Fashion Recap: 2012 Golden Globes Red Carpet
Welcome to awards show season, CF readers! For the next full month, we’ll be recapping all of the major red carpet events — the SAG Awards, the Grammys and — of course – the Academy Awards. We’re kicking things off with a fashion recap of last night’s Golden Globe Awards. Scroll on to check out our favorite looks from last night:
Top 5 Best-Dressed
Here are my picks for best dressed at the 2012 Golden Globes, in no particular order:
Nicole Richie in Julien Macdonald

Photo: PR Photos
Presenter Nicole Richie donned a slinky, floor-skimming Julien Macdonald number at the Globes this year. Her super-shiny metallic gown looked lovely on the red carpet and Nicole completed her look with a voluminous, ’60s-esque ponytail, vintage earrings and accessories from her House of Harlow 1960 line.
Claire Danes in J. Mendel

Photo: PR Photos
Last night Claire Danes rocked a J. Mendel gown that was meant to be viewed from behind. (Click here to view more pictures so you can get the full effect!) While the front her dress was a little tame, the gorgeous cut-out back skyrocketed it to the top of my list. The sparkly sequined detailing made this gown a true standout on the red carpet.
Emma Stone in Lanvin

Photo: ELLE
Disclaimer: I have a HUGE girl crush on Emma Stone, however, I don’t think that it influenced my decision to include her on best-dressed list. In fact, I would have loved this Lanvin gown on anyone, but the fact that Emma wore it made it all the more perfect. The luxe velvet, burgundy hues mixed with fuchsia, and eagle-adorned belt all made this frock a winner in my book.
Charlize Theron in Dior Couture

Photo: ELLE
Charlize proved that it definitely pays to be Dior’s spokesperson by wearing a beautiful couture gown created by the design house. Her pale pink ’20s-style gown featured a deep, plunging neckline and sculptural bustle, and she completed her look with a side-swept updo adorned with a jeweled headband.
Evan Rachel Wood in Gucci Premiere

Photo: ELLE
Every red carpet needs a little extravagance, so I was happy to see Evan Rachel Wood rocking this couture gown at the Globes last night. This sequined and feather-adorned Gucci gown exuded Old Hollywood glamour with a modern twist. Texturally, it looks amazing and I really loved the gradient of dark green shades. What did you think of Evan’s look?
Other Notable Ensembles
Although they didn’t quite make my top 5 list, here are some other gowns that made a buzz on the red carpet last night:
Rooney Mara in Nina Ricci

Photo: PR Photos
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo actress went with an ever-classic LBD for last night’s ceremony. Rooney’s sleek Nina Ricci gown featured a plunging neckline and cutouts, which created a modern, sultry vibe. She kept the rest of her look clean and simple with minimal makeup, a sleek ponytail and zero accessories.
Sarah Michelle Gellar in Monique Lhuillier

Photo: PR Photos
Sarah Michelle Gellar stepped out in a daring, tie-dyed Monique Lhuillier gown last night. This dress was pretty controversial among fashion commentators – it’s one of those looks that you either love or hate, with no in-betweens! Sarah did explain her out-of-the-box fashion choice on the red carpet — it turns out her two-year-old daughter picked out the gown, which is pretty adorable (and makes a lot of sense!).
Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace

Photo: ELLE
Fashion-wise, Angelina Jolie can do no wrong in our eyes and she didn’t disappoint at the Globes this year. She wore a silky, cream-colored Atelier Versace gown with gorgeous red detailing on the neckline and pulled it off in a way that only Angelina could. She even matched her red lipstick to her bag and dress, which is a prime example of color coordination at its finest.
Zooey Deschanel in Prada

Photo: ELLE
New Girl‘s Zooey Deschanel got to wear custom-made Prada for her first trip down the Golden Globes red carpet and this fitted, floor-length gown was certainly a departure from Zooey’s typical short, vintage-inspired A-line frocks. Personally, I loved the beading on the bodice, but wish it had extended a bit further onto the bottom half of the dress. Oh, and for all you nail art fans, Zooey also rocked a tuxedo mani last night — so cute!
Least Favorite Look
Unfortunately, not every celeb knocks it out of the ballpark when it comes to red carpet fashion. Here’s one look simply didn’t care for at last night’s event:
Piper Perabo in Theyskens’ Theory

