The Fug Girls: Who Looked Best on the Summer Movie Circuit?

Gwyneth Paltrow Movie(s): Iron Man 3 Context: Mother Goop was concurrently shilling her second cookbook and a partnership with trainer Tracy And... Gwyneth Paltrow Movie(s): Iron Man 3 Context: Mother Goop was concurrently shilling her second cookbook and a partnership with trainer Tracy Anderson. Yes, Gywneth was literally out selling her perky ass. Highlight(s): The flowered Erdem pantsuit from the Paris premiere is kicky fun – and bold enough to hold its own next to the various shenanigans of Robert Downey Jr. (at one point on this particular junket, he popped out wearing lederhosen). And that black-and-white day dress at the British photo call is crisply graphic in a way that suits that whole patrician blonde thing she's got going, while still highlighting her awesome stems. Lowlight(s): Look. We know Paltrow and Anderson want to get people into the gym/blow-dry bar they co-own in Brentwood, and Gwyneth had a health-food cookbook to move: There are plenty of practical, aspirational reasons for Goop to want to show us her firm rear end. But did she really need to get so literal? Attitude: It’s Gwyneth. Has she ever done anything without acting like it's a glorious revelation? (Don't ever change, Goop: We wouldn't know how to deal if you did.) Overall grade: C+. The wackadoo Antonio Berardi was too much. Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Wireimage Mike Marsland/Getty Images Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Sandra Bullock Movie(s): The Heat Highlight(s): That cobalt Alberta Ferretti pants-top getup is as cool and chicly casual as Sandra herself, and... Sandra Bullock Movie(s): The Heat Highlight(s): That cobalt Alberta Ferretti pants-top getup is as cool and chicly casual as Sandra herself, and we really liked her summery mini in Sydney. Lowlight(s): Sandy's various LBDs, perforated leather and otherwise, got a little monotonous and therefore eventually felt boring. And this jumpsuit was just weird. Attitude: It would be deeply bizarre if Sandra Bullock ever seemed to be anything other than professional and awesome at work. But if you've heard otherwise, you should probably share, because we love gossip. Overall grade: B-. Photo: Gareth Cattermole/ Getty Images Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

Brangelina Movie(s): World War Z Context: The movie, which Brad produced and starred in, was plagued by buzz that it was disastrously, expensive... Brangelina Movie(s): World War Z Context: The movie, which Brad produced and starred in, was plagued by buzz that it was disastrously, expensively bad; more important, these events marked Angelina’s first public appearances since she announced her preventative mastectomy. Given the level of scrutiny, the Jolie-Pitts had ample reasons to want to splash out looking healthy, happy, successful, and fabulous. Highlight(s): All of Angelina's choices were good, but her white Ralph & Russo dress was exceptional: perfectly tailored and styled, and a welcome change from her usual basic black caftans. It was one of the most memorable red-carpet outings this year, considering her personal circumstances. Lowlight(s): Two words: Brad's hair. Make it stop. Attitude: "You were worried? That’s sweet of you! But don’t: We’re probably immortal.” Photo: Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images Ken Ishii/Getty Images Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

