Subtle but sexy, and it even matched the carpet… Why chic champagne was the toast of the Oscars?

Jamie Lee Curtis may have worked in Hollywood for over 45 years, but last night’s Oscar night was hands down the biggest night of her life.

It was the first time the 64-year-old actress had been nominated for an Academy Award for her supporting role in Everything Everywhere All At Once. Knowing that the spotlight would be firmly on her, did the star opt for a dress that screamed, “Look at me, I’m amazing”?

Not quite. She was happy to blend in. Her crystal-embellished Dolce & Gabbana dress came in a calming shade of champagne, and was a perfect match for. . . the carpet! It is the first time that the Oscars have opted for a “soft” champagne shade instead of the usual red.

Jamie Lee Curtis at Dolce & Gabbana and Florence Pugh at Valentino Haute Couture

Naomi Campbell in Schiaparelli and Cara Delevingne in Del Core at the Vanity Fair after party

The temptation for the stars to stand out against such a muted background with bright, flashy colors must have been enormous. Fortunately, the biggest stars of the night did no such thing (at least most of them). Surprisingly, Jamie Lee was far from alone. From Florence Pugh in Valentino to Naomi Watts in Givenchy, the stage was awash in this hue.

While it may look plain, has anyone dressed more simply or elegantly than actress Rooney Mara in a vintage Alexander McQueen? —champagne as a color is high maintenance. Think of it as a humble attire flaunt, since the color champagne literally calls for a champagne lifestyle—one without dirt, little kids, and alcohol stains.

It also draws attention to the figure of the wearer. But when adding texture, embellishments like the Schiaparelli metal sequins worn by Naomi Campbell, or clouds of fabric like those seen on Helena Christensen, there’s always a way around it.

Champagne allows the wearer to be sexy without lurching into the vulgar, providing, as it does, a soft backdrop for body-dressing with Zoe Saldana and Cara Delevingne proving that point beautifully.

Olivia Wilde in Gabriela Hearst and Emily Ratajkowski in Feben

Cara Delevingne arrives for Elie Saab and Lady Gaga ceremony at Versace

Of course, it’s not a color that’s going to dazzle a photographer, so there’s a risk that those who wear this understated shade will go unnoticed, which may explain why it was chosen by the biggest stars at the Oscars. These were women who understand the power of less is more; that you can let your talent shine.

This tone also allows the user to speak. As Best Actress winner Michelle Yeoh said, ‘Ladies, never let anyone tell you you’re past your prime.’

Now there’s something we could all raise our glasses to.