By Jill Radsken Globe Correspondent,September 21, 2015, 1:02 a.m.
Ellie Kemper.Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
The 1970s is often referred to as the decade fashion forgot, but it enjoyed quite a revival Sunday on the Emmy Awards red carpet. Some actresses came dressed as if their stylists had binge-watched old episodes of “Charlie’s Angels.” Metallic gowns, especially ones with long-sleeve silhouettes, were everywhere. And January Jones arrived in a green jumpsuit that recalled “The Mod Squad.” What didn’t look dated was daring. There were lots of off-the-shoulder styles, and many actresses went bold with a color palette that ranged from yellow to red and all shades of pink. Here are a few of the most striking dresses — and a couple of stumpers. Jill Radsken
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The Emmys proved to be that '70s show for designer Naeem Khan, who offered up some of the night's most heavily beaded numbers. Christina Hendricks's long-sleeve gown bordered on costume but Ellie Kemper was perfection in a multicolored geometric sequin dress.
HIT Sometimes simple and sleek is the best way to stand out. “Orange Is the New Black” star Laverne Cox chose wisely with an understated blue Calvin Klein that hugged all her curves. The side and back cutouts gave the gown added glamour.
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/Invision/AP
HIT Sarah Hyland paired sexy and sophisticated in a stunning Zac Posen gown that made her a favorite for best-dressed honors. The off-the-shoulder neckline was glam, ditto the open back.
EPA/PAUL BUCK/EPA
HIT Best actress nominee Taraji P. Henson arrived in a dress as dramatic as her character Cookie on “Empire.” The form-fitting gown, by Alexander Wang, was embellished by golden chain link shoulder straps and featured a sexy cutout at the bodice.
Danny Moloshok/Invision for the Television Academy/AP Images
HIT First the good news: Claire Danes’s plummy Prada gown was the best color of the night. But where the “Homeland” star went wrong was with the oversize metal shoulder chains. Far too heavy for Danes’s tiny frame.
REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
MISS Apparently Heidi Klum couldn’t decide between two dresses, so she wore both. Her canary yellow Versace gown had a sleek sleeveless glamour on one side and a ’70s puffy shirt sensibility on the other. Two epic fails in one.
Charles Sykes/Invision for the Television Academy/AP Images
MISS Why did Maisie Williams (“Game of Thrones”) use a quilter instead of a stylist? Her Emmy gown deserved points for the pretty shade of pink and the pockets, but the stitching looked like a bedspread by grandma.
