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Just as its name suggets, the Film Independent Spirit Awards—an annual precursor to the Academy Awards which doles out trophies for artier, smaller-budget films—is also a night when Hollywood’s starlets feel free to do their own thing on the red carpet. In terms of fashion, it’s like the Oscars’ cool younger sister (the Skipper to Oscar's Barbie, if you will). Set in a tent on Santa Monica beach, the chill atmosphere usually makes for more interesting semi-casual attire, a departure from the Oscars’ ball gown parade. From rompers to cocktail dresses, here are our favorite looks.

SHAILENE WOODLEY IN LYN DEVON

Shailene Woodley is case and point of the stark contrast between the Oscars and Indie Spirit Awards, where stars wear real clothes—or, at least, clothes most people have a better chance of wearing IRL. The Spectacular Now nominee serves as a tutorial on how to wear a crop top on the red carpet, keeping the trend strong. Her Lyn Devon outfit perfectly balanced out her bare midriff with a tasteful maxi skirt, weighty rich-looking fabric and majorly complemented her new pixie cut. Best of all: Shailene didn’t look too precious or fussed over.

LUPITA NYONG'O IN STELLA MCCARTNEY

Lupita Nyong'o can do no wrong. Seriously, the budding actress has worn every color under the sun and come out every time looking flawless. Even when she’s in a neutral, she slays. Just look at her expertly fitted silk crocodile-printed Stella McCartney romper which she paired with grey suede Casadei heels, a Devi Kroell clutch, and Neil Lane jewels. The champagne tone was a fitting choice seeing as she took home the Best Supporting Female award for her role in 12 Years a Slave. Cheers to that.

ZOE KRAVITZ IN BALENCIAGA

This sleeveless skort romper should come with a warning sticker: Do not try unless you areZoe Kravitz. Let’s be real, this is a lot of look. We loved seeing it walk down the runway at Alexander Wang’s second show for Balenciaga but whether or not anyone other than a model could pull it off was questionable at best. Zoe, however—not a model but still a great beauty with rock star genes and a budding career of her own in music—worked it.

KRISTEN BELL IN REEM ACRA

Kristen Bell was one of the few stars that slipped into a more traditional version of formal wear in a sapphire blue Reem Acra cocktail dress. Judging by the impeccable fit, the lace and sequined-trimmed could have been custom molded to her body. Bell was wise not to over accessorize—she kept things simple and played down the dressiness of her outfit with beach waves and open toe Louboutins.

REESE WITHERSPOON IN GIAMBATTISTA VALLI

Reese Witherspoon has been killing the red carpet throughout much of her career, but she dialed up the volume for Indie Spirit with a loud awe-inspiring Giambattista Valli top and skirt. Most stars don’t touch prints, but Reese championed the tricky choice with not one but three separate patterns and floral embellishments. The look worked because the Mud co-star—whose film won the Robert Altman Award—kept her accessories subtle and monotone with a black Christian Dior clutch and matching Christian Louboutin peeptoe heels.

News Source: style.mtv.com

The Kenyan actress turned 31 a day before the Oscars where she is a front runner for best supporting actress.

12 Years a Slave dominated the Independent Spirit Awards, where it took five prizes.

They included best feature and best director for Britain's Steve McQueen.

Other acting trophies went to Cate Blanchett, for her role in Blue Jasmine, and to Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto, for their roles as Aids patients in Dallas Buyers Club.

All three are favourites to win at the Oscars on Sunday night.

The annual Independent Spirit Awards, which honour low budget film-making, take place in a giant tent on Santa Monica beach.

This year the ceremony was accompanied by strong winds and bursts of heavy rain beating down on the tent.

12 Years a Slave also won awards for screenplay and cinematography.

Screenwriter John Ridley told the BBC after his win he didn't realise how affecting the story was until he experienced it on the big screen with an audience.

"I had no idea until I saw it in a room with 250 people and felt what they felt at that moment," he said.

Picking up the best director award, McQueen dedicated it to the film's subject Solomon Northup who "inspired me to look and find the truth".

Brad Pitt, who co-produced and starred in the film, said backstage: "I thank Mr McQueen for bringing us all together to tell Solomon's story."

He added: "It's interesting that it took a Brit to ask the questions why more films hadn't been made in America on our history."

Fruitvale Station was named best first feature while Nebraska won a best first screenplay award.

Its writer Bob Nelson, 57, joked that it was the "fulfilment of boyhood dream to be oldest recipient of a first time screenplay award".

He said Nebraska's veteran lead actor Bruce Dern "took a role based on my old dad and made him live again".

The documentary prize went to 20 Feet From Stardom, which shines a spotlight on the world of the backing singers.

Best Feature: 12 Years a Slave

Best Director: Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave

Best Screenplay: John Ridley, 12 Years a Slave

Best First Feature: Fruitvale Station

Best First Screenplay: Bob Nelson, Nebraska

John Cassavetes Award (For best feature made under $500,000): This is Martin Bonner

Best Supporting Female: Lupita Nyong'o, 12 Years a Slave

Best Supporting Male: Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club

Best Female Lead: Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine

Best Male Lead: Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club

Robert Altman Award: Mud

Best Cinematography: Sean Bobbitt, 12 Years a Slave

Best Editing: Nat Sanders, Short Term 1

Best International Film: Blue is the Warmest Colour

Best Documentary: 20 Feet From Stardom