Emma Watson Movie(s): The Bling Ring, This Is The End Context: A lifetime of having to deal with people saying, “Aw, look, our little Hermione i... Emma Watson Movie(s): The Bling Ring, This Is The End Context: A lifetime of having to deal with people saying, “Aw, look, our little Hermione is all grown up.” Highlight(s): Her short tweedy Chanel is sophisticated but not stuffy, and she is selling the heck out of the Roland Mouret top paired with cigarette pants. Lowlight(s): We wanted to love the Chanel that Emma wore in Cannes; it does make her look tall, but it also makes her posture look terrible. And except for the shoes, she kind of punted on Bling Ring’s New York premiere. Attitude: Watson boasts an elfin physique and delicate face, but still manages an assertiveness — partly with hair and makeup — that elevates and benefits her unusual clothes. Overall grade: A-. We may never stop sniffling that our little Hermione is all grown up. Photo: George Pimentel/Wireimage Jon Kopalof/FilmMagic Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Claire Julien Movie(s): The Bling Ring Context: As one of two unknowns in the cast — the other of whom, Katie Chang, was the movie’s lead — Clai... Claire Julien Movie(s): The Bling Ring Context: As one of two unknowns in the cast — the other of whom, Katie Chang, was the movie’s lead — Claire seemed determined to make an impression. Highlight(s): She had a custom Pucci at her first-ever red-carpet event, in Cannes, and it was stunning. She carried off complicated Balenciaga at the photo call with adorable aplomb. And we’re going to go full Bling Ring on her house to snag that ornate Balmain minidress. Accept the inevitable, Claire, and please leave us some Diet Coke and cookies. Lowlight(s): That long Pucci needed better head styling, and the cocktail-length one she wore in the U.S. is bold but underwhelming in its two-tone blandness (though her spirit helps immensely). Attitude: Seasoned. This was her first time on this stage, and she not only went for some advanced fashion (this Cannes post-party jumpsuit is another example), but damn near sold it all. Overall grade: B. Nice debut. We’re impressed. Photo: Mike Marsland/ WIreimage Rob Kim/FilmMagic Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Lily Collins Movie(s): Mortal Instruments: City of Bones... Context: ... or, as we like to call it, Mortal Abstruments: City of Crop Tops. High... Lily Collins Movie(s): Mortal Instruments: City of Bones... Context: ... or, as we like to call it, Mortal Abstruments: City of Crop Tops. Highlight(s): Well, her eyebrows sincerely never looked better. Lowlight(s): Seriously, enough with the crop tops. Do you know how many different crop tops she wore on this press junket, to date? Seven. Seven, you guys. That's one for every day of the week. And when she wasn’t in one, she looked like a giant walking fishnet stocking. Attitude: Mostly, Collins managed to behave as if her head had no idea what horrors were happening beneath it. Overall grade: D+. Her abs need a rest. Photo: Andreas Rentz/Getty Images Fotonoticias/Wireimage Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Cate Blanchett Movie(s): Blue Jasmine Context: She’s kind of like Tilda Swinton: Dreamy and bizarre and just scarce enough that when she does po... Cate Blanchett Movie(s): Blue Jasmine Context: She’s kind of like Tilda Swinton: Dreamy and bizarre and just scarce enough that when she does pop up on the red carpet it’s Big News. Highlight(s): That orange creamsicle she wore in Australia (by Roksanda Ilincic) is divine on her. Somehow she makes basic black look dreamy and chic in a way Aniston never managed. And we’re not sure we’d like that black-and-white McQueen on anyone else except possibly Swinton, but ... The Blanchett, she is powerful. Lowlight(s): Let’s be honest: That Balenciaga Edition ensemble is a complete crafting-junkie crackfest. But it’s such a HILARIOUS one that we love it anyway. Attitude: Cool, calm, and collected — the three Cs of being Cate. Overall grade: B+. We had given her an A, and written, "When you make absurdities look awesome, you are the valedictorian." But then Cate snuck in a cobwebbed, gnawed-on nightie on Tuesday and it dragged down her average. Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Amanda Seyfried Movie(s): Lovelace Context: This movie went through mega casting drama; Kate Hudson dropped out, James Franco switched roles, an... Amanda Seyfried Movie(s): Lovelace Context: This movie went through mega casting drama; Kate Hudson dropped out, James Franco switched roles, and everyone kept getting it confused with that other movie about Linda Lovelace — the one Lindsay Lohan was fired from in favor of Malin Akerman. To rise above the confusion, and after getting forgotten behind Anne Hathaway during the Les Mis hoo-ha, Seyfried needed to make her mark here. Highlight(s): Seyfried rocked that navy-blue strapless Givenchy, and that metallic beaded Gucci mini is sassy but not too sexy (you don’t want to flash all your skin both onscreen and off). Even this white-mini-with-a-twist is perfectly styled. Lowlight(s): That sheer Gucci would have been beautiful if it were ... you know, totally different. How many more pairs of hot pants under a sheer overlay must we endure? Attitude: As mediocre reviews for Lovelace began rolling in and Sharon Stone stopped coming to events with her, she started to look a bit worn. Overall grade: B-. We understand. We would have missed Sharon, too. Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images Jason Kempin/Getty Images Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

