Fashion Review: Emmys 2020

 It's a weird, wild world out there, one in which we end up on our couches watching a bunch of celebrities accept awards on their couches. This year's Emmys was one for the history books, filed under "maybe not necessary" but "something to do" and "their shows are basically getting us through life, so thanks?" 

On a fashion front, it was a decidedly mixed bag, with some nominees and presenters still taking the opportunity to serve up some glam and some donning pajamas. Some wore statement T-shirts, reminding us of the struggle for racial equity. Some kept tradition and wore one of the ugliest brown suits imaginable. Let's take an abbreviated look through the lewks, shall we? 

(Note: as a point of order, I am opting NOT to include outfits that did not appear on the program because, without a red carpet, that's just playing dress up with Instagram. Only outfits intended for the actual show are counting in Amberland!)

BEST DRESSED

Zendaya is right on the cusp of being a mega star, and some may argue she was already there, but I think it will take Dune to take her to even-our-parents-know-her status. Her performance in Euphoria was the first time I really understood the hype; she's been slaying the red carpet for so long, it was time to see if she had the chops to back it up and she does. I love both of these looks and they both convey different personalities. 

Her polka dotted custom Armani Prive gown has the mod, fun whimsy of an ingenue hanging around with Andy Warhol, with the winged eyeliner and messy beehive to match. Her earlier look by Christopher John Rogers has the proportions of a 1920's Poiret design straight out of an Erte illustration but in a color story from the 1980's runways. She has a chameleonlike ability to sell any fashion and it makes her a thrill to watch. 

This might actually be my favorite Kerry Washington ensemble ever. She looks like Diana Ross backstage at the Ed Sullivan Show; I die for a chic bob. Bury me in these emerald earrings. Let me haunt people in this spangled leopard Dolce & Gabbana. I'd buy whatever she's selling here. 

The ever-stylish Dan Levy served up Spring Awakening-meets-Angus Young chic in his beautifully tailored Thom Browne kilt and jacket. It's the single-striped sock that does it for me. David Rose would be proud.

Nancy Pelosi WISHES she had Billy Porter's Ashi Studio cape of justice suit. It's so elegant, and he looks like he's Zooming in straight from the set of a Nancy Meyers movie, a.k.a living the dream. The best accessory is his strategically placed "VOTE" handbag in the background.

PRETTY GOOD

Count on Tracee to treat an opportunity to get dressed like an opportunity to get DRESSED. You could see her from space in this flouncy, knife-pleated gold wonder by Alexander Vaulthier that seems perilously close to giving away the goods with that slit. It's definitely more is more and it's not my favorite look on her ever, but it was a mood lifter. I loved her necklace choice and most of all, I loved her hot pink lip. 

Regina wore a gorgeous blue sculptural dress for Instagram, but for the real show, she chose to make a statement, pairing a powerful Breonna Taylor "Say Her Name" tee with a Schiaparelli suit in the design house's signature pink. We can always count on Regina to never waste a second of her precious time at the podium, and I appreciate that she does it with her clothing just as much as with her words.

The incredibly handsome Yahya Abdul-Mateen II looked so stylish in his Louis Vuitton pinstripe suit that I think I said in my head, "DAYUMMMMM" when he popped on screen. Even better was his eloquent speech, taking special time to praise the black women in his life. 

Several stars opted for glam jams, but Laura Linney's VOTE-themed glam jams are my favorite, and there's truly no better accessory than a great blowout.

MEH

Jen did as Jen does, and that means pull a black Dior from the closet that fits like a glove, pop on some diamonds, get some beachy waves and call it a night. It's as reliable and comforting as mac and cheese, and you gotta love her for knowing what works. 

To be clear, I love this sexy Annie Hall-meets-Madonna Vogue Tour suit and sneakers combo on Annie Murphy. It just didn't feel quite as memorable as I would hope. Time may prove me wrong! Many points for that perfect red lip.

On one hand, I love that Cynthia Erivo isn't afraid of playing with fashion, and this tricky Mardi Gras color combo is working on her. BUT...for some reason I cannot unsee it as a figure skating costume straight out of "Blades of Glory." This would absolutely be someone's ill-suited costume for the millionth long program to "Moonlight Sonata." 

I appreciate Yara Shahidi's ability to take the somewhat bizarre and make it seem effortless and elegant. I'm not sure I'm fully on board for the furry top to her Prada gown -- it's vaguely giving me like, cavewoman vibes??? But her fresh face and simple styling always make the odd seem ok. 

BEST/WORST

Jeremy Strong has a longstanding predilection for ill-fitting, hideous brown suits you could only picture Tom Joad wearing while job-hunting in "The Grapes of Wrath" and I LOVE THIS ABOUT HIM. It's so mystifying, unexplained, truly iconoclastic and I admire his commitment to just looking like he's down on his luck even while winning an Emmy. This particular version answers the question we never asked: what is the color between brown and gray? It has a built-in kerchief. I'm going to repeat that: a built-in kerchief. Chef Boyardee WISHES!

Last but not least, I have no qualms with Julia Garner's flapper costume, but I was seriously distracted when her husband (we shall call him Foster the People, as that is his sole identity to me) plopped down after she had started her speech in a tiger-printed silk robe fit for Joe Exotic. GTFO of the frame, bub!!!

Honestly, kudos to all of these stars. I have no idea what I would have worn; depending on my mood it could have been a cardigan and leggings or it could have been a puff of tulle the size of my living room. I'm glad we got to see the gamut.