2017 Screen Actors' Guild Awards: The Red Carpet Review

I missed the SAG awards last night, but I hate to miss seeing all the red carpet fashions! Fortunately, an internet full of photos is right at my fingertips. As I was looking over the various fashions, I found myself saying, "Hmm, I've seen her wear better," or sometimes even, "Well, that's definitely an improvement over her last red carpet gown!" So I decided I'd compare each celebrity's look to one of her past looks and rate either better or worse. Here goes!

 

Amy Adams: This year and at the 2014 SAG Awards

Adams often chooses classic glamour, with works well with her svelte figure and beautiful coloring. Her SAG gown this year was a softly draped black column with a plunging neckline, accessorized with a heavy low choker and matching bracelet, low chignon, and heavy eye makeup. Not a bad look, but a little on the bland side. I preferred her gown at the 2014 SAG awards: a one-shouldered cobalt blue column with asymmetrical details on the bodice, a long slit, a small train, and a narrow metallic belt and matching metallic shoes, with her hair in a 1920s-inspired marcelled bob and bright coral lips. The second makes a statement; the first, just a yawn. 

 

Brie Larson: This year and at the 2016 Golden Globe Awards

Larson is not afraid to go cutting edge, but she went fairly conservative last night. Her fitted white gown had a halter top with thin asymmetrically placed v-straps and a mid-thigh slit. The lines were simple but pretty and flattering, but the bodice was not terribly well-fitting (you can see that it gaps away from her body under her arms, especially on her right side) and the fabric fell a little too stiffly to the hem. Much like Adams' gown, above, it was a fine look, but not memorable. But at last year's Golden Globe Awards, she shone in a clingy metallic gold halter with side cutouts and a narrow keyhole slit in the bodice. Note how this bodice neatly skims her sides, staying firmly in place, and how the fabric puddles gracefully into a soft train. Similar styles, yet a few small details make the difference between and okay look and a terrific one. 

 

Bryce Dallas Howard: This year and at the 2016 Golden Globe Awards

Howard's red carpet looks tend to be hit or miss; I feel like she hasn't quite found her style yet. She's worn some crazy, low-cut, avant garde looks and some conservative, almost matronly outfits. Her gown last night was a beautiful cranberry red v-neck that was fitted to the knee then flared. It skimmed her curves and teetered on the edge of being too clingy, but didn't quite get there. I loved her double-strand beaded necklace and simple low updo with sideswept bangs. I hope she opts to continue with this style, because it works much better for her than either of the extremes she's tried. Case in point: Her drab gown for last year's Golden Globes. Although it was a beautiful color and fabric, the style was boring and too old for her, and did nothing for her lovely figure. 

 

Ellie Kemper: This year and at the 2016 SAG Awards

Kemper's gown last night was a gorgeous one-shouldered midnight blue column, accessorized with drop earrings, a loose updo, and a silver clutch. Simple, flattering, and elegant. Compare to her gown at last year's SAGs, which had an oversized print, gathered in at the waist to overemphasize her hips, and had a slightly overlong hem and slightly too-low bodice that made it seem poorly fitted. She looks much more elegant - and confident! - this year. 

 

Emma Stone: Last night and at the 2015 Oscars

Stone is not afraid to take a risk on the red carpet, and it usually pays off. In fact, even when it doesn't, she's still pretty fabulous. Her gown last night was a gorgeous soft black chiffon with a few long-stemmed white flowers printed on it. The spaghetti strap bodice had a soft ruffle running from the right strap down to her left hip, with the exposed bodice made of semi-see-through black lace. It was a bit of an "exposed undergarment" look for me, but she was covered, and the lines were just gorgeous, plus redheads always look stunning in black. At the 2015 Oscars, she wore a 20s-inspired long metallic gold column with a high slit, a small train, and long fitted sleeves. The color didn't quite work with her coloring, but otherwise the dress was perfect. These looks are pretty close in terms of almost being perfect, but if I had to choose between the two, I think I'd go with the 2015 gown, just because of the stunning and dramatic lines it created. 

