The Primetime Emmy Awards is one of my favorite award shows. Not because the show itself is anything special - it was actually a bit of a snoozefest this year - but because I probably know and, thus, root for the nominees more than I do for, say, the Oscars or Grammys. Plus, I love seeing all my favorite TV stars all glammed up on the red carpet. While I've been pretty underwhelmed with a lot of this year's red carpet fashion, I was happily surprised with the Emmys. The actors really stepped up their game. The color of the night was definitely red, and sparkles (via sequins and beading) were a big trend. On to my favorite looks:
#1 – Nina Dobrev – Donna Karan
Nina Dobrev tops my best dressed list yet again! She looked drop dead gorgeous in a strapless red mermaid gown by Donna Karan. I love that the gown is all at once simple yet complex. I can’t stop looking at the hem – is it ruffles? layers? pleats? - it’s just so unique. Her hair, makeup, and accessories are also flawless, as usual. With such a showstopping gown, she was smart and kept accessories at a mininum with an impressive Neil Lane necklace and a Judith Leiber clutch. Perfect waves and smokey eyes complete this Emmy-worthy look.
#2 – Julia Stiles – Georges Hobeika
Julia Stiles has been making some great fashion choices and the Emmys was no different. I adored her lavender lace George Hobeika gown. The pretty color perfectly complements her fair skin tone. I also love the juxtaposition of the edgy black nails and metallic Kotur clutch with the soft and very feminine gown and loose waves. Her makeup is spot-on with dark smokey eyes and light pink lips.
#3 – Jennifer Carpenter – Tony Ward Couture
Glitzy beading was a big trend at the Emmys and no one did it better than Jennifer Carpenter who stunned in a blush beaded gown by Tony Ward Couture accompanied by Martin Katz jewelry. With a thigh high slit and plunging neckline, it was definitely one of the most provocative gowns on the red carpet, but she manages to pull it off and still look classy. I also love her loose, ombre' waves and makeup.
#4 – Sofia Vergara – Vera Wang
The beautiful Sofia Vergara showed off her curves in a coral one-shouldered gown by Vera Wang. The color is very flattering, and I like the ruching of the chiffon. She said the most exciting part of her outfit were her “Columbia emeralds” and I have to agree – they’re fabulous! Her hair was done is long waves and her makeup consisted of dramatic eyes and bright red lips.
#5 – Cat Deeley – Monique Lhuillier
You can tell Cat loves to have fun with fashion, whether on her show or at a fashion event. At the Emmys, she wore a beautiful gold-flecked beaded and tulle strapless gown by Monique Lhulier. I love how the beading starts dense at the top and spreads out as it goes down, creating a somewhat ombre' effect. She completes her look with beachy waves, fresh makeup, and Bulgari diamonds.
#6 – Claire Danes – Oscar de la Renta
Claire Danes wore a blue and black sequinned Oscar de la Renta column gown. I love the colors and patterns and how it pops against her skin and blonde hair. Speaking of which, her hair looks amazing, but I think her makeup is a little too much. The dark eyes and red lips together is a bit harsh for her and makes her look older. This is the only negative in an otherwise great look.
#7 – Kerry Washington – Zuhair Murad
Kerry Washington looked fierce and glamourous in a strapless Zuhair Murad gown with matching scarlet Jimmy Choo shoes and clutch. I love the shape of the neckline, the beaded bodice, and the shirred bottom. Her hair is retro chic and her makeup is sheer perfection with big lashes and bold red lips - and can I just point out how flawless her complexion is?
#8 - Elisabeth Moss - Marchesa
Elisabeth Moss looked lovely in a fabulous gold and nude Marchesa gown. I especially love how the embroidery gives the illusion of sleeves and the pattern as it goes down the gown is beautiful. I'm a fan of her fresh and light makeup, but not so much her matronly hair.
#9 – Evan Rachel Wood – Elie Saab
Evan Rachel Wood channeled Old Hollywood with a black bead-encrusted Elie Saab gown, Fred Leighton jewels, and a Judith Leiber bag. I'm not a huge fan of cap sleeves, but I like the exposed back. Her glowing porcelain skin, retro hair, and red lips finished off the look.
#10 - Julie Bowen - Oscar de la Renta
Emmy winner Julie Bowen shined in a silver embellished column gown by Oscar de la Renta. It showed off her perfectly toned body and she quite literally looks like she's glowing. Her silver smokey makeup and sleek ponytail are the perfect touches to the outfit.
Honorable Mentions - Aubrey Plaza & Jane Lynch
Along with my Top 10 choices, I wanted to include Aubrey Plaza and Jane Lynch. Aubrey Plaza looks divine in an all white Juan Carlos Obando gown. The halter neckline shows off her great shoulders, and her hair and makeup add a touch of sultriness to this sweet ensemble. Jane looked better than ever in a deep purple David Meister gown that was simple, elegant and oh so flattering. Her hair and makeup are stellar and the Lorraine Schwartz jewels are just the right accessories to finish the look. Bravo, ladies!
Did I leave anybody out? What were your favorite outfits?
