My “Almost” Best Dressed at the 2018 Grammys Are …

There’s so much to be said about the 2018 Grammys — who won, who should have won, the way Recording Academy president Neil Portnow said more women would win if they just worked harder (fuck you, Neil, the average woman works twice as hard as a dude like you). I’m going to have to save some of that for a separate post and just dive into the fashion for now.

As I’ve said before, the fashion at music events always beats other celeb-heavy occasions in my book. Actors need to disappear into other people for a living. It’s not an advantage for them to present an image that’s so memorable that no one can imagine them in other roles. Fashion-industry people want to be seen, but at the same time, they can be uptight about presenting the “right” image. Musicians are the ones who benefit most by cultivating a strong signature look, and — very often — the wilder it is, the better. And that gives me plenty of contenders for my prestigious Best Dressed/Wear What You Want combo award, which isn’t about being conventionally pretty, or classic and tasteful, but about making people do double, triple, or quadruple takes.

Honorable mentions for this year’s Grammys include rapper Tyler, the Creator, who was eye-catching in his white fur hat and light blue jacket …

… and that was before he revealed his leopard-patterned hair!

Ne-Yo was another guy who looked dashing in a hat and a colored jacket. As far as I know, he didn’t have a big hair reveal.

I’m going to give Beyoncé credit for the badass, Black Panther-inspired look she wore for a pre-Grammys party. The structured and asymmetrical dress, the leather beret — so fierce!

I wasn’t quite as excited by what she wore to the Grammys themselves, even though it was striking.

My friend Julie called it a “cross between Grace Jones and the Pointer Sisters back in the day” and declared that Grace did it better.

People gave Ashanti grief for her nipples showing through her golden dress, but I love metallics, tailoring, and a skirt that says, “I’m here to take up space! Out of my way!”

Speaking of dresses that take up space, I adore the Ashi Studio gown that Cardi B wore. Of course, I appreciate mullets, whether we’re talking about hairstyles or dresses.

And look at the angel-wing structure that’s going on in the back!

I’m going to give Rihanna credit for this trend towards voluminous dresses. Remember RiRi’s pink Giambattista Valli gown from the 2015 Grammys?

It definitely has had me craving tulle ever since.

Trying on a dress in 2017. Click for original post.

I think women are more willing to take on a big statement dress since Rihanna paved the way, just like they were emboldened to show more skin after Jennifer Lopez wore THAT plunging Versace gown to the 2000 Grammys.

Singer-turned-actress Janelle Monae was wearing pantsuits when she first emerged on the music scene. She wore some spectacular dresses (and hair to match) while promoting the movie Hidden Figures for last year’s Oscars, but last night she was back in pants by Dolce & Gabbana.

Janelle is fearless when it comes to her hair.

And my only criticism of her ring game is that there aren’t any Wendy Brandes pieces here! Call me, Janelle!

I’m saving the official runner-up and the winner of my Best Dressed/Wear What You Want combo award for my next post. Want to take a guess at them now? Leave your best shot in the comments.