I finally saw Hunger Games a couple of weeks ago, and even in my small town, the theater was crowded. The film was excellent, with an edge-of-your-seat plot that closely followed the books and some amazing scenery and costuming. Banks’ styling as Effie Trinket was so good that I barely even recognized her. At last night’s Met Gala it looked like she was channeling Effie somewhat, which is strange because at the premieres for the film she wore a lot of very bright solid-colored dresses by different designers. That’s sort-of her go-to look and it really works for her.

So it’s confusing to me that she chose a Mary Katrantzou contrasting pattern dress, to put it kindly, that comes off as cacophonous it’s so loud. Without the rounded capelet thing at the arms, and without the peplum “dust ruffle” bit around the waist, it might have worked. Even the slit straight down the front looks out of place. As it is, she just looks a little mortified in that dress, doesn’t she? It’s like her expression is apologetic and sad.

Banks’ shoes are kind of awesome at the rare moments they’re peeking out. Check out the sequin heels with the thin black straps. I love her blush-colored toes and nails, which match her peachy lips. Her makeup is very pretty. Her hair just looks greasy and like an poofy afterthought, though. It’s a shame because she’s really worked some fashion-forward looks in the past. This designer just failed her.

photo credit: WENN.com