Our Days of Missing Kerry (And Her Style) Are Over

After the hustle, bustle, and insanity that is awards show season winds down in March and April, it’s not uncommon for the year’s biggest stars (think Lupita Nyong’o, Jennifer Lawrence, and Sandra Bullock, this year) to take a few weeks or even months to escape from the red-carpet limelight. Especially if they’re pregnant, as many stars — such as Olivia Wilde, Drew Barrymore, and, yes, Kerry Washington — were this season.

But that doesn’t mean we can’t miss seeing these gorgeous stars’ faces on the red carpet and practically shed tears of joy when they make a reappearance at their first post–awards season event, right? Which is exactly what I did on Wednesday night when I saw the always-glamorous and impeccably dressed Washington pop up not only for the first time since wearing that unbelievably gorgeous Jason Wu gown to the 2014 Oscars, but also for the first time since she (secretly) gave birth to a sure-to-be-beautiful baby girl named Isabelle.

And let me tell you: She looked nothing less than flawless (and really, when does she not?). Going casual-chic at the Women In Film 2014 Crystal + Lucy Awards in a wide-V, plain black blouse and paint splatter–print, sheer-hem skirt from Sportmax, the actress and Scandal star absolutely nailed her red carpet return.

Sure, this skirt has already been worn on the red carpet — by Orange Is The New Black’s Taylor Schilling at the 2014 Webby Awards, where she paired it with a sleeveless and plunging white blouse — but that doesn’t take away from the fact that Washington looks downright sleek and undeniably hot in this cleavage-bearing ensemble. I mean, the flowing, voluminous waves; luscious orange pout; and statement heels alone make this ensemble simply smoldering.

And speaking of heels, can we get a closeup of those shoes, please?

Just what I thought: Those studded-cap, hot orange Louboutin heels are just plain ah-mazing.

Though she certainly made a splash with her red carpet return, Washington wasn’t the only major star to hit the 2014 Crystal + Lucy Awards. None other than red carpet queen Cate Blanchett also made an appearance, looking positively dreamy in a tiered ruffle, softly draped Chloé ensemble, which she complemented with a truly gorgeous pair of turquoise Lorraine Schwartz earrings.

Neighbors star Rose Byrne — who was honored with the Max Mara Face of the Future Award at the awards show — repped the womenswear brand well, pairing her sleek hair and dazzling jewels with a stunning silver lamé, strapless jumpsuit.

Maggie Gyllenhaal also walked the evening’s red carpet, going for a dramatic, moody vibe in her mixed-print, blurred floral ensemble from Peter Som. But for all the star power that turned out for the Women In Film event, we all know Washington was the real style star of the night (and that’s saying something when the great Blanchett is in attendance, right?).