 

Janelle Monae: Last night and at this year's Golden Globe Awards

Monae tends to favor pantsuits on the red carpet (and nearly always black and/or white), but she's been branching out into short gowns of late (but still black and white). Last night she wore a cocktail length black, white, and gray dress with poufy flowers on the bodice and around the neck, with matching wristlets, and a tulle underskirt. The yoke of the bodice and the skirt had geometric black patterns on them. It was a bit outrageous, but kind of cute in a retro 1950s kind of way. I liked the playfulness of her "teddy bear ears" hairstyle and youthful makeup. She wore a very different look to the Golden Globes earlier this month, although also a retro (1960s that time) look, with a black sequined bodice and poufy bi-level white skirt with polka dots. It was a great concept, but the skirt was disproportionate and looked heavy instead of "floaty", and the severe pale lips and stiff updo didn't feel right for her. Last night wasn't ideal, but she's moving in the right direction. 

 

Julia Louis Dreyfus: This year and at last year's SAG Awards.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus rarely makes a fashion misstep, and last night was no exception. Her black column emblazoned with leaves from the top to the knee was simple and gorgeous. The large print added enough visual interest that she eschewed elaborate jewelry, hairstyles, or makeup, carrying a simple black clutch and leaving her hair loose and tucked behind her shoulders. Classic and perfect. Last year, her dress was not quite as flattering: another strapless, straight across black and white dress, but this one with a flared skirt ending just above the ankle. It needed a belt of waist detail to avoid over-lengthening her torso, although I adored her diamond bow choker. Not a bad look, but last night outshone it by far. 

 

Kerry Washington: Last night and at the 2014 SAG Awards

Washington often just misses the mark on the red carpet, so I was pleased to see her in this off-the-shoulder, clinging white lace gown with bell sleeves and a small train. The see-through lace covered a mid-thigh length white sheath (rather than the ugly granny panty often worn under this dress style), and Washington's long sleek hair and heavy eye makeup effectively drew the viewer's eye to her face. A lovely, flattering look. Compare to her two-piece outfit from 2014, with a pretty but voluminous black satin skirt and fuzzy pink belly-baring sweater, which...just...no. 

 

Laura Carmichael: This year and at the 2014 Golden Globes

Carmichael is another actress who vacillates between drab and fab on a regular basis. Her gown last night was a perfectly serviceable black column with spaghetti straps and a few pastel flowers scattered across it. Pretty, but it looks like something you could get off the rack at Macys (not that there's anything wrong with that *glances in my closet at my favorite off the rack Macys gown*). But check out a different column that she wore to the Golden Globe Awards in 2014: a sleek, fitted, white sheath with a low sweetheart neckline and dramatic narrow black panels along the right side. Just a few details and she looks striking instead of ordinary. 

 

Meryl Streep: Last night and at the 2014 Oscars

Oh, Meryl. It's like you just don't care any more. Well, maybe you never really cared that much, but you seem to be hiding it less and less lately. Her gown last night looked...comfortable. White with silver patterning, Streep's gown was basically a fancy granny nightgown: voluminous with no defined waist, high round neck, long sleeves. Her hair and makeup were neat and unobtrusive, but by no means dressy or elaborate. But her Oscar look in 2014 was equally comfortable and non-fussy, but so much more polished. Her loose-fitted blousy top was off one shoulder and flowed into loose, 3/4 length sleeve and had a flowing black skirt topped with a sparkly belt. Her hair was in a simple low chignon and she wore a pair of bracelets that echoed the belt. Simple, and comfortable, but polished. Don't become a frump just because you're so ridiculously successful, Meryl. Please. 

 

Natalie Portman: The SAGs last night and at the Golden Globes a few weeks ago.

Yes, I know it's hard to find a couture maternity gown. But even if you can't, there are better options than wearing a white tent. And that is seriously what Portman was wearing: a tent. The last thing you need when you're pregnant is volume, and that dress had waaaay too much volume. The huge bubble sleeves, the vast train that fell from the nape of her neck, the wide A-line flare...it was just too much. I didn't love her Golden Globes gown, but by comparison, it was wonderful. Actually, the only things I didn't like about her GG gown were the color and the Christmas garland trim. 

