• Style
  • Women
  • Huff/Post50
  • Weddings
  • HealthyLiving
  • Divorce
  • Parents
  • Sign In / Register
  • stylelist home
  • huffpost style
  • FASHION
    • Departments

      Fashion News Fashion Features Fashion Trends Designers Models Accessories
      In The Market For Intern Diaries Step Into My Office Object of My Affection Stylelist Network Stories

      Featured

      Can You Guess The Child Model's Famous Aunt? Can You Guess The Child Model's Famous Aunt?
      Vintage-Obsessed Blogger Shares 18 Recent Finds Vintage-Obsessed Blogger Shares 18 Recent Finds
      Pinterest Cracks Down On Thinspirational Images Pinterest Cracks Down On Thinspirational Images
  • BEAUTY
    • Departments

      Beauty Basics Beauty News Beauty Features Beauty Trends Uptown Downtown Makeup Healthy Beautiful You
      Skin & Body Fragrance Nails Facetime The Unexpected Icon

      Featured

      Do You Use A Facespray Like This Yoga Instructor? Do You Use A Facespray Like This Yoga Instructor?
      Morgan Spurlock Waxes Philosophical On Mantyhose & Manscaping Morgan Spurlock Waxes Philosophical On Mantyhose & Manscaping
      PHOTOS: Cameron Diaz's Life In 54 Looks PHOTOS: Cameron Diaz's Life In 54 Looks
  • HAIR
    • Departments

      Hair Trends Hair How To

      Featured

      The Hair Doctor Is in: Consultation Is Key The Hair Doctor Is in: Consultation Is Key
      Guess Which Beauty Treatment She Gave The President Guess Which Beauty Treatment She Gave The President
      Can Pink Hair Look Sophisticated? Can Pink Hair Look Sophisticated?
  • CELEBRITY
    • Departments

      Style Evolution Look Of The Day Uptown|Downtown A Look Back

      Featured

      How Donna Summer Helped Me Through College How Donna Summer Helped Me Through College
      PHOTOS: Cameron Diaz's Life In 54 Looks PHOTOS: Cameron Diaz's Life In 54 Looks
      PHOTOS: 27 Stars Who Look More Beautiful Without Makeup PHOTOS: 27 Stars Who Look More Beautiful Without Makeup
  • CULTURE
    • Departments

      Art & Design Film Music Books & Magazines

      Featured

      How Long Does It Take To Become Mrs. Don Draper? How Long Does It Take To Become Mrs. Don Draper?
      5 Things This Hot New Musician Can't Live Without 5 Things This Hot New Musician Can't Live Without
      PHOTOS: SXSW Street Style PHOTOS: SXSW Street Style
  • FASHION WEEK
    • Departments

      Fashion Week Spring 2012 Fashion Week Fall 2012

      Featured

      Fashion Intern Tells All From Behind The Scenes At Two British Magazines Fashion Intern Tells All From Behind The Scenes At Two British Magazines
      Prada's Take On Ombre Prada's Take On Ombre
      The Intern Diaries: Behind The Scenes At A British Magazine The Intern Diaries: Behind The Scenes At A British Magazine
  • VIDEO
  • STYLELIST NETWORK

Best and Worst Red Carpet Looks of the Decade

by Lauren Sherman (Subscribe to Lauren Sherman's posts)
Posted Dec 21st 2009 at 3:33PM  
23 Comments
Share
There may have been some legendary missteps, but all in all, the red carpet got a whole lot sleeker this decade.

"The biggest trend was non-crazy, Old Hollywood-inspired gowns," says personal stylist Allison Berlin, who runs the New York-based Style Made Simple. "Today, the look is almost always beautiful, but it's also very safe."

That has a lot to do with the proliferation of stylists, who became celebrities in their own right as the decade progressed. (Remember, back in 2002, we hadn't even heard of Rachel Zoe.) "When you have a whole team of stylists, it's hard to not to look good," says Berlin. Katherine Heigl's Escada stunner at the 2008 Academy Awards exemplified the trend, while Bjork, in her infamous swan dress by Marjan Pejoski at the 2002 Academy Awards, defied it.

