"Buckle up. Party down." These were the words that launched Monday's CMT Music Awards. With a purple carpet, shining gold belt buckles, a bubbling fountain, blooming flowers and flashing camera bulbs, the night on the carpet was steaming hot ... kind of.
Poised and ready for an exciting red, I mean purple, carpet experience, I could not help but notice the foreboding rain clouds overhead. A chill ran down my spine, but not because I was fearful of pending rain, but rather because it was in the low 40s with a strong breeze and lack of sunshine. This must have been the coldest red carpet show in CMT Music Awards history. But the ugly weather did not stop some of the hottest stars of country music from making their appearances on the carpet.
Despite the spring season, jewel tones were favored by several of the ladies including Sara Evans, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift and Nicole Kidman. Perhaps inspired by the luscious grape colors of the awards show, Evans wore a fitted purple cocktail dress trimmed in black. Unfortunately, it was a little too fitted. Lesson learned: No matter how trim your figure is, wear a dress that fits.
Swift channeled Aphrodite in a deep purple cocktail dress that was delicately draped. You can snag her style by picking one-shoulder tops and garments with stone detailing.
Underwood looked lovely in a pinkish-purple spaghetti strap dress with matching purple heels. Her knee-length dress was draped with a delicate bustle effect all around the skirt. It was simple and fun and a great look for the CMT Music Awards.
Kidman always looks beautiful, and Monday night was no exception. On the arm of her hot husband Keith Urban, Kidman glowed in her burgundy floor length gown. The V-neck and detailing on the front highlighted her adorable baby belly. Kidman shined with classic elegance, and Urban was just as stylish. He balanced manly sophistication with a rocker edge by combining his unbuttoned suit vest and slacks with a deep charcoal button-up that casually had the sleeves rolled up with a silver wallet chain. Urban was the epitome of casual cool.
The men of Rascal Flatts mixed textures and prints, proving that fashion can be fun and not too structured. Other male styles worth mentioning include the classic cowboy Alan Jackson in his signature white Stetson and worn-in blue jeans. Then there was Billy Ray Cyrus returning to his country roots wearing a black Stetson and coordinating black blazer. Cyrus was simple and classic.
Last week I mentioned the great style of Dierks Bentley since he was so handsome in a mod black tie, white button-up and black blazer at the 2007 CMT Music Awards. But for some reason he decided to dress as if he was going to the mall instead of the biggest night in country music. It's hard to understand why he chose to wear a graphic tee, hooded sweatshirt and blazer to the awards. Perhaps he was cold and couldn't part with his favorite hoodie. Whatever the case, I still love the adorable Dierks.
Back to the ladies, Miley Cyrus embraced this season's florals with her flowy white gown with red floral design. The best part of her dress was the halter-like neck that had a peek-a-boo cutout at the bust; perhaps a little risqué for a 15-year old, but definitely a cute effect. A great trend to follow is the empire waist exemplified in Cyrus' dress. The flowing fabric from the fitting empire waist is complimentary to any body shape.
Other trends seen on the purple carpet: flapper-esque fringe, rockabilly studs, lace, ruffles and, of course. the classic cowboy boots. It was quite a night, filled with rain, frostbite and hot fashion.
Editor's note: Tawney Milam is also an employee of CMT.