 

Nicole Kidman: This year and at the 2016 SAG Awards

I often say that you have to give Nicole Kidman credit for taking risks. Sometimes they pay off (often when very few others could make them pay off), but sometimes they really don't. I feel like Kidman's gowns from this year's and last year's SAG awards are a perfect example of those two extremes. Kidman's bright green sequined gown with long side ruffles, a plunging-to-the-waist neckline, and giant parrot heads as short sleeves is not something that most people could pull off. Yet this look actually works for me on her. The color is stunning with her pale hair and skin, and the fringy feathers of the parrot heads actually add some visual interest and draw the eye up to her face, and the softness of the dark-lined ruffles prevents the shininess of the sequins from taking over. The drape is lovely, and despite the oversized, square shoulders, she looks slender and well proportioned. Contrast this to last year's ruffly pink and purple striped concoction, which made her look short-waisted and droopy, and you'll see why this year is the clear winner. 

 

Octavia Spencer: Last night and at the 2013 Oscars

Like many other plus-size actresses (Melissa McCarthy and Gabourey Sidibe come to mind), Spencer has struggled to find styles that flatter her, showing up in some really terrible and some really wonderful looks along the way. Spencer's gown last night featured a column skirt and a textured black top with 3/4 sleeves, an opaque yoke, and a flared peplum. It was a pretty look, but kind of boring. The same gown in a cobalt blue or an emerald green would have been striking, or perhaps the black version accessorized with softer hair or a pop of color in a cuff bracelet or handbag, or even adding a long slit and fabulous metallic shoes. But it needed something to bring it to the next level. She hit it exactly right at the 2013 Oscars with this soft pink, fitted to the hip, off the shoulder ballgown with full tulle skirt and short train, accessorized with a matching bag, high chignon with long bangs, and long drop earrings. The difference between good and great. 

 

Rashida Jones: This year and at the 2014 Golden Globes

Jones is not often on my "poorly-dressed" list and is even more rare on my "well-dressed" list. She tends to stick to the middle zone of "fine, but nothing special," occasionally drifting closer to one of the two extremes. Her look last night was still middle ground, but definitely drifting solidly toward the positive end of the spectrum. The soft pink chiffonlike fabric had a beautiful soft, feminine flow that was emphasized by the delicate darker pink floral print, the ribbon bow belt, and the fullness of the skirt, which flowed into a soft train. I liked the halter-style top with its exposed shoulders but high broad collar, especially against her loose dark hair. She looked like she was ready to add a picture hat and attend a tea party at a Southern plantation - and I honestly mean that in a good way. She looked elegant, feminine, and relaxed. Her look at the 2014 Golden Globes, in contrast, was also middle ground, but drifting slightly toward the "poor" end of the spectrum. The concept is good, but the cut of the neckline and armholes are boring, the belt is just a hair too high and too dark for the gown (it should have been metallic to match the embroidered palm trees on the skirt), and the slit is too far to the side so instead of showing leg it shows the lining of the skirt. Not bad, just meh. Keep drifting the way you're drifting, Rashida. I like it. 

 

Salma Hayek: Last night and at the 2013 Oscars

I can't decide whether Hayek has never found her own style or whether she just likes (and wears) everything. Unlike many actresses who find a certain silhouette or style that works for them and stick to variations on that (Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Reese Witherspoon are good examples), Hayek floats around from classic elegance to sexy and revealing to risk-taking couture. Last night was a bit of a retro/ethnic look, with her soft yellow single-shoulder gown with a deep ruffle along the neckline, edged with pink and a coordinating pink ribbon belt and large pink flower on the shoulder. It was a bit youthful and 1970s-looking. The fabric and style felt too casual to me. Contrast this with her stunning midnight blue velvet halter column with heavy gold detailing on the collar paired with a dramatic updo, very evocative of Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady - it was classic Hollywood glamour at its best. And while Hayek looks good in pretty much everything, I have to admit that I much prefer her in glamour mode. 

