By now, you’ve seen the hottest dresses to hit the Emmys red carpet and you’ve been texting your friends your picks for Obsessed or Hot Mess (heavy on the Hot Mess). We’re doing the same things here, so we decided to share our around-the-office chatter. And guess what? A mini, crop top and cape all made our list.
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Loni Venti, Style and Beauty Editor: It’s tough to look edgy on the red carpet without sacrificing glamour, but the Mad Men star effortlessly channels both vibes in this red-hot Prabal Gurung number. Her delicate-but-modern styling choices (like wearing one statement earring and a soft updo with a fierce fringe) create the perfect mix of cool-girl chic. This is a post-millenial movie star.
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Zoë Ruderman, Deputy Style and Beauty Director: When Style & Beauty Director Andrea Lavinthal picked this Elie Saab mini for a star to wear at the Emmys, I scoffed (A short dress? On TV’s glammest night? Pshaw!). But apparently Julia Roberts had a very different take than me. She heeded Andrea’s advice (at least that’s what I’m imagining) and wore the unexpected peplum design, embroidered with stones, pearls and Swarovski crystals. And I’m glad she did; Roberts and her mile-long legs killed it on the red carpet, and I bet more than one star saw her dress and wished she’d had to guts to go short instead of pshaw-ing the high hemline like I had.
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Alex Apatoff, Senior Style Editor: This was not a popular choice around the office, and I understand why: It isn’t Zooey Deschanel’s most successful outing, hair and makeup-wise. But if you just concentrate on the dress — the vibrant, Day-Glo pink, the classic, retro cut and the silver accessories she paired with it — I think it’s elegant, memorable and right on-trend for a TV awards show. I may be a sucker for all things Oscar de la Renta, and that may be clouding my judgment, but I stand by this choice because sometimes I think “simply striking” is the best style statement one can make.
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Brittany Talarico, Associate Style Editor: The only thing that could distract me from Matthew McConaughey’s spray tan, was his wife’s crazy-hot Zuhair Murad gown. The mosaic pattering, scoop neckline and sheer paneling on the gown made a statement — but I suppose anything that clads Alves’s perfect curves would make a statement. It also reminded me of Beyoncé‘s sheer patterned Michael Costello gown she wore to the Grammys earlier this year. It would also make for a killer after-party dress say, for my wedding, in October.
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Jackie Fields, Beauty Writer: The moment I saw her Tweet, “I’m taking an uber SUV to the #Emmys because my car was too small for my dress …” I knew Sarah Hyland’s look would be nothing short of unforgettable. Sure, I bet that the exit from said SUV wasn’t the most graceful, but who would care after seeing her in this two-piece Christian Siriano design? I love the contrast of the teeny crop top and her voluminous high-waist skirt, which she balanced with an oversize bun (so smart). Hyland also made a memorable impression at the 2011 Emmys in coral Siriano; so what has this young star just taught us? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
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Catherine Kast, Style Writer: This isn’t princessy, it isn’t “old Hollywood glamour.” Heck, it isn’t even a dress. It’s two pieces of divine Swarovski crystal-crusted Versace drama. I want to shake Gwen Stefani‘s hand for wearing totally different looks two nights in a row and for maintaining a totally modern—nay, futuristic vibe — both nights. My favorite element of this Atelier Versace look? The plunging-V neck that seems risque without being too revealing thanks to strategic gilded detailing. Oh, and the fact that she was channeling Donatella Versace with her stick-straight hair? Total rock star move.
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Ana Calderone, Editorial Assistant: I knew I was going to fall in love with Heidi Klum‘s Zac Posen gown as soon as I saw the sketch that Posen gave exclusively to PEOPLE. In a sea of red dresses, she could have gotten lost, but the sleekness and elegance of the dress (and that cape!) really won me over. Plus her golden locks and bronzed skin contrasted perfectly with the “Camellia” color. I wouldn’t have changed a thing.
Who topped your “Best Dressed” list? Tell us below!
