Hue Go Girl at the Met Gala

The annual Met Costume Institute Gala is typically the fashion world’s collective moment to preen around a worthy cause, and last night was no exception. Co-chair Oprah Winfrey brought mega-wattage to the Institute’s new exhibit, "American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity," devoted to female archetypes, from the flapper to the Gibson Girl to the Bohemian. Out on the red carpet, full-length strapless numbers and one-shoulder frocks (still!), many in bold, saturated colors, were the fashion archetypes that ruled the evening.

The American women we loved included flawless Mary J. Blige in a floor-length coral J. Mendel confection. Laundry’s long, draped peachy dress in our All Dressed Up sale today (get it here) would do the trick if you’re feeling Blige’s vibe, and it has the advantage of being totally wearable for both a dressy night out and a beachy weekend brunch.

Bombshell Christina Hendricks also caught our eye in a L'Wren Scott stunner in cornflower blue. Laundry’s frock (get it here) has the same entrancing hue, and the one-shoulder look is, as we know, still right on-trend. Keep embellishments simple with this one, and finish the look with footwear--anything from wedges to stilettos would work.

Naomi Watts, though not American, was still totally gorgeous in a fuchsia Stella McCartney gown (having Liev Schrieber on your arm doesn’t hurt either). House of Dereon’s classically draped dress (get it here) radiates more of a Greek goddess feel, but the vivid color has the same unmistakable punch that Watts sported. Watts opted for a daring red lip to complete her ensemble, but we would probably lean towards a more neutral peachy-pink lipstick to polish off this entrance-making piece.

What do you think of these looks from last night?