It’s entirely possible the Golden Globes show is still rambling on, but at this point, I think we’re safe to call the key trends: Cutouts, capes and cleavage.
Here are the highlights.
Do the White Thing
Predictions about massive amounts of color and florals on the red carpet proved unfounded. The overwhelming hue was white. There were several good ones—loved Laverne Cox in classic glamour. But my very favorite white was Alicia Vikander in a stunning Louis Vuitton column with delicate pleating, a frill trimmed bodice and crisscross straps to show off her back. It fit her perfectly and was one of the few truly fresh looks.
Take the Plunge
So many deep V’s! Olivia Wilde wins for best post-baby bounce back. More than the shimmery Michael Kors Collection dress itself, I loved the whole package, the sexy low pony and necklace, the cute husband, and happy glow.
Cut it Out
Still trying to process the physics of the Jennifer Lawrence Dior Haute Couture silk crepe dress. The blousing, the sleek column, the side cutouts. How did it all hang together? However it worked, I liked the overall look. And of course, it hit one of the bold trends of the evening: the sexy torso cutouts. Brie Larson also rocked this look, and then there’s Kate Hudson, whose abs deserve a category all their own.
Capes n’Trains
There were many extra pieces of fabric—skimming shoulders and creating dramatic exits. Taraji P. Henson had a train attached to her strapless column by Stella McCartney. So did Saoirse Ronan. But Jennifer Lopez wins it by a landslide in a yellow Giambattista Valli cape dress that was glamorous, classic and unexpectedly, delightfully demure for the usually revealing superstar (she did give Angelina Jolie's leg some serious competition).
Pockets
There’s something so reassuring about a gown with pockets. You can carry gum, and you can jam your hands somewhere that doesn’t seem totally awkward or unnatural. Amy Schumer used hers to the fullest, as did Jenna Dewan Tatum, in this pretty Zuhair Marad Couture dress which hit on a couple of other key themes of the night: sparkle and that plunging neckline.
Bonus Styling Tip
The best accessory: Tom Ford. Julianne Moore's red carpet date was fellow presenter Tom Ford, who designed her liquid-like midnight blue sequined gown. The neckline: dramatic. The fit: impeccable. The chances of failing with the hunky fashion designer-turned filmmaker on your arm: zero.