 

Sofia Vergara: This year and at the 2014 SAG Awards

Although Vergara tends more strongly towards high glamour, similar to Hayek, she varies her style regularly. Last night she opted for a knee-length full cocktail dress, with strapless silver spangled bodice and flared black skirt with tulle underlay and beaded overlay. paired with long sleek hair, sparkly drop diamond earrings and cuff bracelet, and bright red lips. It was undeniably a pretty look, but more casual than I would expect on the red carpet. As with Hayek, I love Vergara's glamorous look, as in the gorgeous art deco-inspired silver strapless gown paired with a stunning heavy emerald necklace and long, wavy locks. Va va voom!

 

Sofia Bush: This year and at the 2016 Golden Globes

I'm not that familiar with Sofia Bush, and if you showed me these two photos, I would have no idea they were of the same person. Which shows just how much differentce a dress and some styling can make. Bush's dress last night was a vivid bright pink strapless column with a large ruffled detail at the waist (yes, it reminded me vaguely of a Georgia O'Keeffe painting but let's all get our minds out of that place and move on), and an ankle-length hem showing off lovely silver strappy sandals, paired with half-up, half-down hair, subtle makeup, and a silver clutch. Her look at last year's Golden Globes was actually quite similar to what Amy Adams wore last night, and it has the same effect: very pretty, but kind of boring and predictable. I prefer a little risk-taking. 

 

Sophie Turner: Last night and at the 2016 Oscars

Turner's long, slender figure is definitely flattered by the silhouette of a fitted column with a long slit, but these two gowns show how a few details can make a difference. Turner's 2017 SAG gown fit her beautifully, but the fabric looked a bit stiff as it reached the floor, and the asymmetry of the bodice made her breasts look uneven. I liked the wavy blond hair and the scarlet lips perfectly matching the color of the gown were great, but the overall look fell a little short for me. On the other hand, the ice blue clingy satin she wore at the 2016 Oscar Awards had the details of a soft train, a higher slit, and a more structured bodice with an interesting shape, all of which were more interesting and more flattering. Again, the details make the difference between good and great. 

 

Taraji P. Henson: Last night and at the 2015 Emmy Awards

In my opinion, Henson often goes just a hair too far in her red carpet fashions. The skirt of her gown was lovely, with its mauve color and black/silver patterning, but the bodice was a bit too bare for my taste. Bare can be done well (see Halle Berry at the 2002 Oscars or Lea Michele at the 2012 Oscars), but Henson looked too bare (and too unsupported), particularly in contrast to such a voluminous skirt. I liked her revealing look much better at the 2015 Emmys, with a black velvet gown with lace panels at the side (sort of) revealing a lot of leg, but tastefully so, and there was also a triangular peekaboo cutout in the bodice, which was sexy but still supportive. Paired with diamond straps and a bracelet and a sleek, angled bob, I found Henson's 2015 look much more striking - and far sexier. 

 

Uzo Aduba: This year and at the 2016 SAG Awards

I found Aduba's look last night to be very striking: a white, off the shoulder bodice paired with a straight black column skirt, but the really great feature was a large white side train which created great contrast and visual interest, and softened the crisp geometric lines of the base gown. The neat updo and warm makeup were just right for the crispness of the gown, and really seemed to suit her beautifully. I actually really liked her emerald green gown at last year's SAGs, but compared to her black and white ensemble, I can see that the structured and tailored silhouette works much better for her. 

 

Viola Davis: Last night and at the 2015 Golden Globes

Davis generally looks good on the red carpet, and often looks great. I would argue that last night was more in the "good" category. This crisp white column looked good against her skin, but the bodice appeared to be too tight, and the hem was just a hair too long, causing the fabric to buckle at her ankles, and the slit was too far to the side, revealing skirt lining instead of leg. The diamond collar necklace was lovely, but the black clutch felt out of place, and her hairstyle didn't add much to the look, nor did her makeup. In contrast, her 2015 Golden Globes gown fit her beautifully, was also a flattering color (an effect emphasized by her perfectly coordinating scarlet lips), and was tied together with the silver detailing on the bodice, the silver clutch, and the diamond cuff and earrings. Also, her fuller, wavier hair and more dramatic makeup added a polish to the overall look that felt like it was missing last night. 

Overall, there were very few looks that I really loved - Kidman, Kemper, and Jones were among my favorites - but there were not a lot of looks that were truly awful, either. I guess a lot more celebrities are playing it a bit safe these days. But at least we have the Oscars to look forward to!

