This Week in Celebrity Fashion: Classic & Color

NYCM

I was surprised to see so much classic black & white on the red carpet this week, when I was anticipating bursts of summer color. What's even stranger is that even the colorful dresses were long and elegant. Could Hollywood be leaving hootchie-ness behind for a new era of gracious dressing? Or is this just a freak occurrence, which will quickly be forgetten in an upcoming array of jiggle?

I am in love with Katie's fuschia, although not the dress itself. The color is so rich and flattering but the gown is fuddy-duddy and overwhelming. The top with a narrow skirt or the skirt with a tank-like top would have been young and fun. This is just something left over from a Golden Girl's wardrobe.













Now this is how you do head to toe color - in a body conscious and wow kind of way. Not only does Uma have the height to carry this off, looking like a clear sky that stretches out for days, but she has this kind of strut about her that means she's owning her look from head to toe.













Jewel tone velvet? Yes! In 80 degree NYC temps? What? Fashion knows no limitations but it should acknowledge seasons. Despite the slight faux pas, I love the color of Jess's ensemble although I wish the pants or blazer had been a different color, just to break up the monotone. I also thrilled to see that she's ditched her ombre hair for a lush, rich color. Looks like someone's moving on from JT just fine.












I didn't include Jenny for her ensemble. I wanted to showcase something that we don't always get to see - celebrities with real bodies. Jenny is usually saran-wrapped into jumpsuits and bodysuits so it's refreshing to see her in a dress that is less than flattering because the truth is that's most people (and even stars, gasp!) are hiding under those couture gowns. It's personal-trained and dieted and spanxed but bodies are real and when we look at celebs, we need to remember that.











Kate's always going for the classic look and this B&W gown is super simple except for the slightly art deco feel of it combo'd with the discreet slit.















Lucy works both trends this week, first in this lovely swingy dress. I love the white reverse color and deep V, balanced out by the ladylike skirt. The pop of color from the clutch is the perfect complement.














Everything about this look feels frilly and summery, from the loose hair to the flirty layers. The belt and narrow shape keep it from getting out of hand.
















I think I like part of this dress, the one that ends right before the sheer floor length skirt. I'm not sure why but I always find it oddly unflattering when there's a huge sheer section just hanging there. Without it, it's an interesting youthful dress and with it, there's a sexy Sicilian widow vibe that's probably not what Nicole was going for.













I usually don't include anyone under 21 unless they're doing something special and Selena definitely is. While I think this look is very adult, it's also pretty. The cutouts and the slit are a bit much, one or the other would have been enough. But I am loving the adorable heels which for me, make this look pop.











Although I could do with the sourpuss smirk, I'm going to overlook it for Kirsten's lovely dress. I like the simplicity of the strapless metallic top and the floaty quality of the skirt. While that big stomach brooch is beyond strange, I still think this an interesting dress that doesn't sacrifice looks for intellect.