65th annual Emmy Awards red carpet fashion report

The Associated Press

Monday, September 23, 2013

Purple is the new black. Or maybe blue is the new black. Both hues -- in a variety of shades -- were prominent on the red carpet at Sunday's Emmy Awards. Even the men got in on the action: Emmy host Neil Patrick Harris sported a burgundy tuxedo jacket throughout the broadcast and nominee Kevin Spacey donned a navy tux. Also popular: sleek white dresses with minimal accessories, black and white combos, long sleeves and sheer skirts -- a trend I am ready to see end the off.

Award-winner Anna Gunn was also a winner on the red carpet. She said she wanted to channel Old Hollywood glamor, but the neckline's asymmetry keeps the gown modern. I also love the soft updo. It all works.
Oh, Julie Bowen. This Zac Posen gown wears her, not the other way around. She told E! she isn't much of a girly-girl so this dress was a departure for her. But the ruffled neckline and shoulders and the volume of the skirt are overwhelming. But I do love the color on her.
Claire Danes, wearing Atelier Versace, is always one of the stars I can't wait to see on the red carpet. She varies her style from sleek and modern, to high fashion to soft and romantic. This dress definitely falls into the last category and while I like it, it isn't the knockout she normally delivers. I want to hike the bodice up about an inch for starters. And the nude color doesn't really do her any favors.
Anna Faris definitely stood out in this sunny yellow Monique Lhuiller. When I first saw it on the carpet, I loved it. And I still don't hate it, but the longer I look at it, the more off it seems. I think maybe it's her platinum blonde hair. I can't quite put my finger on it.

Alyson Hannigan, wearing Marchesa, looks gorgeous. The dress fits her great and the color is perfect with her hair and skin. Well done!
This dramatic Versace would make some people look like they were trying too hard. But not Heidi Klum. The beaded pomegranate-colored gown -- Klum's "Project Runway" co-host Tim Gunn clarified the color when Ryan Seacrest called it purple -- is dramatic and high fashion. Two things Klum always carries off well.
I love that Christina Hendricks embraces, and flaunts, her curves. But some of her recent red carpet picks have missed the mark. But she hit a bullseye with this black lace Christian Sirano gown. It hugs her in all the right places and shows off just enough cleavage. And I love the hints of emerald green with her earrings, bracelets and clutch. One of my best dressed.
Sarah Hyland, wearing Carolina Herrera, finds the right balance between youthful and high-fashion. I love the lace overlay on her emerald green dress. I only wish she'd gone a little lighter on the lipstick.
Allison Janney, wearing David Meister Signature, just gets better with age. The color is gorgeous and she's glowing. I love the earrings.

Generally, I just can't with January Jones. I always feel like she tries too hard, wearing avant-garde designs on the red carpet. But last night, in custom-made Givenchy, I really liked her. The dress wasn't overpowering and I love that she didn't go crazy with accessories, except for one she rarely wears -- a smile.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, wearing Monique Lhuiller, looks great in the beaded gown. The dress was one of my favorites from the night. I just wish she had added a little oomph to her hair. By the time she accepted her award, it was looking pretty flat.
How do you solve a problem like Lena Dunham? She loved the way she looked, and I guess that's half the battle -- she at least was comfortable on the carpet this year. But this Prada printed ballgown just overwhelms her. It's way to voluminous on bottom. I also want to tell her to stand up straight -- that would help a lot. And did a raccoon do her eye makeup? Sigh...
I know I say I'm ready for the peek-a-boo skirt trend to go away. And I am. But Leslie Mann, wearing J. Mendel, is the exception to the rule. I love the geometric beading and the white lining.
Malin Akerman, wearing Marchesa, looks like she is going to the chapel not the Emmys. The dress reads bridal and the updo is the cherry on top.
What is it with the "Girls" girls? Zosia Mamet's Honor dress may be wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for the sheer yoke and the black leather bandeau. I don't get that at all.
Melissa Leo didn't walk the red carpet -- at least not that I saw on E! -- but she did present an award. And when she walked on stage I sent a text to a friend that said "Melissa Leo has lost her mind." That's the only reason I can come up with for this ... ensemble. The silver ombre printed pants? The tuxedo jacket with tails? The sparkly turquoise tie? I don't understand. And my eyes hurt from looking at it.
I loved this beaded black-and-white dress on Elisabeth Moss. She looks elegant and modern. And I love the simplicity of her accessories.
Padma Lakshmi was on trend in sleek white with gold accents. I loved this dress, with the hint of skin at the waist and the dramatic gold cuff.
And this is why I'm ready for the sheer skirt trend to end. Amanda Peet looks frumpy in this dress that has way too much going on. The high neck, the lace bodice, the long sleeves, the polka-dot sheer skirt, the knee-length lining. Take away a couple of those things -- I'd ditch the sheer skirt, obviously -- and the dress might have worked.
Rose Byrne is pretty in pink. I love the hint of skin at the waist. The color is fantastic on her. She just looks great -- cool and confident.
Sofia Vergara is never shy when it comes to showing off her fantastic body. And this red Vera Wang does the trick fabulously.
I was so excited to see what Kerry Washington would be wearing. And I was so disappointed by this Marchesa gown. There's just so much going on that if feels overwhelming. I like the floral embellishment, but could do without the white ribbon detail on the bodice.
Allison Williams, wearing Ralph Lauren, looks amazing in this blue strapless gown. Youthful, effortless and cool. Maybe she can giver her "Girls" co-stars some tips -- or her stylist's number.