Carrie Underwood (2013 Grammys)
So it looks like everyone got the CBS ‘hide your goodies’ memo for this year’s Grammy Awards. And those who didn’t, thumbed their noses at the dress code but did it tastefully.
Carrie Underwood pegged her look perfectly when she told E!'s Ryan Seacrest that her lovely black Roberto Cavalli gown was “classic glam.” With a gleaming necklace that the nominee said weighed “heavy on (her) soul” and beautiful, loose waves, the Checotah native did not disappoint.
On the other side of this year's dress policy was
Jennifer Lopez, among the most memorable points of reference in daring Grammy wear history. Tonight she arrived on the red carpet very much the rule breaker – and thankfully so in Anthony Vaccarello. She wore a one shoulder stark black dress – cape-like and matronly on one side and punctuated on the other with a slit that was leotard-high. But J-Lo’s got the legs, she can do it. Add her gold nails (whose crafting sounded akin to something like a Faberge egg) and her simple knot bun and Lopez was stunningly statuesque and absolutely stylish.
You break those rules! J-Lo!
Other rule breakers…or you can be the judge…Well, there weren’t that many, and if any, were the often nameless dates of the award show’s guests.
Country music star
Miranda Lambert, also in Roberto Cavalli laughed with Seacrest, when she said she didn’t get the dress code memo, tapping her chest, featured in the black dress with its deep neck line.
Kelly Rowland, who briefly reunited with Beyoncé and Michelle Williams at last week’s Super Bowl, skated around the rules, but barely, donning a black Georges Chakra dress that featured chevron shapes of sheer in strategic places - reminiscent of
Rihanna’s 2011 Grammy dress but
so much more tasteful.
And speaking of RiRi, she was surprisingly subdued in a non showy, though sheer (it is RiRi, we’re talking about) red gown by Azzedine Alaïa. Not a stitch of unsanctioned skin was showing… in theory.
Another standout of the night was singer
Taylor Swift looking like a goddess from head to toe in white J. Mendel with silver accents and a pretty braid wrapped into a back-swept ‘do that was light and slightly messy in a very good way. Swift was a beauty.
After rocking her Tina Turner-inspired outfit at last week’s halftime show,
Beyoncé likely surprised many when she hit the red carpet in an Osman black crepe jumpsuit with white panel detailing. Of course, Bey looks great in … pretty much anything, but the look was a bit too understated given the occasion.
It was quite nice to see songstress
Adele shining in a color other than black. The “Skyfall” singer wore a printed red, black and floral Valentino dress with shoes that matched pretty darn well.
White was among the colors of the night for men with such artists as
Chris Brown, LL Cool J, Sean Paul and others wearing it, tailored to their various styles.
Ever-the-sweetheart
Justin Timberlake was dashing in Tom Ford as was
Maroon 5’s Adam Levine in all black.
Other winners of the night in the fashion department included
Faith Hill and
Tim McGraw,
Kimbra in her fanciful Jaime Lee Major dress, and
Nicole Kidman, who never fails, tonight wearing gorgeous gold and highly detailed Vera Wang.