Red Carpet Review: The 2016 Country Music Awards

I was not able to watch the CMAs themselves last night, so this morning I checked out the online red carpet photos, and frankly, I was disappointed. Where were the outrageous, outlandish outfits? Where were the totally inappropriately dressed stars? Where was the insanity?!??

I suppose I should be happy that there were no complete missteps on the red carpet. But fashion disasters are so much fun! Ah well, I guess we'll all just have to content ourselves by analyzing all the looks we did see on the red carpet.

As is often the case at awards ceremonies, there were a number of distinct fashions trends. Who wore each trend to the best advantage? Let's find out, shall we?

Long, striped column

Cam, Meghan Linsey, and Pam Tillis all opted for a figure-hugging sleeveless column with vertical stripes. Cam's black gown was highlighted with brown stripes of gold, orange, red, and cobalt, with a simple high round neckline, and fringe from knee to hem. Linsey's peach and silver gown channeled old Hollywood glamour, with a halter-style neckline and curved stripes separated by jeweled bands emphasizing her curves, dropping straight to the floor from her hips. Tillis' black and pink halter flared slightly from the knee and featured a jeweled neckline and a few narrow jeweled bands between stripes.

The most successful of these looks for me is a close call between Linsey and Tillis. Both gowns are classic, elegant, and flattering; both are well-cut and use the right colors for their wearer. But since I have to pick a winner, I'll go with Linsey, simply because the cut and drape of her gown is so completely picture-perfect.

Winner: Meghan Linsey


See-Through Bodice

It never ceases to amaze me how many different ways designers come up with to reveal yet conceal a woman's breasts. One of this season's trends seems to be to use see-through or nude panels with strategically-placed appliques, lace, or beading. These gowns, worn by Cassadee Pope, Danielle Bradbury, Kaitlyn Bristowe, and RaeLynn, demonstrate four different reveal/conceal techniques. Pope's sheer cap-sleeved, round-necked bodice is edged with black lace, and her bust is covered by a pair of face-to-face rearing horses (an obligatory nod to the "country" part of the Country Music Awards, I guess). The black satin skirt has a peplum at the waist and matching broad wrapped ruffle at the hem, which is knee-length in front and mid-calf in back, creating a vaguely flamenco look echoed by her severe center-parted hairstyle. I actually like that effect, but the rearing horses are just too forced, and the cutout between them is disproportionate and unflattering. Danielle Bradbury's Grecian-inspired cranberry gown has a wide, plunging v-neck, with one side partly of nude-colored fabric with a narrow nude strap and the other ruffled and tying over the shoulder. The effect is, unfortunately, droopy and mismatched, which is a shame because the rest of the gown is stunning. The drape of the fabric, the high slit, the slight cape at the shoulder, the wrapped sash, the long train - they all hit the perfect mark, but it's ruined by the distracting bodice. Kaitlyn Bristowe's two-piece look uses scalloped lace along the edges of the bodice, with lace detailing at the neck and edges of the cap sleeves, and a small lace applique in the center of the chest. I like that the sheer panels are black rather than nude, which balances her exposed abs (nude panels would have looked too exposed, I think), and the full skirt with sheer striped overlay is just voluminous enough to look elegant without seeming bulky. A really nice look for her. RaeLynn's dove-gray gown featured a sheer bodice with a leafy pattern of silver beading all over, which extended down onto the full chiffon skirt. I liked that the area of sheer panels was minimal, but the waistline seemed to sit in an odd place and shortened her torso. I would have preferred either an empire waist or dropped to be closer to the natural waistline. But overall, this was a soft and feminine look that worked well for her.

None of these looks are terrible, but three of the four had a slight misstep: Pope's horse appliques, Bradbury's nude panel and strap, and RaeLynn's waistline placement. But Bristowe's look was just unusual enough to be eye-catching without being too over the top.

