As a frequent first runner-up, I understand the meaning of “missing the mark.”  And like the boy who wrote an A+ paper but forgot to put his name on it, these actresses fell just short of glory.  Because sometimes the difference between the best and worst dressed list comes down to one or two small changes.

Christina Hendricks is so shockingly gorgeous that she could wear of burlap bag and make it look sexy, but this dress leaves me a bit cold.  The fit is phenomenal but the color and the sleeve length are just blah.  I think it would greatly benefit from a vibrant emerald dye job and a cap sleeve. 

If I could make one change to Jewel’s gown, I would rip that bow off the front in a heartbeat.  As for the rest of the outfit, how about a navy blue sequin clutch and some sapphire earrings instead of an all blush ensemble.  I love shades of nude, but you can have too much of a good thing.

I love the ruched bodice of Jane Lynch’s aubergine one shoulder gown, but the paneled taffeta skirt looks like it belongs on the mother-of-the-bride.  It also makes her rear look bigger than it is, and that is never a good thing.  A fitted, slight A-line or knife pleated chiffon skirt would be a vast improvement.

I love the shape and detailing on Mariska Hargitay’s Vera Wang gown, but the color is kind of blah.  If the dress were a deep ruby, a charcoal grey or navy (the hottest color of the night), it would be phenomenal.  But in the pale blush, it’s just meh.

When I was 15-years-old, I wanted to be Keri Russell with her fresh-faced glamour and sweet but wild, curly locks.  (Hell, I still want to be Keri Russell.)  But this dress is a good six inches too short.  If you’re going to wear a full-length gown, wear a full-length gown.  No one wants to see your ankles.

Did you see anyone who skirted perfection but came up short?