A Case in Favor and Against Sarah Paulson's Divisive Emmys Dress—What's Your Verdict?

Pros and cons you need to read

By Diana Nguyen, Raleigh Burgan Sep 19, 2016 10:23 PMTags
ESC: Emmy Dresses, Sequins, Sarah PaulsonJohn Shearer/WireImage

Gut reaction: Sarah Paulson's emerald-green Emmys dress—go!

The actress just spurred one of those conflicts that could split up a marriage…or, at least here at E! HQ, a newsroom. Was her sequined Prada gown couture garb or high-fashion garbage? The People v. O.J. Simpson star ultimately landed on our worst dressed list at the end of the night, but tensions lingered, side-eyes remained and fighting words were exchanged—so, now we need you to call it.

Before you share your verdict, let us think: WWMCD (what would Marcia Clark do)? Let's hear both sides of the case.

photos
Worst Dressed at the 2016 Emmys
Danny Moloshok/Invision for the Television Academy/AP Images

Pro: The vibrant color of the dress and her skin tone were a perfect match. Her fair complexion laid the ideal, neutral foundation that her show-stopping gown needed.  

Con: Although the color caught our attention, it exuded major mermaid vibes. With the metallic fringe, she looked like a walking, living bed of kelp.

Pro: Look up impeccable tailoring in the dictionary and find a photo of Sarah—it fit her to a T. The plunging neckline hit her exactly where it should have—keeping this look age-appropriate and elegant yet still with a little edge. Not many people know this (or even notice), but three-quarter sleeves are universally flattering, as they emphasize the daintiest part of the arm. It's not conservative at all—it's regal, bringing us back to the days of white gloves and old Hollywood glamour.

photos
Best Beauty at the 2016 Emmys
Image Group LA/ABC via Getty Images

Con: The problem with this dress is not the tailoring—it's the overabundance of materials. It's too costume-y. Between the plunging neckline, multi-color sequins and fringe, it's like we're playing pinball with our eyes. You could even argue all the embellishments swallow her, making the skin she does show almost frail-looking.

Pro: Her floor-length dress just grazes the carpet, elongating her and emphasizing that she is one statuesque vision to behold. This is how award-winning actresses should look. Future nominees, take notes!

Con: It was hard to watch her walk because she looked weighed down by the gown and all its moving pieces, like a Christmas tree overdressed with too much tinsel. As she moved, so did those ornaments.

read
Winning Hair Looks From the Emmys 2016: Kerry Washington, Ariel Winter, Heidi Klum & More!
Rich Fury/Invision for the Television Academy/AP Images

Pro: With every movement she made you could see the sparkling fringe—in all its precise fabrication and glory. In addition to the dress' natural motion, the patterned embellishments added texture and a purpose that only works of art can boast.

Con: The real problem here is that this dress is confused between being Jennifer Lopez's plunging Versace number from the 2000 Grammys and Angelina Jolie's sparkly, structural gown from the 2012 Golden Globes. It's trying to do too much—what is the message in this work of art?

So, what's the verdict: Do you love or hate Sarah's Emmys dress?

Watch E!'s live 2016 Emmy Awards red carpet coverage starting at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT on Sunday, September 18th
photos
Best Dressed at the 2016 Emmys