Grammys 2012: Fashion statements for good and bad

From left, Carrie Underwood, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj and Fergie arrive at the Grammy Awards on Feb. 12, 2012, in Los Angeles.

/ Getty

(CBS) You can always count on the Grammys to deliver over-the-top fashion, and this year was no exception.

For every sleek, beautiful designer look on the red carpet Sunday night in Los Angeles, there was an equally awful attempt to turn heads. The year's fashion misfires included a see-through gown, a Red Riding Hood cape, a machine gun as an accessory and a Pope look-alike as an escort.

Pictures: Grammy Awards red carpet arrivals
Pictures: Highlights from the ceremony
Pictures: Stars in the press room
Special Section: The 2012 Grammys

There was, as usual, a lot of black on the Grammy red carpet but gold and shimmery fabrics were a bright trend.

Here's a few stars who rocked their looks:

Carrie Underwood, a perennial red-carpet favorite, wore a long-sleeve white backless gown with embroidered sequins by Gomez-Garcia. She complemented it with chandelier earrings and a sleek updo.

Adele won big on the fashion front as well, with a slimming black-sequin gown by Giorgio Armani with nipped waist and long sleeves.

Taylor Swift has made a number of best-dressed lists over the years and for good reason. Her Grammy look featured a nude-colored, embroidered silk Zuhair Murad gown with a mermaid train. Her long, blonde hair was swept back into a bun.

Rihanna wore a low-cut, open-backed, black Armani sheath with a thigh-high slit. She paired it with a gold cuff and gold earrings jewelry.

Kelly Osbourne can be hit-or-miss when it comes to fashion. This time, she was a hit in a sparking silver, one-shouldered gown by Tony Ward. She complemented it with a simple hairstyle and few accessories.

Other stars missed the mark entirely. Among the worst-dressed were:

Fergie, the Black Eyed Peas singer, left nothing to the imagination in a lacy tangerine gown by Jean Paul Gaultier, worn over a black bra and briefs.

Nicki Minaj wore more of a costume than a gown to the Grammys. Her scarlet Versace featured a Red-Riding Hood-type hooded cape and a black beaded design on the skirt. Her arm candy was a fellow dressed up as the Pope.

Jessie J wore a tight-fitting silver mermaid gown by Julien Macdonald that looked a lot like the "Dancing With The Stars" mirrorball trophy.

Sasha Gradiva was swathed in pale pink tulle and had a machine gun on her right arm. It was a contrast, but one that just didn't work.

Lady Gaga didn't walk the red carpet but she did wear a black Chanel gown with silver chains. Her blonde hair was pulled back in an updo and her face was covered with black netting.

And Katy Perry, who often makes statements with her outfits (like last year's angel wings), wore a feminine pale blue, belted, long-sleeved gown by Ellie Saab. But then she ruined the look with hair, which was the same color as her dress and piled high on her head.

What did you think of the Grammy looks? Who were your favorites?

60 Photos

2012 Grammys: Red-carpet arrivals

[mjb89]

As usual, Carrie Underwood is the classy one. So beautiful.

[Jaylah54]

Minaj looks like she has no neck, and there is 50 pounds of bricks hidden away in that hood that is pressing down on her head.

[Jaylah54]

Oh, and the gloves don't help the look either. They make it look like she's had both arms amputated and are showing off her stumps.

[bobnjersey]

[What did you think of the Grammy looks?]
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singer 'robyn' was the most ridiculous of all ... and all those that saw her with this on and didn't stop her are equally to blame

it's #47 in the gallery of red carpet shots.

[bree1345]

Nicki Minaj looks like a plastered doll; Fergie is ugly; what are they all trying to do out-do Lady GaGa who is ridiculous enough.

[RealiteBites]

Woah - Fergie's dress is hideous! I've never seen anything so bad! :o