Oscars 2017: What to expect from the red carpet fashion

Will stars tone things down this year? One expert says yes.

But given that so many stars have been outspoken about the current political climate, will they dial back the glam in protest, or see the event as an opportunity to give people an escape from reality?

"Of course we're still gonna see glitz and we're gonna see glamour, but I feel like things are going to be toned down," style expert, author and reality star Carson Kressley told ABC News. "Smaller jewelry, smaller hair, not so extravagant looking, because there's kind of a mood of sobriety."

"We saw a lot of black and solid white, but we also saw a lot of stripes...stripes and florals. So I kind of think anything goes," he explained.

But no matter what, Zee said every nominee needs to make sure her gown will look good in photographs.

"That picture will recycle forever and ever," he said with a laugh. "You do not want to be on the 10 Worst Oscar Dresses of All Time, every single year!"