Dally M 2018: The memorable looks on the red carpet
In Tegan Martin’s own words, she was going for comfort at this year’s Dally M awards.
That meant rocking up to Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal on a chilly night in a plunging, beaded, burgundy Cassandra Renee pantsuit with flowing cape detail.
Her only concern was a tiny one: “I’m a bit worried about side boob,” the former Miss Universe Australia and reality-TV repeat offender said on the red carpet.
Martin’s pant-with-a-skirt look – until its surprise resurrection at the Dally Ms more the preserve of 1991 brides – was, who knew, something of a trend among the WAGs showcasing their finest looks at the NRL annual best and fairest.
Daggy throwback Wednesday or next big thing? You be the judge.
Rachel Thaiday, wife of Brisbane forward Sam Thaiday, described her red version as “a jumpsuit with a cape. A Superwoman sort of thing”.
Kathryn Lawrence decided against a cape or skirt on her embellished pantsuit, but still turned heads in her dressy homage to karate.
Apart from the ladies who wore the pants and the skirt, the major fashion themes were all about colour. Or three colours: red, black or white.
TV and radio presenter Emma Freedman went for the latter, in a structured Rachel Gilbert skirt and top. “This is my first Dally M I’ve not worked at,” she said. “Everyone looks fabulous.”
Jemma Barge, partner of Boyd Cordner, went for sleek one-shouldered white with a bold red lip and Lakaree Smith was cool in a dress with fringing and sheer skirt. Carley Widdop, wife of Gareth Widdop, wore an evening version of a crocheted beach kaftan.
The scarlet ladies were led by Anne Gallen, who had been getting ready “since 12 o’clock,” revealed her husband Paul Gallen to Fox Sports on the red carpet.
Anne and Paul Gallen on their spotlit date night. Photo: Getty
Darius Boyd’s wife Kayla Boyd went a touch Sofia Vergara, in a form-fitting, scoop neck dress that had overtones of what a Kerri-Anne Kennerley wax work would wear.
Brittney Wicks, wife of Canberra Raiders’ captain Jarrod Croker, was contemporary, chic and fun in off-the-shoulder bright orange Daniel Avakian, styled by Donny Galella.
While black was hardly seen on the Brownlow red carpet on Monday, the Dally M ladies embraced the dark side. Natalia O’Toole, partner of Valentine Holmes, went all out in a designer boob tube and princess skirt.
Jessica Anderson teamed a plunge neck – another look of the night – with spangly skirt and Sarah Callaway also went low, in an Alex Perry dress with dramatic sleeves and thigh-high split.
“She looks really good,” said Sarah’s husband, Wests Tigers player Aaron Woods. “She’s normally in her fitness gear, so it’s good to see her dressed up for once.”
Bridal style was ubiquitous for the second year running. There was a handful of corset dresses, and Anastasia James, wife of Gold Coast Titans’ captain Ryan James, went for Brisbane bridal couturier Holly Rose.
Shaking things up a bit? Shoe designer Terry Biviano, who went showgirl in a feathered dusty rose Rachel Gilbert dress she called “different and fun”, and Billy Slater’s wife Nicole, in an astonishing satin ballgown with scorpion motifs.
Click here for a gallery of the best and worst red carpet looks
