Even though I have never watched, or in many cases even heard of, at least half of the shows nominated and honored during last night’s Emmy extravaganza, I watched the show off and on for, if nothing else, the fashion; the gowns!
So, without further ado, here my personal “Bests,” “Worsts,” one “The Verdict is Still Out,” and one “Trend Alert” for the ladies of last night’s red carpet. Let me know what you think.
BEST DRESSED
Jaime Alexander in Armani Prive
The minute I saw this gown I died. The color. The fit. The details. The slicked back hair. Perfection. And how gorgeous is she?
Tatiana Maslany in Bouchra Jarra
The early arriver stole my heart from the get go. I loved her pantsuit choice that played peek-a-boo. Sleek. Streamlined. Stunning. I only wish it was tailored better. She’s young. She will learn.
Ariel Winter in Romona Keveza
Showing many of her elder stateswomen how glamour is done, young Ariel brought old-school Hollywood glamour to the red carpet in her strapless sophisticated gown. Soft waves in her hair just added to the feel. You go girl.
Zoe Kazan in Miu Miu
Call me crazy but I’m crazy about this candy-striped confection. Playful yet dramatic and accessorized to perfection, it was one sweet gown!
Christine Baranski in Zac Posen
How uh-mazing does Baranski look? The “Good Wife” star definitely knows what looks good on her and on a red carpet (if you don’t believe me, check out previous year choices) and she does it all so age-appropriately and with glamour and style. Loved the hot pink and how hot (yet classy) she is.
Viola Davis in Carmen Marc Valvo
Hats off to Davis for wining and for the somewhat unknown Valvo for putting her in such a gorgeous gown. Who wasn’t cheering for her and who won’t be Googling Valvo? A win-win.
Maggie Gyllenhaal in Oscar De La Renta
One rarely goes wrong when Oscar is chosen and Gyllenhaal did it right in this purple delight. Dubbed too “promy” by some I say “hey, if I could have worn Oscar to my prom, I’m in!” Loved the full skirt and the tie-back.
WORST DRESSED
Kerry Washington in Marc Jacobs
Much like Jessica Alba, Ms. Washington could wear a Hefty bag and the glamour squads would applaud. Many of them did so for last night’s tea-length razzle-dazzle but I didn’t care for it. At all. And that hair! Mine looks just like that and I’ve had strep for a few days. Ugh.
Heidi Klum in Atelier Versace
Heidi, Heidi, Heidi. What were you thinking? Unflattering color, bad cut, and just wrong on so many levels. And why were her legs so much darker than her chest and arm? Looks like Ms. Project Runway needs a new Project Manager.
Tracee Ellis Ross in Zac Posen
You want a bad prom dress, here it is. The “Black-ish” star should have been very “if-ish” on this choice.
VERDICT STILL OUT
Christina Hendricks in Naeem Khan
Although I loved “Mad Men” and her role in it and I adore how Hendricks adores her own curves, I’m not sold on this dress. The detailing feels like it should work but something just doesn’t.
TREND ALERT
Chain Straps
Both Taraji P. Henson in Alexander Wang and Claire Danes in Prada rocked the chain straps. I loved Henson’s look head-to-toe (The cut-out! The sleek Bob!) and I kinda liked Dane’s purple sparkler, but that hair! It’s like she wore a youthful dress then decided on a 1980’s anchorwoman hairstyle. Not good. On anyone.
And that’s a wrap. Let me know what you think and share your favorites and not so favorites!
Beyond Words 
Good calls, Carla! I did like Tatiana’s pant suit–Mom did say to always go with the classics–but you’re right–a tailor is a gal’s best friend! If I had that figure I’d play it up! But…I’d do less peekaboo. I get the idea, but maybe a translucent shell or something under that would have had a similar effect but not so “here’s my chest” effect.