The Met Costume Gala: A Study Guide By Color And Trend

We've been seeing many different fashions at the Costume Gala, that it's kind of hard to keep everything straight. But yes, it's doable! Major kudos go to Vie at The Vie Society (our interview with her is here), who compiled a list of who wore what, organized by color and trend.-

Ready, steady...go.

Camilla Belle, Janet Jackson, Zoe Saldana

In the "one armed wonders" category, we have Camilla Belle in Jason Wu, Janet Jackson in Lanvin, and Zoe Saldana in Calvin Klein. Our pick? We like Camilla's deep red, but on a red carpet, it doesn't have quite the uumph as Zoe's black number.

Chloe Sevigny, January Jones, Blake Lively

In the "short, textured brights" arena, we have Chloe Sevigny in Proenza Schouler, January Jones in Yves Saint Laurent and Blake Lively in Marchesa. Our pick? The texture of Lively's Marchesa is phenomenal, so we're leaning towards that. But we like the bounce of Chloe's Proenza Schouler. So maybe "A" and "C," but not "B." I guess that means "D"?

Kate Hudson, Alessandra Ambrosio, Jessica Biel, Jessica Alba

Next up are the "sexpots in nudie pinks!" In other words, Kate Hudson in Stella McCartney, Alessandra Ambrosio in Versace, Jessica Biel in Ralph Lauren Collection and Jessica Alba in Sophie Theallet. Great leg on Hudson's, great back on Alessandra's. Hudson for the win, since Biel's, though pretty, looks a bit half hazard and Alba just copped out.

Rachel Weisz, Naomi Watts, Thandie Newton

Rocking the "bright pinks on the red carpet," we have Rachel Weisz in Oscar de la Renta, Naomi Watts in Lanvin and Thandie Newton in Vivienne Westwood. Our pick goes to Weisz, simply because Naomi's and Thandi's pinks aren't "pink" enough.

Malin Akerman, Alexa Chung, Zoe Kravitz

With the "black and whites," introducing Malin Akerman in Temperley London, Alexa Chung in Phillip Lim, and Zoe Kravitz in Alexander Wang for Gap. We're particularly partial to Alexa's suit, because we desperately want to look as good in that type of getup as she does, but sadly...do not.

Diane Kruger, Emma Watson, Taylor Swift, Kirsten Dunst

Then we have the "virgins in white." In other words, Diane Kruger in Calvin Klein Collection, Emma Watson in Burberry, Taylor Swift in Ralph Lauren Collection and Kirsten Dunst in Rodarte for Gap. This one's easy: though we like Swift's dress, it's kind of...blah. Kruger's dress is stellar in that it's quite tight-lipped, but still shapely.

Elizabeth Banks, Gisele Bundchen, Kristen Stewart

The "vixens" in LBDs were Elizabeth Banks in Gucci Gisele Bundchen in Alexander Wang and Kristen Stewart in Chanel. KStew completely missed the mark, and Banks did a bit too, but we think only because her tights were a little overboard. Therefore, by default, Gisele wins.

Abbie Cornish, Melania Trump, Tina Fey, Oprah Winfrey

The "classics in navy" were Abbie Cornish in Louis Vuitton, Melania Trump in Christian Siriano, Tina Fey in Yves Saint Laurent and Oprah Winfrey in Oscar de la Renta. Liz Lemon should win, but alas, she does not. Abbie's dress looks a bit awkward. That leaves a trump and the big O. Hmm. We're gonna give it to O, because her ruffles kick Trump's ruffles' ass.

Anne Hathaway, Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lopez, Marion Cotillard, Sarah Jessica Parker

"Shimmering" down the carpet were Anne Hathaway in Valentino, Gwen Stefani in her own design for L.A.M.B., Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad, Marion Cotillard in Christian Dior and Sarah Jessica Parker in Halston. Now, Hathaway's worn that kind of dress a trillion times, so she's DQ-ed. Stefani's dress is decent, but not great. J.Lo's is beautiful, as is Marion's dress. SJP, though we love her and the iridescence, isn't as strong. The winner? We'd call it a tie, but ties are for losers. That being said, Marion for the win, because I saw "The Back Up Plan" yesterday and I'm still pissed.

Demi Moore, Chanel Iman, Nicole Richie, Claire Danes

Here are the metallics, with Demi Moore in Lanvin, Chanel Iman in a Michael Kors jumpsuit, Nicole Richie in Marc Jacobs and Claire Danes in Burberry. Moore is disqualified, because it's not pretty. Of the remaining three, Iman nails it, and I know that because your eyes keep going back to it.

M.I.A., Jessica Szohr

And last but not least, we have M.I.A. in Alexander Wang and Jessica Szohr in Versace in the black/nudie peekaboo" schtick. The winner? Szohr, because I don't know what I'm looking at when I look at M.I.A.

[all photos via vie]