If there's a host of stunning celebrities congregating on a red carpet, you know where to find me: behind my monitor, sipping tea and today, wearing jeans and a thrifted shirt as I unleash my inner Tim Gunn and brandish my claws ($20 fake nails, from Farmers).
It's judgement time.
Today's event in Tinseltown? The 74th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. The brightest stars of the small screen were shining in dazzling couture as the ceremony celebrated the best artistic and technical merit in the television industry, with Squid Game, Ted Lasso and The White Lotus taking out major awards.
The carpet was awash with sequins, spangles, beading and shimmery chainmail this year, with the likes of Amanda Seyfried, Lily James, Christina Ricci, Britt Lower and Reese Witherspoon donning sparkling dresses with simple, streamlined silhouettes. Ruffles, old Hollywood glamour and blush pinks were also aplenty. I'd argue the men were a little lacklustre while up against all the razzle-dazzle, with most opting for a classic tuxedo; of course, RuPaul can always be counted on, rocking a burgundy-cum-leopard print creation that despite its gaudiness, was at least interesting to behold.
With all that being said, let's get down to business - the best and worst ensembles at the Emmy Awards 2022. Here we go.
Best dressed at the Emmy Awards 2022
Zendaya
The picture of pared-back elegance, the Euphoria star stunned in custom Valentino that screamed old Hollywood glamour. According to Vogue, the creation is a nod to an archival Valentino design from its fall-winter 1987 collection. The sparkling jewels and soft, glowy makeup complement the gown perfectly.
HoYeon Jung
The breakout star of Squid Game quite simply served in her sequined Louis Vuitton creation, which featured a spangled patchwork effect with stripes of green and coral. She kept the accessories to a minimum, allowing the dress - and its sexy side-split - to remain the focal point. I can't quite put my finger on it, but the shoes are letting the look down slightly - perhaps a pair of pointed-toe pumps would have added extra glamour.
Lily James
As a superfan of the Pam & Tommy miniseries who also happens to find Lily James ridiculously hot, I am perhaps slightly biassed; however, the sleek and sexy chainmail Versace gown is objectively stunning, and she looks stunning in it. The simple, form-fitting silhouette is timeless, but the coppery hue and peek-a-boo cups keep it up-to-date. A+ from me.
Alexandra Daddario
The juxtaposition between The White Lotus star's angelic tulle and beaded Dior Haute Couture creation with her sleek, blunt-cut black hair is very aesthetically pleasing, particularly paired with the bold red lip. The contrast added a welcome edge, making Daddario a standout - and an absolute knockout, of course.
Sydney Sweeney
The Euphoria star rarely gets it wrong on the red carpet, and this look is no exception. The pale blue Oscar de la Renta design and its shimmery silver appliquéd flowers are soft and feminine, yet carry a regal, 'Ice Queen' edge. Not much else to say here other than I continue to swoon for Sweeney.
Hannah Waddingham and Natalie Zea
I am putting these looks together because both are pretty in pink and not drastically different enough to warrant two separate paragraphs - it's also almost the end of the day and I'm hungry. Waddingham's light pink Dolce & Gabbana confection is simply princess-esque perfection with its tulle skirt and bedazzled bodice - plus, the Ted Lasso star rocked it with sequined sneakers, which honestly, is an absolute vibe. Meanwhile Natalie Zea looked radiant in a bead-encrusted blush pink gown teamed beautifully with a champagne clutch and tousled waves.
Worst dressed at the Emmy Awards 2022
Laura Linney
I've seen this ranked among the better looks of the night, but I must respectfully disagree. The Christian Siriano creation somehow struck a balance between grandma's doily and a napkin in a napkin ring. The three tiers of ruffles and the high neck are dated, and the overcomplicated gown gives off the appearance of three - arguably better - dresses in one. Lose the black belting at the waist and the gown would appear more svelte, simple and streamlined. Loose the white draping underneath and you have a fun, flirty mini-dress. Or, lose the additional ruffling around the skirt and you have a more classically elegant look. This is the dress that proves the age-old adage - less is usually more.
Jasmin Savoy
It's giving… Catwoman got caught in a garbage bag? Or... Catwoman had to capture the bad guy before walking the red carpet, ripping her dress and getting lassoed with a rope in the process? I don't like the length, the cut-outs or the shoes. It's a no from me.
Sandra Oh
Sandra Oh…no. Oh no. It's giving Donna Summer. We love a '70s sartorial moment, but this spangled, lurid purple 'disco queen' two-piece by Rodarte is giving throwback... throw it back in the closet, that is.
Elle Fanning
I want to love it, I really, really do - and I'm halfway there! I love The Great and I love Elle Fanning and I love the pin curls paired with the dramatic eyeliner. Sharon Long's black and pale pink creation embodies old Hollywood glamour and the pop of texture on the bust adds a hint of fun. However, there's something about the look that's just not giving what it's supposed to be giving. I can't quite put my finger on it, but the black and pale pink are particularly stark against Fanning's porcelain complexion. The shade of pink almost matches her skin tone, which fails to make it pop in quite the same way. The train also looks like it could be detached and used as a cosy quilt during the show.
Megan Stalter
I've seen a few outlets applaud this look, and I'm sorry, but my opinion is quite the opposite. It's not a sheer dress - it's a nightie. The red high-waisted shapewear, the shoes reminiscent of Dorothy's ruby slippers - it's certainly a statement. However, the Hacks star oozes confidence in the daring ensemble, and the makeup is perfect. Again, it might've been stronger if it was pared back just a tad - the red flower on the bust seems like an unnecessary addition, and perhaps a nude slip instead of the red pants would've allowed the sheer red lace to shine.
Honourable mentions
Reese Witherspoon in Armani Privé
Amanda Seyfried in Armani Privé
Christina Ricci in Fendi
Sofía Vergara in Laura Basci
