Award shows in Hollywood are generally pretty formal, but when you’re talking about a youth-oriented not-for-profit organization partnering with a TV network, you’re going to see a more relaxed dress code. That’s what happened last night in Hollywood at the DoSomething.org and VH1’s 2013 Do Something Awards. Celebrities kinda sorta tried to dress up, but not really.
Some gentlemen who actually put on dress shirts: LL Cool J, Harry Shum Jr., Justin Mikita and Jesse Tyler Ferguson.
J. Cole and Ne-Yo were slightly more relaxed. And in the role of Thurston Howell III: Darren Criss.
Guys, I only started watching the ABC Family show Twisted because I was going to write about how the premise — a handsome (non-white) young man navigating high school after being accused of murder — reminded me of Boston bombing suspect Jahar Tsarnaev. But then I kept on watching, and became weirdly emotionally invested in the story, and it’s partly this guy’s fault: This is the easy-on-the-eyes actor in the lead role, Avan Jogia. Judge not lest ye be judged, people.
One of the worst looks of the night: Roselyn Sanchez. The length and fit of this sequin dress are all wrong — too long, too loose! — and the shoes are an abominable choice. Wretched.
Kelly Osbourne played it kind of safe and boring, but that’s fine. Still love the lavender hair.
Aisha Tyler looked lovely in white, Cynthia Nixon was cool in navy.
Summery pink for Pretty Little Liars‘ Janel Parrish, summery florals on Noah Cyrus. (Am I the only one who remembers when she was nine, on the red carpet in a swimsuit drinking a Red Bull?)
On the fence about what Jennifer Hudson is wearing. So many pieces, kind of fussy, the shirt is so busy, the shoes cut off her legs, the sheer-but-still-there pantyhose… None of it is good, really. And yet! She looks fierce? In a Dominque Devereaux goes on a cruise in the Mediterranean way? This could be because I stayed up late watching episodes of Dynasty.
Other celebs just wore dresses; Carmen Electra wore a gown. The fabric looks cheap and it’s kind of a mess but let’s applaud her commitment to feeling strongly about what an awards show in Hollywood means.
My favorite shoes of the night belong to Camille Winbush — who’s been on The Bernie Mac Show, Grey’s Anatomy and Secret Life of The American Teenager. Cuuuuuute.
Here’s where the “bests” begin: Sara Bareilles takes a couple of trends — evening shorts, studs, floral — and puts together an outfit that looks easy, elegant, comfortable and contextually appropriate. Love.
Glee star Alex Newell‘s ensemble is pretty basic — beige and white, NBD — but his confidence and attitude make it look like BAM. This is almost my favorite. You do you, kid. Fabulous.
But! Best dressed goes to Sophia Bush. Soft, pretty, amazing dress, great accessories, gorgeous hair. Beautiful.
Images via Getty.