Other memorable looks, for better or worse, include Michelle Williams at the 2006 Academy Awards in a buttercup yellow Very Wang gown and Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake at the 2001 American Music Awards in a matching denim gown and tux.

So, in the Naughts, most red carpet choices were either safe or...ugly. Yet as we move into the next decade, it seems that more celebrities are experimenting with high-fashion. Even All-American girl Reese Witherspoon has embraced the avant-garde by wearing "it" designer label Rodarte, proving style doesn't have to be boring to be beautiful.

"I think the public is yearning for a more interesting red carpet," says Joanna Manganaro, the women's editor at New York-headquartered trend-tracking firm Stylesight. "Designers like Gareth Pugh and Alexander McQueen are definitely influencing Hollywood." Here's to high-fashion--and fun--in 2010.


http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=803826&pid=803825&uts=1262209601
http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf
Best and Worst Red Carpet Looks of the Decade
From a style point-of-view, the naughties were all about bling, gowns, and glamour. Yet there were plenty of missteps and tawdry fashion behavior as well. Click through our star-studded gallery to find out who rocked the red carpet and who didn't this decade.
Lucy Nicholson, AFP/Getty Images

Best/Worst Red Carpet Moments of the Decade

WHO: Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake
WHERE: American Music Awards
WHEN:January 8, 2001

Another case of Mouseketeers gone wild, Spears and Timberlake will never live down this matching denim ballgown and suit, even if he now owns a successful--and cool--jeans label. The fact that they consciously chose to coordinate outfits will always mystify us.

Lucy Nicholson, AFP/Getty Images

WHO: Christina Aguilera
WHERE: Blockbuster Awards
WHEN: April 10, 2001

From the shredded velvet gown to the intense darkly-lined lipstick and the curly blond faux fro, there's nothing right about this ensemble.

Aguilera, who has since adopted a more classic style inspired by 1950s pin-up girls, seemed to be going through a typical awkward teenage phase. "Unfortunately, it was for all the world to see," says Thomas.

Kathryn Indiek, WireImage

WHO: Angelina Jolie
WHERE: Academy Awards
WHEN: March 26, 2000

Jolie, who took home a best-supporting actress Oscar for her role in "Girl, Interrupted" that evening, received plenty of attention. Though it was more for her Morticia Adams-like ensemble and making out with her date, er, we mean brother, than she for actually winning the award. While her Wiccan-like look with its long, wig-like black mane and Gothic dress may have been ill-chosen she lightened up later in the decade.

Jamie Thomas, the markets editor at trend-tracking firm Stylesight, feels that since then, Jolie's red carpet style has only improved. "When she became a mother and an ambassador, she really toned down her look," says Thomas.

Ke.Mazur, WireImage

WHO: Kate Hudson
DESIGNER:Stella McCartney for Chloé
WHERE: Academy Awards
WHEN: March 25, 2001

While Hudson's typically a favorite on the red carpet--as are McCartney's dresses--this country singer-inspired violet get-up was "the perfect storm of wrongness," says Berlin.

From a beauty perspective, Hudson's blue eyeshadow and frizzy hair didn't help the situation.

SGranitz, WireImage

WHO: Bjork
DESIGNER: Marjan Pejoski
WHERE: Academy Awards
WHEN: March 25, 2001

Still quite possibly the most insane dress ever to grace a red carpet, you can't help but love Bjork for her choice, even if it is conventionally hideous. What can we say? At least it was entertaining. The swan proved to be great comedic fodder for years to come.

Jeffrey Mayer, WireImage

WHO: Paris Hilton
WHERE: MTV Music Awards
WHEN: August 29, 2002

Celebutante Hilton is continually criticized for her red carpet choices, but this Pepto-Bismol pink two-piece epitomizes everything that's wrong with her style. From the orange-tinged tan to the tie-dyed handkerchief skirt, it can't get much uglier than this.

