In a sea of blush, beads and black, there was an overarching theme on the Emmy Awards red carpet Sunday night (August 29): old-school glam. With the men evoking such Hollywood icons as Cary Grant and Clark Gable, the women hit the carpet in gowns that harked back to the golden era of the silver screen, thanks to retro silhouettes and an emphasis on glamour.

Kim Kardashian paid homage to Elizabeth Taylor in a white Marchesa dress with a halter neckline and cape detailing and a big cuff by Lorraine Schwartz. "Glee" star Amber Riley took that same route, however, co-star Dianna Agron may have gone a bit too retro in a lilac-and-black-lace tiered dress that screamed "Gone With the Wind."

Lea Michele hit the mark in Oscar de la Renta, even if the fit was a bit off. Her strapless navy ruched gown certainly made a statement with its crazy skirt and a diamond choker by Lorraine Schwartz. Keeping it with the Gleeks, the guys went standard-issue red carpet, thanks to tailored dark suits, but Kevin McHale made the look all his own with his thick-framed glasses and gold bow tie.

Then, there were the actors who vamped up the carpet. "True Blood" stars Rutina Wesley and Carrie Preston went bold in their printed gowns, but none as bold as Anna Paquin, who was gladiator chic in her Alexander McQueen gown with black and gold sequins. She also had the ultimate accessory, co-star and hubby Stephen Moyer, who kept it stylish in a suit and tie. "Vampire Diaries" star Nina Dobrev dazzled in a champagne ruched, one-shoulder gown with sparse beading that sparkled in just the right places.

The cast of "Mad Men" also made bold statements on the carpet. The über-voluptuous Christina Hendricks played to all her assets in a lilac '40s-silhouette gown with feather detailing on the sleeves and hem, courtesy of Zac Posen. January Jones' Versace blue strapless dress complete with fishtail will leave fashionistas split, thanks to its forward-thinking styling. Jon Hamm had girls swooning and wishing they were in girlfriend Jennifer Westfeld's shoes in his well-tailored suit and bow tie.

Other red-carpet standouts included "Modern Family" star Julie Bowen in a navy, asymmetrical, strapless dress with peplum detailing. Kelly Osbourne also played it vintage in her '40s-style black gown by Tony Ward. Not-so-desperate housewife Eva Longoria wore a black strapless dress with a detailed ruffle skirt by Robert Rodriguez, and Claire Danes rocked a gold-and-nude sequined, strapless Armani Prive dress with hanging stud earrings.

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