Amy Adams Movie(s): Superman Returns Context: Does anyone ever have much context for Amy Adams? She is as private and scandal-free as it gets. ... Amy Adams Movie(s): Superman Returns Context: Does anyone ever have much context for Amy Adams? She is as private and scandal-free as it gets. Highlight(s): ... her face? But seriously, the most successful of these is the black Nina Ricci. If you squint you can see the pretty detailing. Lowlight(s): More often than not, Amy gets lost in her clothes, or at least doesn’t wear them with conviction. This Antonio Berardi chest cage is cool, but also dominating her. The delicate white Dolce & Gabbana needs more attitude not to look quaint; instead, her setting is on “tepid.” She might have carried the nude-and-black Valentino better if it weren’t such a dingy color. Attitude: She still has that good-girl Amy Adams gleam. Overall grade: C+. It’s weird alchemy that someone so pretty — and essentially likeable — can fade out so easily. Maybe she needs a scandal. Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images Karwai Tang/Wireimage Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

Will and Jaden Smith Movie(s): After Earth Context: Never has a duo worked so hard to pimp one movie, with such minimal results. Highlight(s): ... Will and Jaden Smith Movie(s): After Earth Context: Never has a duo worked so hard to pimp one movie, with such minimal results. Highlight(s): Will is preternaturally dapper. As for Jaden, let’s put it this way: Justin Bieber wore tatty overalls to meet Canada’s prime minister; Jaden met the mayor of London in stylishly casual black and white. When he mixes originality and class successfully, he’s a chip off the stylish old block. Lowlight(s): Jaden Smith is only 14, so we’re trying to evaluate him only in the context of his apparent role as a cog in the Smith Family Fame Machine (all the hug-headlock hybrids help cement this impression). We can’t decide if color/pattern coordinating with Dad (above, in Tokyo) is cute or too heavy-handed. He is perhaps too consistent (see: more black and white here, here, here...). And we can’t help wishing someone had told him that Bermuda shorts and socks is NOT a look so nice he should wear it twice. Attitude: Will is his own adjective. Jaden is headed that way too. It’s not necessarily a bad thing. Overall grade: C+. Adventurous is okay, but weird is weird. Photo: Ken Ishii/Getty Images Ashley Pon/Getty Images Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Michael B. Jordan Movie(s): Fruitvale Station Context: Michael B. Jordan has been wonderful in every role he's had, from All My Children to The ... Michael B. Jordan Movie(s): Fruitvale Station Context: Michael B. Jordan has been wonderful in every role he's had, from All My Children to The Wire to Friday Night Lights, but Fruitvale Station is his most important project to date and it’s generating mega Oscar buzz. So these appearances were a big deal. Highlight(s): Several. In fact, Michael has looked unfailingly dapper; we particularly love the checked shirt he wore with his suit at the Los Angeles premiere. Jaden Smith, the Biebs, and other young‘uns would be wise to study this 26-year-old’s unmannered, unaffected poise. Lowlight(s): Very few, although he has a tendency to veer a bit Gosling — he loves a vest — and it would be naïve to think that habit might not turn on him between now and awards season. Attitude: That smile is infectious. Overall grade: A. Why isn’t he in everything? Photo: Andreas Rentz/Getty Images Paul A. Hebert/Getty Images Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

Jennifer Aniston Movie(s): We’re the Millers Context: Beyond everyone thinking she has been a few weeks pregnant for, oh, the last seven months?... Jennifer Aniston Movie(s): We’re the Millers Context: Beyond everyone thinking she has been a few weeks pregnant for, oh, the last seven months? Probably none. Highlight(s): We like the Casadei sandals she wore twice, especially the gray versions, but the real story is the presence of color. Aniston famously cleaves to black and gray and cream, so eggplant was a surprise; the floral print was apocalyptic enough that we were looking over our shoulder for locusts. Lowlight(s): The details. It’s not enough to eschew black; your wardrobe also has to work. The purple Burberry is too long and ill fitting, and the floral seems too folksy and girlish for Aniston, unless she hit her head and woke up thinking her name is Half-Pint. There’s a story for the National Enquirer. Attitude: Aniston always seems cheerful but with a guarded air, and who could blame her? She can’t eat a sandwich without someone yelping about Her Baby Joy. So we appreciated the pointed sartorial snark of wearing a black McQueen womb shield, given how hard everyone is trying to use X-ray vision on hers. Overall grade: B-. The results weren’t great, but at least she tried to branch out a couple of times. Photo: Luca Teuchmann/Wireimage Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images Rob Kim/Getty Images

