The 2018 American Music Awards took place last night and if you didn’t watch, you didn’t miss much (save the gospel-heavy Aretha Franklin tribute performed by R&B icons Gladys Knight, Donnie McClurkin, CeCe Winans, Ledisi, and Mary Mary—that was certainly something to write home about). The fashion was pretty decent but mostly stuck to a few, safe themes: dark gowns, pink gowns, statement suits, and disco ball sequins as far as the eye could see.
Before we get into all of that, let’s talk about the most colorful ensembles of the evening: Cardi B wore a gorgeous Dolce and Gabbana floral gown with matching head wrap that somehow channels both New Order’s Power, Corruption & Lies album cover and, like, the fake plant section of a Joanne’s Fabrics. That is all to say: I adore it. Beauty YouTuber Patrick Starr has been known to make strong red carpet looks and last night was no exception with this orange samba number. Tiffany Young, formerly of K-Pop all-stars Girls’ Generation, somehow made a loud, rainbow, graphic print, high-low dress subtle and stylish.
A pregnant Carrie Underwood absolutely glowed in this high slit, drape-y black velvet gown with sparkle detailing (that’s foreshadowing!). Gladys Knight’s sheer detailing and cape sleeves deserve their own damn award and Lauren Jauregui looked positively… fine in a purple Pamella Roland gown.
Onto sparkle city: Crazy Rich Asians’ Constance Wu always looks flawless, and this otherworldly No. 21 minidress proves that she’s got the range. Ashlee Simpson full-on matched her in this deep blue wrap dress. The attached chocker feels a little dated but I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt. Tyra Banks shouldn’t have listened to her stylist, but that’s showbiz, baby!