The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) award ceremony occurs between the Golden Globes and the Oscars, two award ceremonies that are considered more important in the world of film and television. As a result, stars take fewer fashion risks on the red carpet; with less press and less publicity they can’t expect as high of a return on a dangerous choice.

Surprising and Exciting – January Jones, Naya Rivera

January Jones, of “Mad Men” fame, was one of the few attendees who didn’t follow this convention. Her black and white gown, by Prabal Gurung, was sheer above the bust, form fitting at her waist and hips, and had an unusual ruffle at her neck.

The unusual ruffle and the sheerness were not typical of the gowns worn to the SAG awards; most women opted for simpler gowns, like those worn by Tina Fey (in an Oscar de la Renta) and Amy Poehler (in a Zuhar Morad). Jone’s hairstyle, a punky updo, contrasted the sweet effect of the gown’s neckline. “Glee” star Naya Rivera was daring in a curve-hugging, black gown with a long train, a sheer neckline, and a gathered bustier, by Donna Karan Atelier.

Boring and awkward – Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence, recently in “The Hunger Games” and winner of the award for Outstanding Female Actor in a Leading Role in “Silver Linings Playbook,” wore a boring navy Dior gown. The gown was solid, with little detail beyond the train that looked like it was hastily added to a cocktail-length dress.

The dress did not accentuate any of the positive aspects of her body, hid her legs awkwardly, and made it difficult for her to walk. This was the source of a wardrobe malfunction – when she stood up to accept her award, her gown seemed to separate mid-thigh. She can’t be faulted too much for her boring choice, though; according the Los Angeles Times, Lawrence had been battling pneumonia and attended the awards ceremony while still ill.

Classy – Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman, presenting the award for Best Supporting Actor, looked classy in a navy and black embroidered gown by Vivienne Westwood, with glittery floral appliques. A well-placed slit up the side of one leg allowed her to show off her long legs and her simple, black Manolo Blahnik heels. She wore her hair down and pin straight, a good choice for such a decorated gown.

Dowdy – Lea Michele

Lea Michele, the star of “Glee,” wore a fuchsia gown by Valentino to the SAG awards. The dress, reminiscent of a prom dress, was gathered oddly at her ankles, and the neckline was uninteresting and uninspired. The waistline was high, making her torso look shorter on her already short frame. It didn’t do anything to flatter her shape; in fact, because she is relatively short, it made her look wider than she is. Her hair, gathered on one shoulder, was also uninteresting. Although bangs suit her face, the ombre hair-dyeing trend has played out and served only to make her look even dowdier.