red rubber dishwashing-inspired gloves.

Or we can always wait until Tilda Swinton makes her next appearance at the Oscars.