Evan Agostini, Getty Images

WHO: Lara Flynn Boyle
DESIGNER: David Cardona
WHERE: Golden Globes
WHEN: January 19, 2003

Wearing a costume to a formal event is never a good idea. Boyle's pink tutu was too literal--the (too big) leotard, tulle skirt and toe-shoe heels belonged in a production of Swan Lake, not at an awards ceremony. Save it for Carrie Bradshaw Boyle!

Getty Images

WHO: Drew Barrymore
DESIGNER: Gucci
WHERE: Golden Globes
WHEN: January 16, 2006

Our experts agree: If this beautiful forest green dress had fit well--i.e. if Barrymore had chosen to wear a bra --it would have been an absolute hit.

HFPA

WHO: Fergie
DESIGNER: Etro
WHERE: Teen Choice Awards
WHEN: August 3, 2008

Fergie typically rocks short, fitted dresses on the red carpet. This psychedelic departure from her standard style didn't work out so well. Paired with an over-the-top tan, the singer's red and pink dress and metallic hip belt is difficult to look at. "Musicians can be a bit wilder than actors on the red carpet," says Berlin. "But regardless of the styling, this dress fits horribly."

Jeffrey Mayer, WireImage

WHO: Leighton Meester
DESIGNER: Louis Vuitton
WHERE: Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art
WHEN: May 4, 2009

In general we love Meester's penchant for risky red carpet looks, but this is one chance that shouldn't have been taken. Instead of looking high-fashion, the Gossip Girl breakout star resembles a court jester. If only she had skipped the leggings.

Kevin Mazur, WireImage

Read All Comments
Filed under: Fashion, Beauty, Celebrity, Celebrity Beauty, Designers & Brands, Celebrity Style, Red Carpet
Tags: best and worst 2009, BestAndWorst2009, Holidays 2009, red carpet fashion, RedCarpetFashion
Share

Style Around the Web

ImaxTree

ImaxTree

  • Make Up Tips For Girls With Glasses - Refinery29
  • How Celebs Work Red Into Their Wardrobe - FabSugar
  • Celebrity Wardrobe Malfunctions - The Daily Beast
  • Deodorants that Actually Work - Daily Candy
  • Would You Wear Long-Sleeve Shirts As Skirts? - The Frisky
  • Tricks That Guarantee Gorgeous Hair - Daily Makeover
  • Celebs Have Us Seeing Stars - People Style Watch

Related Videos

by 5min
  • Kristen Stewart's Red Carpet Style Kristen Stewart's Red Carpet Style Play It's hard to imagine what Hollywood was like before the Twilight obsession began. From Kristen Stewart's days in denim to show stopping mini dresses, watch this leading lady grow up on the red carpet. Kristen has really embraced getting glam, so tell us your favorite red carpet look.
  • Past SAG Awards Red Carpet Fashion Past SAG Awards Red Carpet Fashion Play The SAG Awards are right around the corner, so we've rounded up a few of our favorite red carpet gowns from years past! Kate Hudson in a white Marchesa, Liv Tyler in Marc Jacobs, and Diane Kruger in a yellow Jason Wu knockout are just a few of the stylish ladies that made our list. Watch to see all of the gorgeous gowns and make sure to come back to see all of our red carpet fashion coverage!
  • BellaTV Special : Top Five Twilight Red Carpet Moments BellaTV Special : Top Five Twilight Red Carpet Moments Play Beauty experts Mary Klimek and Allan Avendaño countdown the Top 5 Red Carpet looks from the ladies of New Moon in anticipation of the opening night.
  • How to Get Red Carpet Ready Hair How to Get Red Carpet Ready Hair Play Learn how to get Red Carpet Ready Hair.

READER COMMENTS

(22)Add A Comment

Angelo, 12-31-2009, 3:11PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Angelo

The media bias in favor of the Obama's is no more in evidence than in your choice of her as a fashion icon in a red and black dress that looks like a Halloween costume. That's almost as ridiculous as her husband winning the Nobel Peace prize. When does it end?

