The ones dragging the ground would have been miserable to be wearing all night. Trudie, Stings wife is always stylish but practical.

I thought Nicole Kidman's was absolutely gorgeous.

Yes, Viola Davis looked stunning. Two of my other favorites were Emma Stone's and Nicole Kidman's, although I wondered if both of them really needed the pop of red lipstick to offset the light-colored gowns. I loved the top of Halle Berry's dress, but not the bottom. And I loved her hair, too--although I felt sorry for the people who sat in back of her, as I'm sure they couldn't see a thing.

Here's Cosmopolitan's take on a bunch of the dresses. I agree with some of their assessments, although I'm more critical of some others.

Best and Worst Gowns

Notice that none of the featured gents were daring. All dark. I did not see one plaid tie, much less a jacket that was plaid. And the shoes? Same old stuff. C'mon guys, be daring.

I read one critique that said the same thing. Pharrell Williams wore some bling but other wise the guys were pretty ho hum. I think Emma Stone's was my favorite look over all, but I loved the velvet gowns too.

OMG, I hate those skinny pants the men are wearing...showing off their skinny bird legs? Whatever?! Looks absolutely ridiculous!

I liked Nicole Kidman's dress too.

They are rarely pretty or wearable. And they're often too long. Come on - so they're loaners. With the money these stars make, buy the danged dress and have it hemmed!

I don't care for those suits/pants either, arkansas girl. They look ill fitting and uncomfortable.

Loved Emma's Stone's dress, but I am crazy for fringe so I may have a wee bit of bias there.

How about Megyn Kelly at Vanity Fair after party?

I thought this was a more dramatic photo of Taraji P. Henson's dress. I love her, great actress.

I heard that Taraji's dress was purple. It looked black. Someone wore a ball gown that I liked in a yellow-chartruse with lots of skirt. Looked pretty to me in the glimpse I got. Not easy to sit in for a few hours though.

I loved Viola Davis' dress and also Taraji's and Emma's.

It was interesting to see the changes one designer made to some of the dresses to improve the looks. One was making Emma Stone's pale pink instead of gold. Most of them I think she nailed it, changing sleeve length, neckline, etc.

Sheilajoyce, that sounds like it might have been the dress Leslie Mann was wearing.

Leslie Mann

I liked Hensen's dress the best. I just don't go for frills and sequins. Love classic black dresses with no embellishments, just fancy diamond necklaces.

Actually, Tariji's dress was my favorite, because it was blue. Wasn't it? AOL agrees it's blue ;)

Alisande, you are right. Thanks. Fashion Police said Taraji's dress was deep purple.

How about that? Even "experts" don't agree. Black, blue, purple... Tariji's dress fit and was worn perfectly. It was dark.

I'll have to go look via the links here. DH and I are watching "The Collection" during our Teatime Matinee this week. Take a look at the yards and yards of fabric and crazy headgear created as a Paris fashion house worked to pull itself up post WWII -- and post-occupation.

Adding...OK, I looked. I'll take Dior over all the rest.

jakmom's picture? It looks blue on top, purple on the bottom.

It might also be duo-tone velvet. Textiles have come a long way. :)