Winner: Kaitlyn Bristowe


Ballgowns

Full-skirted ballgowns are not terribly common at the CMAs, but a number of artists wore them this year, including Carrie Underwood, Hayley Orrantia, and Kacey Musgraves. Much like the performers themselves, each of these three gowns had a distinct style different from the others. Underwood's was the most classic look: a halter top with a structured flared skirt, in soft pink encrusted with sparkles, and a short train. The silhouette is simple and graceful, the soft color suits the wearer, and the gown is well-proportioned and moves well. Orrantia's pale green gown is more reminiscent of a dance competition ballgown (a style nicely carried through with her dark makeup and elegant low side chignon), with a hugely full chiffon skirt ending in ruffles, and a black-and-white plunging v-neck bodice. I don't find that type of bodice to be terribly flattering on larger-busted women, and Orrantia's bodice looks to be straining and not well-fitted for that very reason. Musgraves (whose fashion missteps are plentiful) is a bit off-target here, with her pale lavender strapless gown with narrow black belt and three voluminous tulle layers of ruffles ending in a train. The skirt is a bit full to me, but she carries it off reasonably well, and her choice of extremely simple hairstyle and stark makeup is the perfect choice. Considering what we've seen her wearing in the past, this is actually a rather nice look for her.

Much like the category above, two of these three looks have a small misstep, but Underwood is sheer perfection.

Winner: Carrie Underwood

Overly Casual

The CMAs tend to be less formal than many red carpet events, but some stars take the informality a bit too far. Cases in point: Deana Carter, Elle King, Gretchen Wilson, and Olivia Newton-John. Carter is perhaps the least egregious of the bunch in this short, all-black square dance dress, with halter top and layers of ruffles peeping out from the knee-length hem. Points for the pretty pointy-toed coral pumps and softly waved hair, but not enough to make up for the general "blah-ness" of the dress. King sports a gold-fringed black corset under a matching gold-fringed black bolero jacket, paired with horrifying red fringe pants. Not "fringed," as in "trimmed with fringe," but "fringe," as in "made entirely of layers of fringe." Just no. Wilson looks like she completely forgot it was a red carpet event and is wearing a low scoop-necked black tee-shirt with leggings and over-the-knee suede boots, accessorized by a long cross necklace, a cuff bracelet, and a clunky watch. (She also forgot that leggings are not pants.) And Newton-John, although she is rocking a pair of black leather pants and high ruched boots, looks underdressed in a turquoise-trimmed tux jacket with a white tux shirt and black velvet bow tie. Not a horrible look, just more appropriate for a concert performance than a red carpet event.

The winner - or loser, in this case - completely missed the mark for the event by dressing appropriately for poker and beer at a friend's house, not a nationally televised awards ceremony.

Loser: Gretchen Wilson

Metallics

Metallic fabrics, especially golds and silvers, are often popular at red carpet events, and last night was no exception. But in addition, we saw some nice mixed metallic prints and non-traditional colors, sported by Kelsea Ballerini, Tae of Maddie & Tae (on the right in this photo), Maren Morris, Martina McBride, and Reba McIntire. Ballerini's swirling burgundy print dress had beautiful movement to the fabric created by both the metallic print and the texture of the fabric itself. In contrast to Hayley Orrantia's deep bodice discussed above, Ballerini's figure was supported and flattered by the brief halter bodice, with its slightly higher waist. The only detraction was that the front of the hem appeared to have been hastily (and somewhat messily) shortened with a visible and visibly wrinkled seam. Tae's similarly metallic/floral print gown mixed metallic gold and copper with black and gray, which toned down the metallics nicely. The cut of her dress was simple and lovely, with a spaghetti-strap deep v-neck, narrow self-belt, and beautifully draped A-line skirt. Morris' metallic swirly silver-and-black striped gown had beautiful lines, from the plunging neckline filled with sheer black fabric, to the very straight sleeveless bodice, to the gracefully swirling pattern and flare at the hem. I only wish either that the waistline seam had been covered by a narrow black belt or that the metallic stripes continued through the waist without breaking. Regardless, a pretty look that created graceful, feminine curves on a slender but somewhat straight figure. McBride's gown paired matte black fabric with swirls of textured silver that appeared to be painted on. The deep, broad v-neck of the silver bodice featured black lace peeping out, and diagonal lines were echoed in the angles of the wrapped bodice, the flared black satin cuffs, and the angle of the full side train. A beautifully balanced and unusual look. McIntire's metallic gold column is simple and classic, with a wide boat neck, long fitted sleeves, and just a hair of a flare at the knee. Simple and stunning.

