Just Plain Boring

There aren't too many big red carpet events in the spring. Perhaps the April showers keep people away. But come May, there's one event that always has us checking out the fashion disasters: The Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The "Oscars of Fashion" always bring out the most bizarre clothing choices. Bizarre in a good way though. In a you can only wear this kind of thing to a costume gala kind of way. It's always great fun to check out the A-listers and decide who pulled off the most daring looks and who flopped like a dead fish on the red carpet.

The theme this year? Model as Muse. Our verdict? BLAAAAHHH. We were in a word, unimpressed. Everything that wasn't outrageously bad (Madonna) was just plain boring. But we'll do our best to give you our opinions on the best and worst dressed of the gala.

Who We Liked:

Anna - I thought Kate Beckinsale looked stunning. Those jewels! Those feathers! Typically not two things you'd put together and hope to get something classy out of, but this dress worked. It's a beautiful Marchesa creation; a true work of art. I'd put this on and never take it off.

Katie - As per usual, Anne Hathaway looked amazing. The Devil Wears Prada star was channeling the '60s in her Marc Jacobs dress and I loved the entire look. The shorter length brought something different to the gala and wearing purple was risky, but she totally pulled it off with her coloring. Gold star!

Who We Didn't:

Anna - Why does Kirsten Dunst always insist on looking like hell? I'm sorry, but that's the nicest way I can think of putting this. Look -- the Costume Institute Gala is legendary. You're not supposed to wear an ugly dress! You're supposed to wear something that is the very essence of fashion as art. It's not something you'd wear anywhere else. Sadly, not only did Kirsten not wear something fashionably artistic she wore something I wouldn't be caught dead in anywhere. Badly done, Kirsten. Badly done.

Katie - Is Jessica Alba stuck in the '80s? Cause that's what decade her dress is from. And it's not even a cool '80s look (if there's such a thing). It looked tacky and the tights didn't help. Neither did the rare occasion of Jessica smiling.

The Costume Institute Gala should be the most inspiring event in the Fashion Year, but sadly sometimes it just reminds us that money doesn't buy class.

Photos by Women's Wear Daily