And while Meryl Streep didn't look as put together on the stage as she did in the movie adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada - which won her a Golden Globe for best actress in a comedy/musical - she came across as impressively modern, tousled hair and all, in a blush seersucker gown with tucks in the bodice by Carolina Herrera.
Stylists say the stars turned to the classical influences for one timeless reason: comfort.
"It's appealing because the women don't have to wear corsets," explained Nicole Phelps, executive director of Style.com. "You'd be surprised at how many young stars wear corsets when they are out on the town."
White gowns, in all types of shapes and styles, were another big trend that really worked Monday night.
A litany of ladies went pale, from Grey's Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo, who looked incredibly fresh in a loose-necked, floor-grazing Versace, to Sienna Miller, in a white, drop-waisted and gold-embroidered Marchesa, to Jennifer Garner's sparkly, V-necked Gucci.
Often, it was the strapless white gown that enhanced the light-as-a-cloud look (while I'm usually not a fan of the strapless, I liked the lower cut seen on the red carpet).
Kate Winslet sparkled in her Azzaro by Vanessa Seward; Heidi Klum was regal in asymmetrically hemmed Givenchy Haute Couture; actress Ali Larter was classic in Reem Acra; and Hayden Panettiere was statuesque in her Monique Lhuillier.
The bright sea of white included one faux pas, in the form of now-single Cameron Diaz (who arrived separately from long-time beau Justin Timberlake). Not only was her white tulle-tiered Valentino hideous, but also her hair was as dark as the black bow clumsily placed in the center of the dress. The whole look was ghostly.
Speaking of disappointments, stars who donned glitter and metallics were more of a don't than a do.
