I previously stated that red was the color of the night for the 2011 Emmy Awards, but red was given some serious competition with the ladies wearing different shades of blue & varying styles of exquisite black gowns!  There’s just so much to talk about with these looks, proving that even the most classic or daring silhouettes can rival on the red carpet!

Although they say that black doesn’t photograph well… These Style Darlings prove otherwise! First, Michelle Forbes, star of The Killing definitely killed in a black Romona Keveza strapless gown with a fitted bodice.  Winner Julie Bowen took a plunge in a black metallic sequin-embellished column dress by Oscar de la Renta.  She’s never looked better, especially with those stunning Neil Lane earrings!  Kaley Cuoco’s retro polka Romona Keveza dress was by far my favorite black dress, especially with the polka dot netting & red satin peep toes & Judith Leiber clutch.  Fringe star Anna Torv went for a classic old Hollywood look in a black Vera Wang gown with Lorraine Schwartz earrings & navy Roger Vivier shoes.  Boardwalk Empire star Gretchen Mol kept its simple & elegant in a sweetheart L’Wren Scott silk gown with emerald Fred Leighton jewelry.  Glee bad girl, Naya Rivera showed off her figure in a sculpted black dress with corset bodice.

Gwyneth Paltrow caused quite a stir in her two-piece Emilio Pucci beaded gown with Roger Vivier sandals & Neil Lane jewelry.  Evan Rachel Wood looked simply gorgeous in a beaded Elie Saab gown.  She was nominated for her outstanding performance in Mildred Pierce, but turned heads with her Fred Leighton jewelry, Salvatore Ferragamo shoes, & Judith Leiber clutch.  Jenna Ushkowitz went for a black & white Ghadah Paris gown with Casadei shoes & obviously got the memo about carrying a Judith Leiber clutch.  Lena Headey covered up in a black brocade long-sleeved gown with a belt, Brian Atwood heels & a Judith Leiber clutch.  Kelly Macdonald tastefully showed off some skin in a sheer Stella McCartney gown with Jimmy Choo sandals.

As for the ladies in blue, navy was the most popular shade, but turquoise & royal were also embraced.  Kyle Richards wore a pleated royal blue mermaid gown with drop earrings, a cocktail ring, & caged diamond bracelet.  Cobie Smulders of How I Met Your Mother was bright in an aquamarine Alberta Ferretti gown with Neil Lane drop earrings, Brian Atwood shoes, & a clutch by Rene Caovilla.  Last year’s winner, Claire Danes, went for stuck to her favorite column silhouette in a sequin-embroidered Oscar de la Renta gown with Irit jewelry & pumps by Barbara Bui platforms.  Dianna Agron took a risk in this Roksanda Ilincic fishtail gown, but looked stunning with her Fred Leighton jewelry & clutch by Roger Vivier.  Funny lady Amy Poehler channeled this year’s Oscar look worn by Amy Adams in the short-sleeved all-over blue gown by Peter Som with drop earrings by Martin Katz.

Charlie’s Angels star Minka Kelly donned a vintage-inspired navy & black lace Christian Dior gown with Tiffany & Co. jewelry & Barbara Bui sandals.  The X-Factor judge Paula Adbul looked adorable in a navy embellished Simeen gown with Martin Katz jewelry.  Nominee Diane Lane looked fantastic in a navy Monique Lhuillier crystal-encrusted gown with Cathy Waterman jewelry.  Glee girl, Heather Morris wasn’t afraid of this tiered plunging gown with gold dangly earrings.  Emily Blunt showed the best in blue in a deep-v Elie Saab creation with a Kelly Locke clutch & Brian Atwood sandals.  One star that could’ve done better was Katie Holmes in this crepe Calvin Klein Collection belted dress.

Be sure to check back for my Emmy red carpet coverage & our post about the fabulous red gowns worn by celebrities like Sofia Vergara, Lea Michele, & Kate Winslet!  Who was your favorite of the night?  Who do you think his all the wrong notes?  Which dress do you covet? Happy Styling!