Dressing for such a public occasion as an awards ceremony must be daunting if you’re a megastar. So many designers wanting to dress you and all that. Which begs the question. How can so many of them really stuff it up?
I don’t care if you’re a multi-millionaire with an infinite budget or a starlette in the making, the same principles of dressing well really do apply.
1. Think of the occasion. In this case it’s the Golden Globes, the first big awards cermony of the Hollywood season. Tradtionally it’s more playful (and that’s probably because they all get to sit down and booze up throughout the ceremony).
2. Think of your body shape. And dress to fit and flatter. You want to show off in the best possible way.
3. Think of your personality. This is a biggie for me. It’s so *yawn* boring to see a red carpet filled with the same style of dresses – think school formal on steriods. If you’re a bit on the indie side, then show it. Don’t get blinded by a perceived need to dress like a doll on the top of a toilet roll holder.
So, who nailed it at this year’s Golden Globes?
Quite frankly, that’s a toughie.
I was hoping for a stunner from January Jones (based on last year’s effort), and from the head and shoulders, she had me. And then it was more WTF? January, there are bits missing from your Versace gown. Did you leave them in the limo?
Fellow Mad Men actor Christina Hendricks was in red too … making the most of her “assets”. She’s keeping all the attention on her curves. And good on her. She gets away with the big boosies, big shoulder detail and big hair. The rest of us wouldn’t. Beauty note: Christina pouts a Nars Pure Matte Lipstick in Vesuvio (full bodied red, $54 at Mecca Cosmetica).
And while I’m talking (and still obsessed about) all things Mad Men, I am loving Elizabeth Moss’ gown. She lead the green gown celebrity trend (also embraced by Angelina Jolie *made her look 50*; Catherine Zeta-Jones *was that whipped up with astro turf?* and Mila Kunis). Elizabeth’s gown and toussled hair were a world away from Peggy’s mustard cardigans.
The other hot “colour” of this year’s Golden Globes was champagne with a sparkle. I thought the sleeves on this dress added a good 20 years to Scarlett Johansson’s age.
Loving Sandra Bullock’s fringe but the dress makes it look like she’s slouching.
Helen Mirren can do no wrong. This look is modern but age-appropriate.
And speaking of age-appropriate … this generation’s supposed style leader, Leighton Meester, just left me shaking my head (and I know that the sweet, young fashionistas out there will cut me down for this). The long-sleeve silhouette was clearly a trend of the night but geeze, it makes a young girl look old before her years. The irony here is that Leighton will probably never have arms that “need” covering up.
Probably my fave red carpet colour is navy and Amy Adams showed why it’s a special event stunner. Beauty note: a range of new Lancome products were used to create Amy’s look and I, for one, can’t wait to try the L’Absolu Nu in Evening Lace she’s working with Color Design Matte Lipcolor in Stylista on her lips when it’s available here in June.
I loved Michelle Williams, Tilda Swinton, Helena Bonham Carter and Heidi Klum for not conforming to a prom night style and for not being afraid to show off their personalities on the red carpet.
So *drum roll please*, who got my vote on the night? I’ve narrowed it down to three.
Anne Hathaway: for showing how a long sleeve can be sexy, not dowdy.
Olivia Wilde: for rocking a princess style dress without the frou frou. Beauty note: Olivia’s glow comes from Nars Sheer Glow Foundation ($99 at Mecca Cosmetica).
Natalie Portman: for her blossoming radiance, the best accessory you have when pregnant.
So, how about you? Did you have a favourite on the red carpet at the Golden Globes today? Whose look did you least like? Who left you scratching your head thinking WTF?
Comments 22
I’m a bit of a Helena Bonham Carter fan. I love when she’s with her husband too, they look exactly how you think they would, but in a way you never expected! I’d like to be arty 🙂
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We were just talking about this at lunch. I love it that she doesn’t conform – it’s her personality and honouring that shows confidence in her style!
Just catching up on the frocks now… Helena made me laugh, Angelina – WHY does such as gorgeous woman undermine her own beauty? Its like she gives the other women a headstart by covering up and wearing the same long, boring frock!
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Helena made me laugh but impressed that she never feels the need to conform!
Not a huge fan of Natalie in the past (too skinny for me) but she looks super fabulous…….wish I looked this good pregnant!!
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Me too!
I agree with you on all accounts, especially Leighton Meester. The dress she had on was just not age appropriate. LOVED what Natalie Portman and Olivia Wilde had on. They were simple and yet elegant. And Anne Hathaway, how can she NOT look good? Of course she does, seeing that Rachael Zoe dressed her. She looked FABULOUS!
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Too true, Norlin x
A LOT of them left me scratching my head this year, but for me the clear winner was Natalie Portman – gorgeous, glowing and totally fashionable.
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I know about that head scratching Anj. And Natalie was just gorgeous.
Anne Hathaway looked amazing and fierce.
I liked January (much better than that blue Oscars dress from last year) but I am a bit over Christina’s red carpet look. Something a bit less frou frou next time?
Michelle Williams divine. Heidi amazing.
Did you see Jackie Weaver? It didn’t look like she even tried. Surely an Aussie designer could have wipped something up that did not look like she was picking her kids up from the year 10 formal.
Over and out.
whipped, not wipped.SH
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Sawhole you are an excellent correspondent. Please can you guest blog when the Oscars are on.