There are only a few minor missed details in any of these looks. I love both McBride's and McIntire's looks, and Tae's is simple and pretty, but McBride's break from classic styles in terms of both cut and fabric is a nice nod to the non-traditional style of this particular event.

Winner: Martina McBride


Just Blah

Sometimes a gown isn't bad so much because it's bad as because it's blah. A few stars with a serious case of the blahs last night were Hillary Scott, Karen Fairchild, Nicole Kidman (!!), and Paulette Carlson. Scott's stiff white gown was somewhat overwhelmed by the attached cape, and there just weren't enough interesting details to pull it out of bland territory. Fairchild's green gown was a lovely color, but the long fringe on the arms and at the hem gave it a droopy look, and the simple cut and lack of eye-catching accessories just didn't work. Kidman stepped right out of the 1970s (and not in a good way) with this pleated orchid gown with puffy sleeves and a bright red collar band and center stripe with oversized metal buttons. If anyone could pull it off she could, but she couldn't. And finally, Carlson's black velvet column featured sheer black insets in the sleeves and (possibly; it was hard to see under all that hair) sheer insets at the waist as well. I'm not sure exactly what it needed, but it definitely needed something.

Again, none of these looks were terrible - except that being so unmemorable makes them terrible. I think I have to proclaim the loser just because hers is the closest to being memorable - but not in a good way. And because we know she can do so, so much better.

Loser: Nicole Kidman


Also Worthy of Noting

There were a number of looks that didn't fit into the above categories, but which were still worthy of noting (for good or ill). Faith Hill's black satin mermaid skirt with a long peplum has slightly exaggerated curves, but seemed mismatched with her bland snug metallic black and silver jersey. Jamie Lynn Spears wore a rather pretty silvery-black gown with double front slits, a gracefully curved deep v-neck, and fabulous pointy t-strap shoes with multiple ankle straps, but the squared-off epaulette shoulders looked awkward and uncomfortable. Jennifer Garner hit it out of the park with this black and gold bandeau bodice and perfectly tailored matte black column skirt. Proof that perfect tailoring can make a simple look stunning. Kimberly Williams-Paisley also hit just the right note with one of my favorite looks of the night, this deep emerald wrap gown with a low sweetheart neckline, thigh-high slit, and small train, mixing smooth satin with textured brocade. The silver buckle kitten heels and diamond necklace were just the right finishing touches. It's difficult for me to judge Miranda Lambert's gown from this photo, given her scowl and posture which looks like she's leaning back on her heels and sticking out her hips. But if your shoes make you teeter and stand funny, it's not a good look. The deep scoop/v-neck makes her look droopy, as well. It's not a bad dress, it's just not working for her. I am surprisingly fond of Savvy Shields' white lace mini-sheath dress overlain with a deep white ruffle cascading to a train in back. The undertone of silver makes the white less stark (take note, Hillary Scott), and the perfect, smooth fit of the sheath balances the full stiffness of the ruffle nicely. I also didn't expect to like Tanya Tucker's plain black mermaid gown with long bell sleeves, high and broad decollete, empire waist, and just a hint of a train, but the oversized woven gold statement necklace that covered the entire bodice somehow brought the look together with just the right amount of visual interest. Sometimes it really is all in the accessories. Trisha Yearwood, on the other hand, missed the mark a little with this gold-embellished plum column with white side panels and bat wings. The purple section of the dress wasn't bad, but the contrast with the stark white was too strong, and the bulkiness of the under-arm fabric looked matronly and dull. Wendi McLendon-Covey made this busy floral print work extremely well. The long flounce at the bottom and the border print have a 1970s feel to them, but they come off as vintage rather than dated when combined with the slender silhouette, the sideswept hair, and the metallic gold clutch. (Nicole Kidman, take note: THIS is how to do 70s.)

Winner: Kimberly Williams-Paisley


So, whose look did YOU love or hate last night?