Feminine was in at this year's Golden Globes. The women floated down the carpet in ruffles, pretty pastels and layers of light-as-air fabrics. Lucky for E!, the gowns were so dazzling that we didn't pay too much attention to the nit-picking and annoying fashion play-by-play on the "Glamastrator." Many of the dresses may have been neutral, but they were hardly dull.

PASTELS

Christina Applegate in Roberto Cavalli and Drew Barrymore in Dior

It was a night for pale hues and bare shoulders. Christina Applegate's glowing butter yellow satin strapless dress and Drew Barrymore's dove gray John Galliano for Dior gown were stunning.

PURPLES

Olivia Wilde in Reem Acra

From the deep dark plum dress worn by Rumer Willis to a floaty princess lilac gown, celebrities embraced the many shades of purple.

NEUTRALS

Beyoncé in Ellie Saab and Penélope Cruz in Giorgio Armani Privé

They look almost nude, but thanks to the amazing beading, varied textures and structured fabrics, these dresses lit up the red carpet.

CONTRASTING JEWELRY

Eva Mendes in Dior

The combination of a dramatic white dress and a bold turquoise necklace looked fresh and modern on Eva Mendes. Setting off her red hair and emerald eyes, Amy Adams mixed things up by pairing deep green leaf earrings and a ring with a black Oscar de la Renta gown.

SUBTLE BLING

Angelina Jolie in Versace and Anne Hathaway in Armani Privé

Sparkles were everywhere. The elaborate beading on Anne Hathaway's deep blue and black gown added much drama and the silver fabric of Angelina Jolie's blousy dress looked like shimmering water.

Associated Press - Ap, Star Tribune
Penelope Cruz arrives at the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009, in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Corset comeback

Hayden Panettiere in Gianfranco Ferré

This is the scariest trend on the red carpet. Hayden Panettiere's bustline was so compressed by her gown that you couldn't help but gasp for air when looking at it.

2000 FLASHBACK

Jennifer Lopez in Marchesa

With Marc Anthony at her side instead of Sean Combs (back then, we could call him Puffy), Jennifer Lopez's golden gown looked eerily similar to the green Versace dress she wore to the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards. With a plunging neckline and back, she probably used a lot of Hollywood Fashion Tape, which is good news for the Minnesota-based company.

Sara Glassman • 612-673-7310; • sglassman@startribune.com