The Classy, Ass-tastic, and Tacky Fashions of the BET Awards

By Dodai Stewart  |  July 2, 2012 | 3:30pm
BeautyStyle

The fashion at the 2012 BET Awards — held last night in Los Angeles and hosted by Samuel L. Jackson — was hit and miss. For every classy, pretty ensemble, there was steaming heap of tacky.

Apparently the show was sponsored by Ford. That’s cool, I mean, I guess someone needs to pay. But. Every single red carpet photo was shot in front of a hideously hued car. The poor celebs had no choice! Just… weird. Anyway, a lovely shade of blue on Taraji P. Henson. Cool and breezy dress on Kyla Pratt. The lingerie look suits Michelle Williams, even if it’s a little boring.

Machine Gun Kelly barely put any effort into it. Amber Bullock‘s jumpsuit is not that flattering, but she looks happy. Tatayana Ali is adorable, but there’s so much going on with that ’80s-esque dress — from the sheer bodice to the skinny belt to the lampshape peplum — the result is an ugly eyesore.

Tonya Lewis Lee and Spike Lee exude Hollywood glam. Boris Kodjoe knows exactly what he’s doing, and he’s doing it well. Faith Evans does an animal print take on a tux that’s kind of meh — not special enough for an awards show. She could be going to the mall.

In the immortal words of Kurt Vonnegut, Tocarra is busy, busy, busy. Kerry Washington can do better — we’ve seen it! This strapless neutral is a big snoozefest. Chaka Khan channels Angelina’s leg and Snooki’s extensions.

ANTM alum Eva Pigford gets it right: Her white dress seems simple, but with a dramatic back, neon heels and oversized earrings, it’s obvious she’s ready for a party.

A few ladies opted for trousers: Snakeprint leggings on Nicki Minaj; a sparkly jumpsuit on LaLa; wide-legged pants on Yolanda Adams.

It comes as no surprise that class act Angela Bassett looks flawless from head to toe. She makes Common look bad. He really ought to tuck something in.

Meagan Good recently got married, and she’s still in bride mode. Pay no attention to the shorts behind the curtain, says Selita Ebanks. And Monica is dabbling in architecture: Flying buttresses, to be exact.

Busta Rhymes celebrated the 4th of July a teeny bit early. Regina King looks like she’s ready for a Mediterranean cruise.

Jermaine Dupri is late for the regatta. Lola Munroe‘s dress really showcases her assets. Dig the modern Lady Guinevere thing.

It was really sad when Monica went back stage to change and was swallowed by a boa constrictor. Some people probably wondered where Brandy had left her pants, but she looks awesome. Miguel is like, Brandy and Monica in the same place at the same time? That’s hot! Red hot.

At 11 years old, Willow Smith already has red carpet ennui… and excellent baby punk style. Brianna Perry was feeling reflective. And yet another jumpsuit, this time on Melanie Fiona. Did she get that body jewelry from The Authority?

Among the ladies who believe award shows are a formal event: Kenya Moore and Letoya Luckett, both in full-length yellow evening gowns. Beyoncé opted for a yellowish greenish chartreuse, cinched with a superhero belt.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West were matchy-matchy in blinding white.

I’ll admit it: Part of me really likes what’s happening here.

By the way: Bey, Jay, Ye and KK are too rich and too famous to stand in front of a Ford on the red carpet.

Oh, and: Your friend, the always-charming Chris Brown, was there, too.

 
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