Recapping this year's Emmy fashions

Here are five words we never thought we’d print: We miss Lara Flynn Boyle. While the ceremony inside L.A.’s Shrine Auditorium provided some unexpected moments, the red carpet offered exactly… none. Most of the gowns were pretty enough — you couldn’t throw a stiletto without hitting a satiny jewel-toned number — but we found ourselves itching for some sartorial risk-taking. Our takes on the night’s most notable looks.

Marcia Cross ”I do love green,” said Cross on her stunning Elie Saab. ”I also love orange — but I don’t think it would have been a good choice on the red carpet.” Good call. A

Charlize Theron (in flapper-style Chanel) Waist up: gorgeous. Waist down: knee cleavage. B-

Sandra Oh In a Nina Ricci bustier — and perhaps pain. Still, hot. B+

Halle Berry Berry doesn’t rewrite any fashion rules with this Emanuel Ungaro gown, but when you’re this gorgeous, who cares? B+

Lauren Graham ”I loved the color and shape,” Graham said of her Pamella Roland. We did too, hot mama. A-

Patricia Arquette (in Badgley Mischka): Remember, take the curlers out before you leave the house. C-

Mary McCormack About that monkey belt: Marcel? Marcel? Is that you? D