ACM Awards: The Fashion Review

Let me preface this entry by saying that I did not actually watch the American Country Music Awards – although I do enjoy country music. And I didn’t intend to post a fashion review of the red carpet. However, having seen a few hits – and misses – all over the internet, my curiosity was piqued and I decided to do a review of as many gowns as I could find, using my usual self-created categories. Congratulations to all (OK, most of) the nominees and winners!

Basic Black

Nicole Kidman, in a knee-length sleeveless sheath with a prim peekaboo panel at the neck and fabulous bright red strappy sandals

Hillary Scott, in a simple but stunning floor-length black wrap dress with a simple clasp at the waist

Katie Armiger, in a fitted, strapless, black lace cocktail dress

WINNER: Hillary Scott

What Were You Thinking

LeAnn Rimes, in a one-shouldered, mid-thigh length oddity of multi-sized red polka dots and a white swirl with a white mesh panel over the ribs on one side

Karen Fairchild, in a drop-waisted white-, black-, and gold-striped dress with a deep V-neck and curved frilly hemline

Beth Behrs, in a champagne-colored gown with a giant, flat bow covering the bust

WINNER (LOSER!): Karen Fairchild

Greek Goddess

Jennifer Nettles in a simple coral pink draped gown with a bright yellow belt

Cherrill Green, in a deep purple, sleeveless, V-necked gown deepening to charcoal at the train

Miranda Lambert, in a metallic gold snakeskin halter dress with a short train

WINNER: Jennifer Nettles

Basically Boring

Kimberly Perry, in a strapless skin-toned mermaid gown with beige bugle beading

Martina McBride, in a white, knee-length, sleeveless, boat-neck sheath with globs of peach pom-poms up and down each side

Sara Evans, in a wrinkled, one-shouldered, rose taffeta gown with a thigh-high slit and rhinestone accents

WINNER (LOSER!): Kimberly Perry

Snow White

Taylor Swift in a draped ivory column with demure cut-outs at each side of the waist and a few narrow metallic gold swaths

Carrie Underwood, in a strapless white, softly gathered column with subtle beading, and a thigh-high slit

Meghan Lindsay, in a strapless white chiffon empire gown with a fluffy feather-covered bodice

WINNER: Carrie Underwood

I think it's a sign of the general level of class of this particular awards ceremony that there weren't any horrifically over-the-top gowns. Although there were quite a few "gentlemen" in T-shirts and jeans more suited to a barbecue than a red carpet event, so I guess they cancelled each other out. But on the whole, I have to say that this particular group of celebrities cleans up purty good.