Maryland's red-carpet moment at the Golden Globes

Between the stars that hail from Maryland and the shows that are filmed here, the Free State had a strong presence at this year's Golden Globes.

In addition to the question of who took home hardware, there was the matter of sartorial success on the red carpet.

We asked some local experts — Zoey Washington, a stylist and fashion editor at Elle and People Style Watch; Latease T. Lashley, founder of Creatively Speaking, a Baltimore-based public-speaking company specializing in fashion commentary; and Lana Rae, founder of Fashion Awards Maryland and CEO of KIS model agency in Annapolis — to play fashion police and weigh in on which of the celebs we call our own made a splash on the red carpet, and which ones fell flat.

Giuliana Rancic: The E! host, "Fashion Police" judge and University of Maryland alum wore a Maria Lucia Hohan gown that hugged every inch of her body.

"Giuliana loves to take fashion risks, but opted instead for a more traditional (almost bridal) red-carpet look by Maria Lucia Hohan. As always, I think most celebs could benefit from an extra five to 10 pounds. … Giuliana is no different."

—Washington

"She looked glamorous in her blush Maria Lucia Hohan gown. Her fresh-faced makeup compliments this look nicely. With just the right amount of diamonds and perfectly tamed hair, Giuliana rocked this look."

—Rae

"Giuliana looked hungry in her pale strapless Maria Lucia Hohan mermaid gown. Her short loose curls were a plus, but her $2.2 million Forevermark diamond accessories were the highlight of her entire look. You need bold color, Giuliana."

—Lashley

Anna Faris: The "Mom" star and Baltimore native wore Reem Acra.

"Anna Faris looks like a young Goldie Hawn in this sparkly Reem Acra number. Reem Acra dominates the red carpet, and it is great to see a lighter, more youthful side of her designs."

—Washington

"Though Anna looks gorgeous and her Reem Acra dress fits perfectly, it seems to wash her out a bit. A pop of color or contrast somewhere would have done her some good. The choice to go minimal on accessories was the right decision."

—Rae

"Anna Faris looked like a yummy caramel latte in her hand-beaded sheer gown by Reem Acra. With touches of bridal-inspired elegance, the fresh faced, blushing beauty represented Baltimore with great style."

—Lashley

Robin Wright: The star of the locally filmed "House of Cards" wore Ralph Lauren.

"Robin Wright kept it sleek and simple in classic black Ralph Lauren. I kind of love that it looks like she just wore a really great outfit that she already owned."

—Washington

"Though I do like her floor-sweeping skirt, I am not feeling her overall look. Robin looks too casual for the occasion, and her top reminds me of a sweatshirt. Her minimal and very natural makeup isn't helping her case, either. Did she roll out of bed?"

—Rae

"Robin was anything but celebratory in her drab black ensemble that read like a Goth history book. Her super chic haircut couldn't save her Ralph Lauren ensemble from looking confusing — from her Taylor Swift crop top to her lace-up leather skirt detail."

—Lashley

Kevin Spacey: The star of the locally filmed "House of Cards" and winner of best actor in a TV drama wore a tuxedo by Maryland-based Jos. A Bank.

"Spacey for the win in Joseph A. Bank! As always, Spacey was nothing but class while showing a little local pride."

—Washington

"He came to win. Kevin looked handsome in this tuxedo. Classic."

—Rae

"Always dapper and refined, Kevin didn't disappoint in his 'winning' tuxedo."

—Lashley

Julia Louis-Dreyfus: The star of the locally filmed "Veep" wore Narciso Rodriguez.

"White was a huge trend on this red carpet, and Julia did it justice in this fitted Narciso Rodriquez (who is having quite the red carpet moment). Is it just me or is she ageless?"

—Washington

"White-hot! Julia looks sleek in this flattering Grecian-inspired dress. The light beading at the top adds just enough sparkle, with her drop-earrings and cute clutch to complete the look."

—Rae

"Julia was on trend in a white curve-hugging Narciso Rodriguez Grecian dress. I loved the sprinkles of bead detail against her shimmery smoky eye makeup and chic Edie Parker clutch … that look made her a winner."

—Lashley

Kate Mara: The "House of Cards" actress wore Miu Miu.

"Miu Miu is making a big red carpet push this season (see Sienna Miller and Maggie Gyllenhaal), and they got it right with Kate Mara, who looked fresh, youthful and elegant. Honorable mention goes to her relaxed updo that should be copied come prom season."

—Washington

"The scarlet red Miu Miu dress was a good color choice for Kate alongside Kevin Spacey. But the dress was rather understated for the red carpet and I don't understand that thing around her waist. … She needs to fire the stylist that told her to wear that tacky nude belt. Ugh!"

—Lashley

"I'm on my way over to the other side of the fence about this look. I like, not love, the dress, but the belt seems out of place here, overpowering and tacky. Her short locks look fabulous and the soft makeup works for her. Take off the ugly belt!"

—Rae

Christian Siriano: The "Project Runway" alum and Annapolis native designed a gown for "Orange is the New Black" actress Laura Prepon.

"I love the dark moodiness of this Christian Siriano look on Laura Prepon, especially with her jet-black hair. It is a bit Morticia Addams meets glam."

—Washington

"I loved Christian's Golden Globe look for Laura Prepon in her sultry black custom gown. The swirly detail and petal applique showed off her figure and read age appropriate and sultry … and her gold pointy nails added a sexy edge."

—Lashley

"I like the petal appliques on the train of the gown. Though the dress fits nicely on her overall, something is not perfect to me. I can't put my finger on it. I don't hate it, but I don't love it, either."

—Rae

Five top trends of the night:

Old Hollywood hair: Countless women found success channeling that Veronica Lake wave. Jessica Chastain, Heidi Klum and Allison Williams particularly stood out.

Deep V neckline: From Sienna Miller in a beaded masterpiece by Miu Miu to Jennifer Lopez in a champagne-colored deep V, high slight, capped Zuhair Murad stunner, the neckline in many gowns dipped dangerously low.

White haute: The list of celebs in winter white seemed endless: Emily Blunt in Michael Kors; Salma Hayek Pinault in Alexander McQueen; and Kate Hudson in Atelier Versace.

Ladies in red: Red was in abundance. And women sizzled in it. The stars who did it best included Allison Williams in Armani Prive; Viola Davis in Donna Karan Atelier; Taylor Schilling in Ralph Lauren; and Heidi Klum in Atelier Versace.

Back to black: The go-to color was shown in varying ways. From long dramatic gowns to pants suits. Jennifer Aniston wore a Saint Laurent halter gown with a dazzling bodice. Lorde wore a crop top pants suit by Narciso Rodriguez. Gina Rodriguez collected her best actress award in Badgley Mischka. Amal Clooney wore a Dior Haute Couture gown that she offset with a pair of diamond white gloves.

john-john.williams@baltsun.com

Twitter@popcouturejjw4