Photo: PR Photos
I really wasn’t a fan of Piper Perabo’s overly-voluminous Theyskens’ Theory gown at the Globes. The size of the skirt was a little too Gone with the Wind for my taste and the semi-sheer grey fabric wasn’t doing the look any favors either. Piper was all smiles on the red carpet, though, and proved that confidence is key when taking a fashion risk.
Your thoughts?
Now that you know what we think, tell us your opinion. Did you watch the Golden Globes last night? Who wins your pick for best-dressed? Any looks you didn’t like? Be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!
Posted on on January 16, 2012 / Filed Under: Fashion News / Tags: Angelina Jolie, Celebs, charlize theron, Claire Danes, Designers, Emma Stone, Featured, Golden Globes, Nicole Richie, Red Carpet, Rooney Mara, Zooey Deschanel














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Amanda
I loved Emma Stone, Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Jessica Alba, and Jessica Castan (I don’t know if I spelled her last name right). I thought Sarah MG’s dress was HORRIBLE. I really do not like that dress.
All in all I really enjoyed the dresses this year.
Jessica
I really didn’t like Charlize’s dress. There was too much going on at once and it completely distracted from her face. She has a plunging neckline, a thigh slit, a long train, big poofy layers right above the slit, and some bejeweling at the hip. Too much going on…not a fan.
Amanda
I really loved Emma Stone, Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek and Jessica Castan’s dresses. They all looked amazing. Not a fan of Sarah Michelle Gellar’s dress, I guess I would fall into the “hate” category, but it is cute that her daughter picked it out.
All in all, great dresses this year.
Ash
Rooney Mara was by far my favorite but I pretty much love everything she wears these days, so no surprise there! I also liked SMG, mostly because I was so excited to see COLOR on the red carpet! So many “nude” gowns this year, it got boring.
Arianna
Everyone is talking about Jane Fonda,but was she there? Because I haven’t watched the Golden Globe and I can’t seem to find her.
Anna
Got to love Evan Rachel Wood’s dress. It’s glamorous yet classy at the same time. :)
The Kitchen Witch
I really liked Jessica Alba’s dress and I thought Nicole Kidman was rockin’ in her svelte number. Too bad the didn’t get more props. I thought there were way more misses than hits at this award show.
Caitlyn
I LOVED Sarah Michelle Gellars dress! I was happy to see something different!!
Ines
I really loved Emma Stone’s and Zooey Deschanel’s dresses. I hated Sarah Michelle Gellar’s, though. The only good thing about it is that it was chosen by her daughter, so at least it had the cute factor going on
Ines
Oh, and I also liked Heidi Klum’s, even though most people thought it was a tad boring
Shannon - Boston University
I was on a plane last night and missed the show so I’m so glad you did a recap! OBSESSED with Emma Stone’s dress…although frankly I’m also obsessed with her and everything she does, haha.
Hmm…Zooey Deschanel’s looks a bit like she was wearing an all black dress and then spewed bright green cartoon vomit down the front. Good that she’s trying something different but maybe there’s a reason she always wears those vintage frocks… I kind of like Piper Perabo’s dress, though! !
Grace
I really liked Natalie Portmans dress! bright colour and so her!! :)
Emma Stones was pretty as well…
Grace
oh and what about Michelle Williams? she looked stunning!!
Chelsea
Evan Rachel Woods’ dress was my favorite, followed by Charlize Theron. Not a fan of Angelina Jolie’s dress, the red piece is kind of awkward.
Lauren
I wasn’t a huge fan of Angelina Jolie’s. I was very put-off by how skinny she was and how her dress emphasized her thinness and frailness. I feel as if fashion news outlets are afraid to put Angelina on the worst-dressed list because she’s such a power celebrity. Even though I thought the dress was elegant, it didn’t work for her and all my friends and I were disgusted by the bones that seemed to be piercing her skin.
Chloe
Def some gorgeous choices! I am not a HUGE fan of Sarah Michelle’s dress, but it is original! Zooey looks gorgeous as usual! She is my favorite haha!
Lauren
I loved Charlize Theron’s dress though. She looked like a beautiful goddess!
Lyra
Evan Rachel Wood and Angelina Jolie’s were my favorites. I also loved Tilda Swinton’s outfit!
Chloe
What about Michelle William’s Jason Wu ensemble? I thought she looked absolutely gorgeous and stunning (well, as did the dress).
Ana
I really loved Emma Stone’s and Zooey Deschanel’s, but what in the world was going on with Zooey’s hair? It looked like she had sideburns
Angelina Jolie’s dress was really pretty and was nice to see her not dress monochromatic but boy is she thin, her arms scared me
Jenny in Jacquard
Emma Stone’s dress was absolutely divine! I missed the show, but I’m excited to check out all of the red carpet looks.
C
Emma Stone wins in my book! I love her dress, but I also may be bias because I to have a huge girl crush on her :) Didn’t watch the golden globes last night but I wish I had (just for the fashion)! Fabulous post!
