by guest author Eilene Blakely

Understated colors and classic looks got the most attention on the red carpet at the 2013 Tony Awards. It’s part of the job description for Broadway stars to wear the latest fashions on Tony night, and fans of Broadway theatre and fashion junkies the world over scrutinize every aspect of their attire. The hairstyles and facial hair, the color of the dress, the fabric, the designers, the styles, the shoes and the accessories are all thoroughly noted and receive our awed adoration or cranky criticism. The men and women of the red carpet have everyone’s attention before the awards and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Color

Black, white and blue seemed to be the dominant colors for gowns and suits on the red carpet this year. Rita Wilson, Patina Miller, Laura Benanti, Sigourney Weaver, Anna Kendrick and Zachary Levi wore varying shades of blue, while Scarlet Johansson, Jane Lynch and Laura Osnes chose black.

Style

Long sleeves and floor-length gowns were prominent, with trains and fishtails among the styles worn. Angela Bassett, Cicely Tyson, Condola Rashad and Valisia LeKae favored gowns with shades of purple. Laura Plimpton chose a beautiful red Lorena Sarbu gown that clung to her curves.

Loved It

They put Angela Bassett and Laura Benanti on the best-dressed list, along with Jane Lynch for her black and white pant suit ensemble and Jake Gyllenhaal for his sharp black tux.

Hated It

Critics hated almost as many red carpet outfits as they loved. They panned gowns worn by Cicely Tyson, Laurie Metcalf and Debra Messing, as well as the short black suit worn by Scarlett Johansson, Cyndi Lauper’s black pant suit and Jerry Mitchell’s red satin jacket. More on the worst-dressed list included Frances Fisher for her plain and frumpy frock, Tommy Tune for his over-the-top red three-piece suit, Nancy Dussault and her casual floral top, Diane Paulus and her chaotic black gown and Barbara Van Orden’s plain black dress.

Of Note

Judith Light chose white for her red carpet look in a long-sleeved Zac Posen satin gown. Futuristic, sculptured shoulders and flowing train give this gown a sleek and stylish look for accepting her second "Best Featured Actress" Tony.

Alan Cumming also chose to wear white to walk the red carpet, right down to his shoes. Allen matched the all white Lanvin linen suit with a splash of color from a bow tie for a clean, minimalist look that made an impression.

Another Tony winner, Patina Miller, likes designer Zac Posen, and wore a strapless blue-gray floral chiffon gown with sheer netting. Her Fred Leighton drop earrings were as luxurious as her gown.

Making a statement with a Jesse Tyler Ferguson bow tie from the “Tie the Knot” collection to benefit marriage equality, Charl Brown went with a classic look. His Valentino black tux showed off his "Best Featured Actor" nominee status perfectly.

Anna Kendrick wore a timeless Donna Karan Atelier gown in black and navy with side ruffles and a sweetheart neckline for a feminine look. A simple updo and minimal accessories created a classic style that was simple and elegant at the same time.

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