The Grammys are the major awards show where celebrities are encouraged to express their individual styles on the red carpet, and where tuxes and gowns are not required. While some celebrities made good use of this freedom of fashion expression, others pushed the envelope too far, exiting the realm of creative expression into the realm of just plain ugly.

 

Ciara's circus performer bodysuit-jumper combination definitely fell into the ugly category, making her look like something out of an awful sci-fi movie. (Though on a positive note, she was decked out in $250,000 worth of Cartier diamonds, which are always in style.) Rihanna also looked like something from outer space in a white Elie Saab number that seemed to take a cue from Bjork's infamous swan dress. Katy Perry's dress was also a miss: if you're going for the Indian princess look, you might as well go full force with Bollywood glamour, rather than sticking to the nude Zac Posen gown she selected for the evening's events.

 

The guys were not much better.  I wasn't so put off by Adam Lambert's sequin-embellished blazer, but the Colonel Sanders tie just wasn't right. I do respect the fact that he dressed up for the event; other guys abused their freedom to dress down. Case in point was Travis Barker, who felt a sleeveless t-shirt and backwards cap were appropriate red carpet attire (but he did accessorize well with his adorable son).

 

Fortunately, not every star's style was as off-key as Taylor Swift's Grammy performance. Keri Hilson looked glamorous and gorgeous in a figure-flattering nude Dolce & Gabbana gown, Lea Michele looked perfect in a Romona Keveza dress and Colbie Caillat shined in a stunning Badgley Mischka gown. The Jonas Brothers (aside from Joe) were the best-dressed guys of the night.

 

And then there was GaGa. The woman really needs her own category, as she showed up to the red carpet wearing her own solar system - the result of a collaboration with Giorgio Armani. Perhaps not the most conventional red carpet look, but in my eyes, Lady GaGa can do no wrong.

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