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Amy Adams takes a risk that pays off in Marchesa. Jason Redmond / Reuters
Kerry Washington stands out among a sea of mermaid dresses. Jordan Strauss / AP Photo
Helen Mirren is poised and elegant in Badgley Mischka. Jordan Strauss / AP Photo
Julianna Margulies offsets a reeky low back with a high neck and cap sleeves. Jason Merritt / AFP
Anne Hathaway's couture gown looks as if it was designed solely with her in mind. Lucy Nicholson / Reuters
Jennifer Lopez has been rocking the same dancing-on-ice look for two decades. Jason Redmond / Reuters
Taylor Swift is too young for such a dark and heavy dress. Jason Merritt / AFP
Adele seems to be in a style rut. Lucy Nicholson / Reuters
Halle Berry's 1990's inspired design shows why it's a bad idea to wear prints on the red carpet. John Shearer / AP Photo
Kelly Osbourne has made a strong effort but her hair clashes with her dress. Frederic J Brown / AFP

Golden Globes red carpet report


The good

Amy Adams in Marchesa

She took a risk with this dress and we think it pays off. The ballet pink tone works beautifully against her pale complexion and the decision to keep the neck bare was spot on. She looks elegant and confident.

Kerry Washington in Miu Miu

This is exactly how to do the red carpet - and what a treat to see something a little different among a sea of mermaid dresses. The intricate feather-like embroidery works beautifully with the Prada pumps and a green Chopard ring. It's a difficult length to wear but the sheer overlay panel, which allows the outline of the legs to be seen, helps with the overall line.

Helen Mirren in Badgley Mischka

Let's face it: Dame Mirren can do no wrong. At 67, she looked jaw-droppingly elegant as she posed on the red carpet. Her hair was loose and wavy, the perfect way to soften lines on ageing skin. And the clever use of embroidery at the waist accentuated her fabulous shape. We are in awe.

Julianna Margulies in Emilio Pucci

Emilio Pucci you did it again. Margulies stunned in this sophisticated sheer blue lace gown with an infinitely low-cut back. The somewhat racy sheerness was offset by a high neck and cap sleeve. A firm favourite.

Anne Hathaway in Chanel

This was Hathaway's year and a lot was resting on this dress. The result? Perfection. The snow-white couture gown looked as if it was designed solely with her in mind with its structured, form-fitting top that delicately flared out at the waist, and a matching skirt. Hathaway's fabulous elfin crop accentuated her delicate features. Take note, girls: not a frill or a flounce in sight. Just simple, understated elegance. A definite winner.

The bad

Jennifer Lopez in Dior

We get it, Jennifer. You have a fabulous hourglass figure. That doesn't mean every dress you wear has to be sprayed on - or lacy, for that matter. You remind us of something from the top of a wedding cake. You have been rocking this same dancing-on-ice look for more than two decades now. It's high time for a makeover - or make-under we should say.

Taylor Swift in Donna Karan

We had to do a double take before we realised it was little Taylor Swift hiding under those swathes of aubergine silk. We don't have a major problem with the dress (although it is pulling at the hips and the fish tail could have done with a steam) - we simply feel she is too young for such a dark and heavy dress.

Adele in Burberry

We feel hugely guilty about this, considering it was her first night out after having a baby, but all is fair in love and war. Here we have what we call the classic style rut. The signature black, the scoop neck, the heavy liner, the three-quarter sleeve, topped off with the same old backcombed 'do and some Cartier gems. We understand it's slimming, Adele, but the world thinks you are gorgeous. Stop hiding away.

Halle Berry in Versace

Oh, Halle. Frock horror! We have said it once and we will say it again: never, ever go for a loud print on the red carpet. Especially a 1990s-inspired monster like this one. The oddly placed slashes and cut-outs make it look like some devilish toddler got his hands on it. Better luck next time.

Kelly Osbourne in Zac Posen

We like the idea of this from afar but the execution is a big fail. We applaud her for her efforts but the mint green and lavender hair simply do not pair well. Plus we are slightly baffled by the pleating at the bottom of the dress, which almost appears detachable.

* Katie Trotter

Most dapper

Jason Bateman and Aziz Ansari set the sartorial bar high for the gents with their well-cut tuxedos. Bateman's slick shawl collar tux - once a go-to for old Hollywood's elite - was nothing short of classic. But Ansari's one-button peak lapel aced the night. Cut slimmer and shorter than usual, with the arms high and tight, it's a sharp, contemporary take on the black tie. Never mind that when the red carpet hostess Giuliana Rancic asked him who he was wearing, Ansari cited "Kevin Dior" as the designer of his tux. He soon realised his error - it's Christian Dior - and cracked: "Kevin works at a Home Depot in Burbank."

* James Gabrillo

To read Nadia El Dasher's best and worst and see more pictures visit our fashion blog All Dressed Up

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