Vanessa Williams At the People’s Choice Awards

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It seems that awards show season is officially under way, with the People’s Choice Awards marking the unofficial kickoff to several months of live star blow-ups and blunders – but most importantly, fierce red carpet fashion! On Wednesday, January 5, the 37th annual People’s Choice Awards served as the season’s warm up, with stars from the big and small screen descending on Los Angeles’ Nokia Theatre to present and receive accolades for winning over fans’ hearts. As usual, we saw tons of looks we loved – from the Kardashian sisters’ coordinating ensembles to Kristin Stewart’s metallic strapless frock. But our pick for best dressed of the night was legendary Vanessa Williams in her chic and flattering, sparkly purple/gunmetal wrap dress from the Tadashi Shoji Fall 2010 line.

The actress was there with her fellow Desperate Housewives castmates, but also to advocate for the night’s official sponsor, Special Olympics. Williams has been a celebrity spokesperson for the games for years – and it was great to see her lobbying for a great cause in some great fashion!

Let’s be honest – Vanessa is gorgeous, and still has a flawless figure, but she’s not 20 years old anymore. The longer sleeve and knee-length hemline of her Shoji frock was both super flattering to her shape as well as age appropriate. We get so tired of seeing aging stars Botox-ing themselves into oblivion and squishing their bodies into ill-fitting party dresses for the red carpet. Clearly, Vanessa knows exactly how to work with what she has, and doesn’t try to be someone she’s not for the cameras.

The trendy metallic finish of her dress was spot on-trend for the season, and her peep toe Louboutins and dark manicure and pedicure finished her look perfectly. We also loved her easy and sleek loose locks in lieu of a stiff updo. What did you think of Vanessa’s red carpet look? Are you loving it, or wishing the former Miss America would show a little more skin? Tell us below!

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