Let’s just put it out there. I’m a huge awards show nerd. Most of the time I could care less who goes home with a statue (although I was happy that my Jon Stewart–yes, my Jon Stewart–went home with a couple). For me, it’s all about the dresses!
And I have to say, last night I was a little underwhelmed. There were some pretties and there were some uglies, but for the most part the gowns were meh. Let’s start with the fab looks…
Hits
Lea Michele in Marchesa (front, back)
OK, how hot is the back of that gown? Love it! I’m also a big fan of the shoulders and the little sweep train going on in the back.
I would be over the moon if the neckline were slightly lower (mostly because it makes me feel a little claustrophobic). But you can’t really argue with the hotness of this dress.
Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang and Kate Winslet in Elie Saab
Sticking with the evening’s red hot trend, how gorgeous do these two curvy ladies look? The dresses work wonders on their bodies. They both look amazing! I especially love the neckline on Kate Winslet’s dress.
Katie Holmes in Calvin Klein and Cobie Smulders in Alberta Ferretti
These two totally wowed me in blue. I love Katie Holmes’ natural, minimal look (she wore no jewels and her hair and makeup were very low key) as well as Cobie Smulders’ vintage glam with a twist (her twist being that stunning, unexpected color).
Kaley Cuoco in Romona Keveza and Anna Paquin in Alexander McQueen
While I was loving the pops of color, I also have to give it up for the girls who wowed in black. I loved Kaley Cuoco’s sheer shoulder and her bright red accessories.
I’m not usually into the harness-like trend but Anna Paquin’s gold strappy detail paired with her drapy neckline totally work for me… Plus, I really wanted to work Soooookie into this post.
Misses
Gwyneth Paltrow in Pucci and Christina Hendricks in Johanna Johnson
I know not everyone will agree with me on this one, but I hated both of these looks–and I usually love their style.
First off, I don’t like Gwyneth’s bare midriff. I’ll be the first to admit she’s got a hot body from all of that pilates. But it’s just not working. The bottom of the dress is gorgeous, but once you hit the waist, it’s a total mullet dress: business down below, party up top–and not in a good way!
As for Christina Hendricks, I love a girl who loves and flaunts her curves. And I love a girl who loves glitter. But it was a huge “her cup runneth over” moment. Way too much heaving bosom for my taste. I have no problem with her showcasing those puppies, but last night was overkill.
Jayma Mays in Zuhair Murad and Julianna Margulies in Armani Prive
I disliked these two looks for two different reasons. For Jayma Mays, it’s not so much that I hate the dress, because there are things that I like about it (the vintage nod, the tiers, some of the lace). I just don’t think the color and her skin tone are a good match. Don’t you think it washes her out?
As for Julianna Margulies, my brother’s girlfriend said it best: she looks like she’s wearing a lampshade. That’s the perfect description for her very rigid bodice. It just looked weird and uncomfortable. I wasn’t a fan.
What do you think? What do you agree with me on and what do you think I got all wrong?
Hi! I'm Jen, a freelance writer and girl mom who loves reading the newest children’s books as much as I love a good psychological thriller. I believe fiercely in the power of kindness, empathy, and really good quality chocolate. When I'm not knee-deep in glittery crafts and girl talk, you can probably find me sprawled out on my couch in the middle of a Netflix marathon with dark chocolate smeared on my face. The struggle is real. 
gotta say, love gwyneth’s look!
Another vote of yay! for Gwenyth–plus glad she took a fashion risk. And I do love all the red–those were great.
I really Like Katie Holmes’ dress and I am not a fan of her personally. The one trend I can’t stand right now is bare midriffs, it was tacking in the 90s and its still tacky now.
-Bianca at http://theinbetweengirls.wordpress.com/
I’m not into cropped tops either, mostly because I don’t see them as realistic. Unless I was at the beach, I can’t imagine a cropped top that I thought worked.
I loved Kate Winslet’s look. It was definitely my favorite! I didn’t care for Gwenyth’s look. I know she has a great body, but it was a miss in my book. As for Christina Hendricks, I love that she shows off her curves, but I always feel she is going to spill out. It makes me nervous! Good picks.
I agree about Christina–she’s always one dropped item away from a wardrobe malfunction! And last night seemed to be even more boobtastic than usual!
I do agree that at least Gwyneth took a risk. I’m always a fan of that. Going risky and missing is way better than being boring and missing. That said, I still hate it. lol.
Great round-up! I pretty much agree with you on everything.
thanks for checking it out, jenny!
Sofia is force to be reckoned with! That gown was smokin’!
Totally agree! And I loved her “everything is bigger in Columbia” line on the red carpet! ha!
I’m pretty much with you but I did like Gwenyth’s look and I did not like that dress on Lea Michelle. She’s too petite and it swallows her (like many of the amazing dresses she chooses). Sofia Vergara looks like a doll. How can that be real? One of my other faves is Rachael Evan Wood.
I totally understand where you’re coming from about Lea Michele. I think that was part of my problem with the neckline. She’d be way better suited to something that was cut a little lower–ESPECIALLY with the big shoulder detail.
But I absolutely loved the back of that dress!
Thanks for the recap on the dresses. I saw most of the Emmy’s but actually missed the preshow/red carpet etc… I like Kate Winslet’s dress. Usually I love Gwen’s pics but this time it was a miss for sure!
I think I like Kate Winslet’s dress so much because I can see real girls wearing a version of it, you know?
I was not digging Juiliana’s dress…I don’t know why it made it to the best dressed list but I didn’t like the perforated detailing. And also Christina’s dress just had too much going on. I like Sophia’s dress as well as Julie Bowen’s!
I liked Julie Bowen’s dress too but I thought it came down too low, making it look a little off–almost like it didn’t quite fit her.
I agree with Sofia’s – she really dresses so well for her body! Something Christina H should do!
Agreed! I usually love the dresses Christina wears, just not how they fit her… it actually looks painful!