Reply »

Jessica, 12-31-2009, 1:35PM

2 stars vote downvote upReport
Jessica

Awww I kinda think that Brittney & Justin's matching outfits were cute :)

Reply »

Previous 20 Comments
 
ADD A COMMENT
  • NEW USER
  • RETURNING USERS
  • AOL/AIM USERS

Got something to say? Say it!

Simply enter your name and e-mail address, and you'll receive an email confirming your comment and issuing you a password. Use that password, and you're good to go.

If you already have an AOL/AIM screenname, log in under the other tabs.

Happy commenting, and keep it classy.

Members enter your username and password.

Enter your AOL or AIM screenname and password.

ADVERTISEMENT

STAY IN THE LOOP!

ONLY ON STYLELIST

Sunscreen Dangerous? Experts Shed Light on the Controversy
Beauty
Healthy Beautiful You
Should you be afraid of sunscreen? From natural to chemical to Vitamin A, our experts explain and advise just...
Beauty BasicsMom MakeoversMore Beauty Tips »
Reese Witherspoon's Retro Waves: How to Get the Look!
Hair
Hair Basics
Reese Witherspoon goes retro on the May 2011 cover of Vogue with glamorous '40s-era hair. And we've got pro...
Haircuts by FaceMore Hair Help »
Sample Sale Snitch | Proenza Schouler SS 11
Fashion
Spring
Check out some discounted duds from Proenza today and tomorrow.
Style GuideStyle by BodyMore Fashion Tips »
Look of the Day: Aubrey Plaza & Amy Poehler at the Premiere of
Celebrity
Look of the Day
Both ladies opted for fun, printed frocks -- but each styled their looks much differently.
Look for LessMore Celebrity Tips »

MORE ON Stylelist

Homemint Winner
Design Justin Timberlake And HomeMint's Design Contest: Winner Natalie Wolfe
Organizing Tips
Know-How Storage And Organizing Ideas Are Budget Friendly To The Max
Saucy Glossy Clutch
Stylelist Network The Perfect Summer Clutch: From The Stylelist Network
Table16
DIY DIY Ideas: Make A Rustic Sawhorse Table For Under $40
Super Glue
Clean Home How To Clean And Remove Super Glue Stains From Any Surface
Porch Colors
Inspiration Enliven Your Porch With Color

SITES WE LOVE

Heidi Klum's Fave Shampoo And Why She's Never Been To A Spa (In 60 Seconds)

Karen Walker Serves Up The Only Calorie-Free Candy Bar We Actually Want

Pinterest Account Of The Day: Indraworld

WATCH: The Clothes Hanger Gets Dramatic Redesign

Lee Rosenbaum: Bogus Barnes Foundation: Fake Galleries, Phony Populism (VIDEO)

Prince William Confesses A Wedding Secret

See the Most Important People From Day Six of Cannes

Lea Michele Showed Some Cleavage

Twenty Baseball Jackets for Finicky Spring Weather

Shake Your Tassels: Nicholas Kirkwood Fringe Sandals

Fake Out: Rodial Brazilian Tan Face

Need For Beads: Alberta Ferretti Small Fabric Bag

4 Stylish Outfits to Try Over the Long Memorial Day Weekend!

Diane, Karolina, and More Amp Up the Star-Studded Glamour on Cannes Day Seven - See Every Look Thus Far!

We're With the Band: Rock the Vintage-Tee Trend For an Infinitely Cool Outfit Twist

Priscilla Chan’s Wedding Secret

Mozart Meets the Future

‘Don Giovanni’ on Steroids

EVEN MORE ON Stylelist

Design Destinations
Beauty Basics
Gardening and Landscapes
Home Design
DIY STYLE
Beauty
Home Products
Minute Makeover
 
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Trademarks
  • Advertise
  • About Our Ads
  • Get AOL
 
 
© 2012 AOL Inc. All Rights Reserved