Golden Globes fashion: Simply the best (and worst)

An unsurprising, recurring theme at Sunday night’s Golden Globes: cleavage.

But there was another trend afoot: frumpy chic.

While the glittery ceremony included lots of all-out, old-school glamour — Naomi Watts (in Gucci), Amy Adams (Versace) and Kate Beckinsale (Elie Saab) — some of the more high-profile ladies opted to tone down their sexuality in nondescript, skin-isn’t-in numbers.

Dare we say many of the gowns parading down the red carpet at the Beverly Hilton Hotel were more G-rated than R?

Except of course, if you work out eight days a week, like Jennifer Lopez, in her go-to label, Zuhair Murad. The Lebanese designer did not let the diva down in this silver-edged plunger with a webbed, Spider-Woman feel, complete with cape. All hail the person who invented double-sided tape.

Two other actresses’ also let their bodies do the talking. Athletic wear designer Kate Hudson and aerobics queen Jane Fonda, both in Versace, had style watchers recalling the Italian fashion house’s safety pin get-up worn by Elizabeth Hurley two decades ago.

At least Jessica Chastain managed to keep it classy — and more importantly, her girls in check — in a copper, chest-baring William Travilla. The comely redhead called it “slick.”

If you ever wanted to know what Sienna Miller’s torso looked like, the Globes was your opportunity. Her pink Chanel with silver appliques didn’t allow for sudden moves.

Some actresses really acted the part of movie stars — Julianne Moore in a sequined silver gown with feathers by Givenchy Haute Couture; Lupita Nyong'o, in a strikingly floral purple Giambattista Valli; Dakota Johnson in a (literally) eye-catching sparkly Chanel; Salma Hayek in a white brocade dress by Alexander McQueen; Anna Kendrick in a Cinderella-y Monique Lhullier; and Viola Davis, whose red Donna Karan Atelier rocked the carpet.

Risk-taking worked out for Emma Stone, who was able to pull off a femme pants suit by Lanvin. Same goes for Kerry Washington, who channeled a ’50s socialite in a color blocked Mary Katrantzou cocktail dress.

There were also some unfortunate, almost matronly style choices.

Granted, Rosamund Pike is a new mom, but her ill-fitting white Vera Wang didn’t win her any new fans over at fashion magazines. At least her 5-week-old son liked it. “He was looking at me getting ready. He didn’t cry; he seemed to approve,” the Gone Girl star told Ryan Seacrest.

Not to bust on the maternity look, but Keira Knightley’s unborn baby deserved better than this. Her light blue Chanel frock had some kind of bib up top and too many ruffles — and butterflies —to count. Auditioning for Sister Wives, are we?

Another pretty woman who didn’t get the memo that the peasant look is out: Kristen Wiig, in Delphine.

Claire Danes could have fit in at a Renaissance Festival with that busy Valentino dress that no doubt weighed more than she does.

Hey, Julianna Margulies: Your banging figure couldn’t save that Ulyana Sergeenko calf-length tablecloth.

We are happy to see Melissa McCarthy shedding weight and getting healthy. But the comedian’s ensemble — “a weird project” pieced together from various items in her closet, she told Giuliana Rancic — may have worked. WITHOUT THE GINORMOUS BOW.

OK, we’re done now. Bring on the Oscars. Last chance to bring the A-game, ladies. You don’t get those salaries to look like average people going to a prom.

MADELEINE MARR

Amy Reyes contributed to this report.

This story was originally published January 12, 2015 at 2:20 PM with the headline "Golden Globes fashion: Simply the best (and worst)."