Style Idol: Gorgeous and Glam Red Carpet Looks

By Jess T.

So this week, rather than choosing a specific celebrity whose style I admire, I decided to give an ode to awards season by picking out some of the best red carpet looks of the season and explaining why these starlets succeeded in looking amazing.

You may not have any red carpet events coming up (What? You weren’t invited to the Oscars?), but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn a thing or two from these fashion experts.

Anne Hathaway looks lovely at the SAG awards in this amazing Grecian-inspired Azzaro gown. The cut complements her figure, the white – a shift from basic black – makes a statement, and the detailing is glamorous without being over-the-top. You can’t take your eyes off of her and that is what embodies red carpet glamor.

Kate Winslet is one of my favorite actresses, and she also happens to be a consistent winner on the red carpet. She’s got curves and she isn’t afraid to show them off, as she illustrates with this beautiful electric blue Narciso Rodriguez dress.

Another curvaceous babe who brazenly (and beautifully) flaunts her fabulous womanly figure and puts all those skinny minnies to shame, Christina Hendricks (of Mad Men) rocks the red carpet in a lovely emerald green Todashi Shoji gown.

Carrie Underwood glows at the Grammys in this stunning Zuhair Murad gown. It’s a classic cut, but the beading adds the glitter and glitz of old Hollywood, making her a true shining star.

Taylor Swift looks phenomenal in this Kaufman Franco gown. You can’t go wrong with basic black, but the patent leather straps and detailing give the gown a modern twist and make her look sophisticated and chic.

Despite a traumatic year, Jennifer Hudson looks better than ever and proves she’s a winner both at the Grammys and on the red carpet by wearing this risky origami pleated dress (designer unknown). Wearing avant-garde/unusual looks can be a hit or miss, but this dress does a great job of accenting her curves and the color blocking makes the dress flow well and come together beautifully.

Penelope Cruz almost never disappoints when it comes to her red carpet looks, and she does a great job of playing up her beauty by choosing classic pieces. This gown is no exception to that rule and is the epitome of what you can do right by going with a seemingly basic gown. Her hair, make-up and jewelry choices only play up the elegance of the dress.

Another dress that is unconventional but is a total winner is this Reem Acra gown on Christina Applegate. With its powder blue color, gold flowers, one shoulder and dramatic bow around the hip, she’s a definite stand-out and showing off her unique style.

So, overall lessons in red carpet fabulousness (or general fabulousness, really) are:

-Take risks, have fun, but don’t go overboard or too wacky.

-If you’re going to go with basic black, choose something with a new and modern take (but again, nothing too off-the-wall).

-Picking an eye-popping color is a great way to catch eyes, but color choice is key. Make sure the color complements your skin, instead of simply picking the “in” color of the moment.

-Details are another way to have some fun, but subtlety is important; too much can really ruin it.

-Picking a cut that highlights your best features will win you style points every time.