Red carpet round-up: Country Music Awards 2014

The Country Music Awards may celebrate country music but its red carpet was a fashion orchestra. Sheer, effortless and glittery dresses ruled the red carpet, as did understated make-up and minimal accessories.

From suave-urbane styles to all-black gowns to silky ensembles, there’s no doubt the ladies brought their A-game to the event. Take a look at our top five picks from the awards.

Carrie Underwood



Host of the evening Carrie Underwood proved that she’s country music’s golden girl when she arrived in a beautiful embellished gown that completely disguised her blossoming baby bump at the awards night. The 31-year-old singer, who is expecting her first child with husband, hockey player Mike Fisher, took the crown as one of the night’s best dressed, with a high-low hemmed, cream-coloured Lorena Sarbu dress with a striking gold-ombre overlay. The dress accentuated her growing bump, while still keeping her look bang-on trend. Finishing the ensemble with diamond jewellery and nude pumps, she glowed on the red carpet. The Blown Away singer wore her shiny blonde locks down and swept to the side while playing up her eyes with smoky make-up.

Faith Hill



The timeless beauty showed off her endearing new pixie haircut at the event while she strutted down the red carpet with her husband, singer-actor Tim McGraw. Her noir gown drew even more attention to her dapper new look. Hill opted for a black beaded Naeem Khan dress. The sleeveless gown gathered at the top and featured a large black bow that adorned her neck. The sheer panel detail gave the dress real oomph. The 47-year-old dazzled in nominal make-up. Wearing small earrings and a gleaming wedding ring, she kept her jewellery to a minimal and let the glimmer on her face do the talking.

Miranda Lambert



The starlet was the big winner of the night, both on and off the red carpet. The country star walked away with four CMA trophies and looked stunning. She showed off her toned body in a pale pink Bibhu Mohapatra gown that channelled old Hollywood glamour. Now that’s what you call a ‘hot mama’. The Hell on Heels singer looked like she belonged to the sets of a 1920s period film but it definitely worked. From the pleated details and sheer accents of the silk chiffon gown to her wavy retro bob and bold lip and Emm Kuo clutch, the look was absolutely sweltering.

Nicole Kidman



All eyes were on Nicole Kidman when she arrived in a bridal-style Roberto Cavalli gown to support her husband, country star Keith Urban at the event. The Moulin Rouge diva looked absolutely stunning in the delicate white number, as she walked the red carpet with her husband of eight years. Kidman took a different route with her ensemble at the bash, opting for a chic bohemian style. Her charming long sleeves and strategically-placed embroidery over a sheer bodice made her the centre of attention. She looked relaxed and effortless. Who needs accessories when you look like that?

Published in The Express Tribune, November 9^th, 2014.

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