Normally a fashion savant, Lopez goofed with a too-sexy bodysuit at the American Music Awards last night. Robin Givhan on the outfit that cried out for attention in all the wrong ways, Robin Givhan writes. See photos of Lopez through the years.
"On Lopez—a 40-something accomplished performer who has regularly shown a more sophisticated, nuanced and original take on sexuality and provocation—the bodysuit was a disappointment. There was no finesse or thoughtfulness in that costume. Its sole purpose was to show off her figure: to her peers, to her fans, to her estranged husband Marc Anthony who performed separately … to herself. It spoke of insecurity rather than control, defensiveness instead of dynamism."
Lopez fared better in this spectacular one-shouldered dress in black lace, which she wore when she accepted the award for Best Latin Music Artist.
J.Lo wore this infamous Versace gown to the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards in 2000. The green "Jungle Dress" featured a plunging neckline that brought priceless publicity to the Italian couture house and erased any doubts about whether the singer-actress was one of America's boldest sex symbols. It also inspired South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone to spoof the outfit at that year's Oscars.
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A year after the Versace "barely there" gown, J.Lo donned this demure frock at the 73rd Annual Academy Awards in 2001. The champagne Chanel dress featured a sheer, ruched top that was understatedly sexy—especially when paired with a simple hairstyle and dazzling diamonds.
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In some ways, the best part of Gigli was the revealing Gucci dress Lopez wore to its premiere. Though the film was widely harangued by critics, Lopez and then-love interest and co-star Ben Affleck stunned red-carpet followers with their beautiful chemistry. Lopez's chocolate brown dress featured a plunging halter top—a familiar look that seems never to fail the actress.
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Dressing as boldly as Lopez has for years requires risk-taking, and this Arab-inspired Michael Kors number is a prime example of her fearless sartorial inclinations. She wore the Kors dress to the New York City premiere of Shall We Dance? in 2004.
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Lopez looked truly radiant at the 2005 Macy's Passport Gala in Santa Monica. The actress presented at the charity auction, wearing a classy black swooping gown, which she contrasted with a small white clutch and a simple up-do.
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Lopez wore this sky-blue dress at the 2005 Billboard Latin Music Awards in Miami. Although she was not nominated for any awards, her presence helped draw attention to the third annual awards ceremony.
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This white Versace gown turned heads at the 2007 Rodeo Drive Walk of Style Awards honoring Donatella Versace and her late brother, Gianni. As a Versace favorite, Lopez is often the "face" (and the body) that brings the label's new stylings to the red carpet. Seen here in this understated yet sexy all-white number, J.Lo demonstrates the magnetism and ever-present glow that draw designers to her.
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J.Lo turned up in yet another stunning getup at the 2008 premiere of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button in Los Angeles. The actress and new mother of twins paired the provocative Roberto Cavalli gown with a wavy hairstyle, resulting in an almost ethereal look. Completing the outfit were Neil Lane jewels and a dazzling clutch from Daniel Swarovski.
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This Marchesa gown turned heads at the 2009 Golden Globe Awards. The dress provided classic Lopez sex appeal without appearing risqué—the wide halter top left something to the imagination, and her simple hair, makeup, and jewelry didn't distract from the beautiful gown.
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J.Lo did not disappoint at this year's Grammy Awards. Still stunning at 40, she wowed viewers with this Versace minidress with a silver chain mail overlay. The complex gown, which featured a long silk chiffon overlay, is just another installment in Lopez's long sartorial love affair with the label.
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