So, without further ado, let's dive into the top evening gown trends for the new decade...
Black remained the classic staple, as always, and over all colors remained deep and muted. Perhaps this is a reflection of the economy. I personally found the bright, vibrant colors (which were heavily prevalent last year) to be refreshing and lovely. Red remained a popular choice right - on Maria Menounos), as well as deep plum shades. Silver and Gold also stood out in the crowd, with many women opting for shimmering, metallic fabrics.
Shapes and Sizes Of course, the norm is long, floor-sweeping gowns, but there was a sweet handful of shorter, just-as-classy dresses on hand. I tend not to be a huge fan of these, but was very impressed by both Kristen Bell (shown up top) and the always adorable Amy Adams (left - who is expecting, BTW. Isn't she cute? :). Sleek, fitted "mermaid" style gowns continued to be popular this year, with full-skirted hemlines, but simple a-line styles were in the majority. The trend for glamorous, vintage inspired gowns continues to be a hot one... and most of it was lovely.
The assymmetrical one-shoulder style (which I love) continued to make it's mark on the awards, but it definitely seemed that the strapless look is returning to dominate the evening gown world. Oh, well...
Ruffles reigned supreme (and were in many cases completely overused), adding drama and "poof" to hemlines, waistbands and just all over. This is certainly an area in which many dresses went completely overboard and landed in the "fashion disaster" category. Fortunately, Zoe Saldana (right) got it right in a romantic (almost victorian-inspired), droopy and beruffled and beribboned wine colored gown. So lovely!
Lots of interesting details were showcased on the red carpet, including a huge trend for draping, pleating and tucking the fabric over the bust and around the waistline. Sometimes this doesn't work so well, but as shown here on Dianna Agron (below, left) it's absolutely beautiful.
SparkleBeading, crystals and glitz galore were showered over almost every single red carpet look. As well as heavily embellished bodices, some gowns seemed practically weighed down by bling and were a sight to behold. Jewelry, while maybe not so over-the-top as last year (also a reflection of the economy?) was still very striking. Wide, collar necklaces, cuff bracelets, and long, tasseled earrings were standard fare, although some ladies went without jewels completely (and looked just as lovely). I also saw a few pretty sparkly headbands. Just love those!
As far as the best dressed goes... it was hard to choose a top four. Keep in mind that not only do I select these based off of pretty and fairly modest styles (I hate overly immodest gowns - bleh!), but I also take into consideration the colors selected and how the overall look suits the wearer. It's about an overall look and style harmony as much as an individually amazing dress. :)
The Best Dressed (IMHO)
Sandra Bullock
This woman won more than just a Golden Globe Award on Sunday evening - she was unanimously declared a stunner on the red carpet. Dressed in brilliant purple organza, she certainly didn't let it rain on her parade. I just love the simple, ruched bodice and the slightly poofy skirt, which is an unusual choice for anything other than a very young starlet. But it was absolutely perfect. (Even the slight sheerness works overall without looking sleazy.) The earrings are classy and the soft, almost "undone" hair suits her wonderfully. A fine choice for the awards!
Jennifer Garner
In my opinion, she looked absolutely radiant on the red carpet, and her dress couldn't have been more perfect if her fairy godmother had picked it out for her. Here's a woman who knows her colors and her body really well, and enhances them in a way that seems completely effortless (either that or she's got one killer stylist! :). The amazing, shimmering silver suits her skin tone perfectly (I'd guess that she's a "winter") and the drape-y asymmetrical style works beautifully on her figure. I really love the neckline and the angles of the pieces - so very flattering. Her half up/half down hair is pretty and romantic - and I adore the jewelry!
Lea Michelle
My only complaint about this dress is that it looks very much like the one Amy Adams wore to the Golden Globes last year. But while that dress was way too harsh on the red-headed actress, this sweeping black design is absolutely made to be worn by this young woman. She looks like an absolute princess, her dark hair matching the black of the gown and making her even more regal. The fitted bodice is beautifully draped and pleated in airy chiffon and the full skirt is absolutely covered in layers of ruching. It's all finished off by large, but subtle green earrings. Perfect.
Kate Winslet
Well, she may have been presenting instead of receiving awards this year, but the gorgeous girl definitely gets a best-dressed award. She's another one who knows and embraces her curves - and chooses gowns that fit and suit her impeccably. This one is completely understated and completely stunning, in a dark navy blue with minute and detailed gold beading up the side and over the one shoulder strap. It's simplicity is deceiving - if you look close you will see incredible shaped seams, providing a gorgeous fit and finish. It's also nice to see that she's wearing small, pretty earrings, instead of the huge ones the rest of the world was sporting. She let's the wide metallic cuff bracelet do the talking...
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Other peronsal favorites of the evening (that were not shown here) included Ginnifer Goodwin, January Jones, Drew Barrymore, Julia Roberts and Kate Hudson. Oh yes, and George Clooney, Colin Firth and Harrison Ford. Awesome. :)
Disappointments would be Emily Blunt, Rose Byrne and Diane Kruger. And plain bad fashion? That belonged to Julianne Moore, Anna Paquin, Tina Fey, Chloe Sevigny, Jennifer Morrison and Perry Reeves (among others :P).
You can read more of my thoughts on the red carpet fashion by checking out my 2nd annual "live" report on the AmandaBeth Online Facebook Page. And be sure to leave your comments here and share your favorite gowns, thoughts on trends and whether or not you agree with me. ;)
Images: JustJared.com
P.S. Because I forgot to mention it in my post yesterday... our own Amy Elizabeth is holding a poll in which you can vote for your favorite heroine - over at her Historical Hairstyles Blog. She's been growing the site over the past year, adding images, resources and step by step photo instructions on how to do movie hair (including Marian from the BBC Robin Hood show!). Be sure to vote in the poll on which movie heroine you want to see covered in the month of February! Should be lots fun! :)
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