We have finally arrived at the “good” portion of the CMA Awards critique series. And after shlogging through all that bad, our retinas are in need of some good. I’ve chosen my five favorites for the good. There were several others that were fine but I didn’t love them enough to include them in the evening’s best dressed.
Carrie Underwood // Photo: Getty Images
You could throw nearly any Reem Acra dress at me and I would wear it. Some thought the matchy-matchy hair, dress, clutch was too much but the simplicity of this clutch works well with the detail of the dress. Carrie does the golden goddess look frequently and it works beautifully for her. You can’t expect every starlet donning a golden gown and clutch to carry a contrasting purse. It becomes too uniform and where is the fun in that? I would however love to see contrast in a fabulous pair of heels peeking out from the PERFECT hem of that dress.
Taylor Swift // Photo: Getty Images
Beautiful J Mendel gown. Few country genre artists choose such fanciful gowns as Taylor so I’m always interested to see who she is wearing. Some thought this looked a bit too bridal but I disagree. White and tulle shouldn’t be exclusive to bridal wear and ballerinas. The raw fabric edges at the gathered skirt balance the formality. Should I mention that I’m a sucker for contrasts? Tulle and silk + fraying edges = loving it.
Sara Evans // Photo: Getty Images
I don’t usually like Sara’s choices so I was glad to see her wear something that suits her for once. The color and the drape is beautiful on her and I like her color choice in accessories. I’m not dishing over the necklace but I don’t hate it. Something about it works for her which is what style is all about: finding what works for you regardless of (perceived) rules and trends. The problem I do have is the same old peeve I usually bark about: too long hemlines. Would like to know what shoes she’s wearing under there.
Hillary Scott // Photo: Getty Images
I can not shout loudly enough how proud I am to see Hillary wear something that flatters her. She tends to choose clothing that hides her middle which makes her look dumpy. One need not be a waif to be beautiful. You look like old Hollywood Hillary and it looks good on you girl! Run with it. Here is when it would have been appropriate to go with a contrasting clutch. Is it wrong that she chose matching? Of course not but the simplistic detail in the fabric was a great opportunity to shake it up a bit. But I’m not complaining, I’m admiring that PERFECT hem!
Jennifer Nettles // Photo: Getty Images
I adore this dress by Naeem Khan. I adore the Art Deco period that inspired it. And I adore the overskirt draping at the hip. Have I mentioned how much I adore this? Easily my fave dress of the evening.
There you have it. Those dressed atrociously never cease to entertain us and provide us with much opportunity for snark, and those beautifully attired know how to make us swoon. Until the next red carpet…