Isla Fisher Movie(s): The Great Gatsby; Now You See Me Context: The Gatsby gauntlet had to be hard enough; to turn around and push Now You See M... Isla Fisher Movie(s): The Great Gatsby; Now You See Me Context: The Gatsby gauntlet had to be hard enough; to turn around and push Now You See Me wearing anything but sweatpants must have been exhausting. Highlight(s): The art deco L’Wren Scott is a more striking version of this color scheme than her doppelganger Adams’s D&G. And the red Oscar de la Renta, with that necklace, takes our breath away. She won the Cannes premiere — and we didn’t even know she was in the movie until then. Lowlight(s): The blooming Valentino is a reminder of the value of editing: flowers, lace, and legs make for a garish cocktail, despite the valiant efforts of her head to sell it. Attitude: She has always seemed like a lively sort, and her taste for variety in fashion dovetails with that. Overall grade: B+. The Valentino unfortunately drags down her average. Photo: Venturelli/Wireimage Rob Kim/Getty Images Jemal Countess/Getty Images

Carey Mulligan Movie(s): The Great Gatsby; Inside Llewyn Davies Context: If we thought Fisher was apt to be tired ... we counted seven outfits o... Carey Mulligan Movie(s): The Great Gatsby; Inside Llewyn Davies Context: If we thought Fisher was apt to be tired ... we counted seven outfits on Mulligan in three countries, all in the month of May. She may still be napping. Highlight(s): Dior did better at Cannes with everyone else than it has ever done with muse Jennifer Lawrence. We love Carey’s pearly gown and crimson lips; it’s a dreamy fit on her. Lowlight(s): We didn’t like that same color quite as much when it was on a bustier jammed into some pants. She is probably the most likely person to make the black-and-white Vionnet work, but even so, it comes across as a shapeless sack with a funky mustache. She’s also always had a touch of Aniston Syndrome, and this summer she picked black at a Cannes film party, a Tiffany Gatsby event, and both the Davis and Gatsby Cannes photo calls. She’s too cute for that rut. Attitude: We wish her adorably engaging candid moments trickled into her official red-carpet poses. Carey needs more of that zest to elevate her sometimes too-serious clothes. Overall grade: C. She had a lot on her plate, but presumably she also has a LOT of people itching to help decorate it, and we wish it had been more enchanting. Photo: George Pimentel/Wireimage Ian Gavan/Wireimage Don Arnold/Wireimage

Olivia Wilde Movie(s): Drinking Buddies Context: “I PROMISE I haven’t given up acting in favor of a career discussing my energetic sex life with... Olivia Wilde Movie(s): Drinking Buddies Context: “I PROMISE I haven’t given up acting in favor of a career discussing my energetic sex life with Jason Sudeikis. YET.” Highlight(s): Given Olivia once arrived at awards shows at the very first possible moment in the biggest princess dress she could find, it’s interesting that she looks better when she goes casual. We enjoy her endorsement of the Boss in T-shirt form, and her patterned skirt on the left is covetable. If neither of these looks set the world on fire, they at least keep things toasty. Lowlight(s): That wrinkly backwards-racerback J. Mendel is a gorgeous color, but … And that white dress at Letterman would have been nice if it were completely lined, but ... Attitude: Blissfully unaware of how overexposed she's in danger of becoming; Wilde is one of those actresses who many people dislike for no specific reason, but if she's aware of this, you'd never know. In that sense, she’s like the anti–Anne Hathaway. Overall grade: C+ Photo: Donna Ward/Getty Images Gary Gershoff/Wireimage Raymond Hall/FilmMagic

