This Week, the Best Dressed Stars Wanted Custom Couture and Elevated Glamour

Thanks to the awards shows, holiday events, and press appearances on their schedules, last week’s best dressed stars were intent on doing the most. Whether that meant revisiting their favorite collections, playing up outlandish accessories, or simply dressing for fun depended on the person, but everyone went the extra mile. 

As host of the American Music Awards, Cardi B arrived at Los Angeles’ Microsoft Theater, ready to put on a show. Her elaborate wardrobe of haute couture and vintage came complete with masks, headdresses, and veils, but the star’s standout fashion moment kept the focus on her features—and her music. Cardi collected her award for Best Hip-Hop Song for her single “Up” in a dramatic neon gown by Jean Paul Gaultier. Inspired by a look from the designer’s fall 2019 couture collection, the ruched and ruffled piece was adapted for Cardi’s petite frame. Removing the shoulder embellishments and enlarging the floral detail at the waist changed the overall vibe. The original as worn by model Cindy Bruna felt stately, but Cardi’s version was unadulterated fun. 

Green was having a moment, with Tracee Ellis Ross taking the olive tones of Veronica Beard’s spring 2021 collection for a spin on Instagram. Adept at elevating any outfit, Ross took her sequin jacket and trousers to the next level by pairing them with chartreuse stiletto boots. In London, Gemma Chan unveiled the Swarovski holiday facade at London hotspot Annabel’s while wearing a satin Oscar de la Renta mini-dress in a shade of brilliant emerald. The dress’s color and mile-long train were so eye-catching, one might almost miss Chan’s piece de resistance—a crystal-encrusted Judith Leiber clutch shaped like a champagne bottle. 

Purple emerged as the week’s other power color. Sandra Bullock began the press tour for her Netflix drama, The Unforgivable, by hitting up Jimmy Kimmel Live in a velvet Temperley London suit worthy of Hollywood royalty. The suit’s vibrant hue and cozy texture made for a striking combination, perfect for the star’s return to the talk show circuit. At the AMAs, Olivia Rodrigo dazzled in a lavender dress from David Koma, detailed with thousands of sequins and matching feathers right at the hem. Cute and cheeky with a hint of transparency, Rodrigo’s outfit was the perfect party look for pop’s new princess.