Fashion School: Grading the 2011 Grammys

We're not going to analyze the performances or the actual awards here, although, in both cases, there was alot to take issue with (Kanye, if you were there, we admire your self-restraint!). Nope, we're going straight to the heart of the matter: the clothes! By D. Maria Bryan

Nicki Minaj - This one was a high-risk miss. Head-to-toe leopard can work. With a little black wig in a pixie cut or a short, blunt bob, this would have been a statement look. But the Cruella de Vil pouf and leopard-spotted wig put it beyond statement and into caricature. Maybe that's what she was going for?Gregg DeGuire/PictureGroup

1 / 9

Nicki Minaj - This one was a high-risk miss. Head-to-toe leopard can work. With a little black wig in a pixie cut or a short, blunt bob, this would have been a statement look. But the Cruella de Vil pouf and leopard-spotted wig put it beyond statement and into caricature. Maybe that's what she was going for?Gregg DeGuire/PictureGroup

Perfect Illusion - Even back in 2011, the songbird took risks with her less-is-more approach. Her Grammys look, a frothy, off-the-shoulder Jean Paul Gaultier number with sheer panels, is further proof.  (Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images) 

2 / 9

Rihanna - If you take chances with fashion, you will sometimes fail. There is probably a tall supermodel somewhere who could pull off a white, floor-length gown with furry, horizontal, see-through stripes and a train. This would have worked better as a mini dress with ankle booties.Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Esperanza Spalding - The surprise of the evening! The yellow dress with lavender shoes is a nice color combination, but the dress is competing with her hair. A mini or knee-length version of the dress would have worked better. And the high, ruffled neck needs a simple bun. Or, highlight your awesome Afro, but pair it with a simple neckline. Gregg DeGuire/PictureGroup

3 / 9

Esperanza Spalding - The surprise of the evening! The yellow dress with lavender shoes is a nice color combination, but the dress is competing with her hair. A mini or knee-length version of the dress would have worked better. And the high, ruffled neck needs a simple bun. Or, highlight your awesome Afro, but pair it with a simple neckline. Gregg DeGuire/PictureGroup

Jennifer Lopez - Showcasing just one of her many assets (not all of them—hello, Ciara?). A bit overboard with the hairpieces, but why quibble? She's a star and she looks like it.Jason Merritt/Getty Images

4 / 9

Jennifer Lopez - Showcasing just one of her many assets (not all of them—hello, Ciara?). A bit overboard with the hairpieces, but why quibble? She's a star and she looks like it.Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Janelle Monae - OK, you're working your signature look. We like it. The tie is a little country-and-western, but we love the super-high platform heels to walk the red carpet and the switch to flat Oxfords to perform. Gregg DeGuire/PictureGroup

5 / 9

Janelle Monae - OK, you're working your signature look. We like it. The tie is a little country-and-western, but we love the super-high platform heels to walk the red carpet and the switch to flat Oxfords to perform. Gregg DeGuire/PictureGroup

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Jennifer Hudson - This silhouette works really well on Jennifer. She's gotten herself into great shape and she looks fantastic. Jason Merritt/Getty Images

6 / 9

Jennifer Hudson - This silhouette works really well on Jennifer. She's gotten herself into great shape and she looks fantastic. Jason Merritt/Getty Images

India Arie - What happened? Didn't you get the memo that you should dress up? There are any number of designers who do ethnic-tribal-global chic. We would love to get you together with them.Larry Busacca/Getty Images For The Recording Academy

7 / 9

India Arie - What happened? Didn't you get the memo that you should dress up? There are any number of designers who do ethnic-tribal-global chic. We would love to get you together with them.Larry Busacca/Getty Images For The Recording Academy

Bruno Mars - Bruno's retro style is obviously influenced by Elvis and Sammy Davis Jr., yet he still manages to look young, hip, and modern. It's a refreshing change from excessive bling, gold teeth, and baggy jeans that ride mid-ass. Eye candy.Mars Jason Merritt/Getty Images

8 / 9

Bruno Mars - Bruno's retro style is obviously influenced by Elvis and Sammy Davis Jr., yet he still manages to look young, hip, and modern. It's a refreshing change from excessive bling, gold teeth, and baggy jeans that ride mid-ass. Eye candy.Mars Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Ciara - You have a really great body. We get it. We'd love to see it covered in a dress. This looks too much like an Ice Capades costume, or a Vegas showgirl. So unnecessary. Gregg DeGuire/PictureGroup

9 / 9

Ciara - You have a really great body. We get it. We'd love to see it covered in a dress. This looks too much like an Ice Capades costume, or a Vegas showgirl. So unnecessary. Gregg DeGuire/PictureGroup