Oprah Winfrey Movie(s): Lee Daniels’ The Butler Context: Oprah is BACK, baby. Highlight(s): When you’re Oprah, it’s probably tempting to swan a... Oprah Winfrey Movie(s): Lee Daniels’ The Butler Context: Oprah is BACK, baby. Highlight(s): When you’re Oprah, it’s probably tempting to swan around to everything looking like OPRAH. Instead of ball gowns, though, she dazzled with form-fitting dresses like that fantastic fuchsia and a flattering purple Escada for GMA. We also liked her pinky-nude sparkly Theia with non-metallic shoes. Lowlight(s): The gray-and-black dress was a bit less enticing, but ... the thing is, she still looks nice in it, and it WAS a more casual event. Oh, Oprah. You nailed this thing. Attitude: Basically, she’s still OPRAH, even if she doesn’t wear a train. Overall grade: A. She knew everyone would watch closely; clever O found a way to own (no network puns intended) the red carpet while acting like doing so was totally unintentional. Photo: Rob Kim/Getty Images Charley Gallay/Getty Images Larry Busacca/ Getty Images

Ruth Wilson Movie(s): The Lone Ranger Context: Everyone has hated this movie since it was merely a glint in the director’s eye. Highlight(s): T... Ruth Wilson Movie(s): The Lone Ranger Context: Everyone has hated this movie since it was merely a glint in the director’s eye. Highlight(s): Thank god someone's dressing like a grown-up this summer, from those swell black Balenciaga pants to the (possibly too grown-up?) navy Alexander McQueen dress. Even if the terrible reviews for this movie were out of control, Wilson never lost a grip on her wardrobe. Lowlight(s): That split-level gray Christian Dior frock is elegant for something that's almost a mullet dress, but it's also almost a mullet dress. Attitude: There must be nothing more agonizing than being the only person left on a press tour for a movie that's been panned by the critics and isn't making any money. It's to Wilson's credit that she never showed up wearing a homemade tee reading "JOHNNY DEPP ABANDONED ME." Overall grade: B+. Even her misses were — cue up your best Tim Gunn voice — thoughtfully done. Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Luca Teuchmann/Wireimage Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images

Heather Graham Movie(s): The Hangover III Context: She was the promotional MVP for this one — never skipped an event, and there were tons. You c... Heather Graham Movie(s): The Hangover III Context: She was the promotional MVP for this one — never skipped an event, and there were tons. You can’t say that for Bradley Cooper. Highlight(s): Graham hasn’t done much other than the Hangover trilogy lately, and she used this circuit to her advantage. This red leather Lhuillier is terribly cool, and her plunging black Max Azria gown is perfectly styled. We also love the color of that teal Herve L. Leroux; the enormity of the necklace won us over, in the end, because why not. Lowlight(s): The high-necked Talbot Runhof gives her Backward Head syndrome, although it’s otherwise groovy. And what she wore in Paris evokes lace potholders. Attitude: She comes off very mild-mannered and sweet — a fun contrast to the fashion drama she brought. Overall grade: A-. Who knew she had it in her? Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Ferdaus Shamim/Wireimage Kristy Sparow/Wireimage

Zoe Saldana Movie(s): Star Trek Into Darkness Context: She’s a fashion darling who hasn’t done much on the big screen since the summer of Star T... Zoe Saldana Movie(s): Star Trek Into Darkness Context: She’s a fashion darling who hasn’t done much on the big screen since the summer of Star Trek and Avatar. Highlight(s): We love her shooting the photographers the Vulcan salute in Berlin … Lowlight(s): … but wish she hadn't been wearing a figure-skating costume to do it. We appreciate what a risk taker Zoe is, but an unfortunately high percentage of them didn't pay off this go-round. A bra and unhemmed pants do not an outfit make, even if you’re super confident about it. And this very funky suit she wasted on a radio interview. Attitude: At least she always commits, even when she resembles a belly dancer wearing recycled, unbleached coffee filters. Overall grade: D+. You'll get 'em next time, Zoe. Photo: Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images Sean Gallup/Getty Images Jason Kempin/ Getty Images

The Fug Girls: Who Looked Best on the Summer Movie Circuit?

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