From nude to shocking pink, there’s a way to do soft without looking washed out and pale and there’s a way to do color without being garish. Both these looks are gold star worthy examples.

I love the similar strapless silhouettes worn with graceful updos and minimal jewels. It’s fitting that the bodice of the soft pink is simple and classic and the hot pink option has a little architectural pizazz, but not enough to compete with the full skirt.

It’s not a coincidence that both Drew Barrymore and Toni Collette are wearing gowns by Monique Lhuillier.

Very few ladies on the Emmy’s red carpet opted for audacious jewels — simplicity reigned. Maybe it’s a sign of the times. Instead, most of the women opted to let their dresses be the center of attention.

It takes restraint to go bare necked when expensive sparkly jewels are ripe for the borrowing for any red carpet celeb. I like the trend of scaling back. I wish more women would observe it when dressing for their big night out come holiday season. More is rarely better.