Taylor
Boy was I surprised to see that Rooney Mara and I had the same hair style last night, pulled back in a greasy pony tail. Too bad I had just come back from the gym and she was on the red carpet! I didn’t like the dress either. It reminded me of something that I would see six inches shorter on half the girls in a frat basement on any given friday night. It was so boring for the Golden Globes. Also, she is so skinny and has an amazing body but that dress did nothing for her. It made her seem emancipated and highlighted nothing. Michelle Williams. on the other hand, looked stunning! As did Helen Mirren. Frida Pinto was wearing a 144.5 kart yellow diamond necklace! I think they were all much better dress than Rooney.
Emily
I seriously though the best dress of the night belonged to the helper lady on stage, you know the one who showed the presenters were to stand when the winner was speaking, it was beautiful, sparkly, elegant and I just loved it. However I thought the best red carpet dress went to Nicole Kidman, loved the beading, work, and I thought it suited her perfectly, I also really like Clare Danes, and Zooey Deshanel, I was not a big fan of the glee girls, way to complicated, but really I thought this year was pretty good
Chelsea - University of Oklahoma
NIcole Richie and Rooney Mara were my favorites from last night! I also loved Emma Stone, she looks great in deep colors. Evan Rachel Wood’s dress was beautiful but I didn’t like her hair/makeup…I thought she looked kind of washed out
Bree S.
What about the women of color. I love this site & it is my lifeline. I don’t know what I would do without it. I’m just saying that it would be nice to see some variations in the choice of women on this site. Aside from my comments, Zooey Deschanel looked beautiful, just as she always does!!!
Louisa
I liked Michelle Williams best! the dress was perfect for her, very unique and went great with the headband!
I also liked Helen Mirren and Natalie Portman!
Ashley
Charlize looked stunning
Hannah
I actually didn’t really like many of the dresses you picked.. I think there were a lot better dressed celebs out there! I also really liked Piper Perabo’s dress :)
Liza
I loved Nicole Richie’s metallic gown. It looked even better up close! I also liked Evan Rachel Wood’s textured green dress because it was so different from all the others. I would add Claire’s (from Modern family) dress to the list (so chic!) along with Shailene Woodley’s metallic Marchesa.
N.
Emma Stone’s outfit is definitely my favorite. The colors, the length, the kick-ass eagle on the belt = perfection. Piper Perabo gets +1000 points for looking like she had the most fun. lmao. I noticed there were a lot of nude dresses… while I usually like nude dresses, it’s getting kind of boring. Also, can Paula Patton get a shoutout?? Shoooot. Girl was rocking that yellow dress and smiling like nothing could ruin her day. Sunshines and freaking daisies.
kim
I really liked emma roberts dress as well! not a huge fan of SMG dress..
hannah
Lauren–OMG THANK YOU. I feel like I’m taking crazy pills, because everyone is talking about how stunning and amazing she looked and I think she looked like she was about to die of malnutrition. The dress just emphasized how disturbingly skinny she was. The thing is that NO ONE will say a bad word about her.
Shannon
I thought Angelina looked gorgeous though also a bit frighteningly like a wax figure or mannequin. I also quite liked Rooney, Evan, and even SMG, though its not the sort of gown I normally fancy. It looked very playful.
Marwa
Charlzie Theron looked absolutely beautiful in that dress!
Kristen
Madonna’s dress was easily my favorite
Jessica
Oh god, I absolutely ADORED Dianna Agron’s dress. She looks stunning in red. It looked so intricately made, and the way she accessorized it with red lipstick and a simple silver bracelet, and putting her hair into a simple updo, made her dress the thing that stands out most. It was seriously gorgeous!
Raven
@Bree S. same except I’m almost ready to move on. There are other blogs that I can go to that will feature people of color. This has happened too many times.
Raven
Oh and I loved the Glee girls’ dresses and Octavia Spencer. She dressed for her size, age and skin tone just flawlessly. I’m happy she won. Honorable mentions to: about everyone else even Sara Michelle Gellar.
Samantha
Liked Angelina’s dress. Didn’t like Sarah Michelle Gellar or Rooney Mara’s.
Pascale
My favorite look was Claire Danes’ dress. I think it was a classic. I loved the clean lines. The simplicity of it is what I think makes it so fabulous. I also loved Emma Stone, Evan Rachel, Sarah Hyland, Nicole Kidman, and Jessica Alba. I appreciated the way all of them kept their accessories to a minimum and allowed their dresses to shine!
Great night for fashion!
Laney TSC
I absolutely loved SMG’s Globes dress. I was so bummed that not everybody was crazy for it as well. It was such an inventive and gorgeous piece of work. I just hope that image stays around forever, so that people will change their minds about how original and lovely it is!