Stars such as Charlize Theron, Reese Witherspoon and Australia’s own Elle Macpherson donned full length gowns in creams and bright reds.

Theron chose Christian Dior Couture with a thigh-high slit, topped with a rosette of fabric.

Witherspoon and Macpherson both made style statements in strapless, fishtail Zac Posen gowns.

Check out the top 10 gowns, as chosen by the SMH, and vote in their best-dressed poll here.

The big gowns were in contrast to last year’s ceremony where many stars took fashion risks with Helena Bonham Carter leading the way in a 3/4 length Vivienne Westwood dress with mismatched shoes.

Glitzy gowns were also back this year with Nicole Kidman, Diane Lane and Modern Family’s Julie Bowen opting for dresses with bling.

To see Nicole and a full gallery of images from the Golden Globes red carpet, click here .

Bowen’s Modern Family co-star Sofia Vergara turned some heads in a navy Vera Wang gown in the mermaid silhouette that’s becoming her signature.

‘‘She’s like a genius now with my body,’’ Vergara said.

The biggest fashion risk takers of the night were the young Glee actress including Lea Michele and Dianna Agron whose dresses both had barely there bodices.