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Home · News

Fab or Drab?: Looks that Make You Go Hmmm

These celebs stepped out wearing questionable ensembles in 2012. Were they hot or a hot mess? Cast your vote.
By Celia L. Smith · Updated October 28, 2020
01
Fearless Fashion

Nicki Minaj stole the attention this year at the GRAMMY Awards. Was that a good thing or bad?

Fab or Drab?: Looks that Make You Go Hmmm
Neil Mockford/FilmMagic
02
Queen Bee

Lil’ Kim celebrates at her after party for the ‘Return Of The Queen’ at Culture Club in New York City. Does she look sassy or suspect?

Fab or Drab?: Looks that Make You Go Hmmm
Michael Stewart/WireImage
03
Multi-Moment

Fantasia Barrino attended Fox’s American Idol 2012’ Finale Results Show in Los Angeles in a plunging purple sequin gown. Does she get an ‘E’ for effort or needs improvement?

Fab or Drab?: Looks that Make You Go Hmmm
Getty Images
04
Costume Creation

Chaka Khan makes a dramatic entrance at the 40th annual Fifi awards in New York City in a kimono sleeved ensemble. Is she divalicious or just plain wrong?

Fab or Drab?: Looks that Make You Go Hmmm
Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic
05
Rainbow Brite

Kelis attends the Abu Dhabi Digital Domain Event at the 65th Cannes Film Festival in a striped sequin style. Is this typical funky Kelis style, or has she missed her mark?

Fab or Drab?: Looks that Make You Go Hmmm
Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for TwoFour54
06
High Note

Erykah Badu performed at the USA Network Upfront show at Lincoln Center in New York City donning a metallic striped tunic. Eclectic cool or questionable?

Fab or Drab?: Looks that Make You Go Hmmm
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
07
Frilly Fashions

Selita Ebanks wore a frilled frock with metallic Louboutin pumps at the The Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation Gala. Hot or hot mess?

Fab or Drab?: Looks that Make You Go Hmmm
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
08
Little Red Dress

Kat Graham attends 102.7 KIIS FM’s Wango Tango in Carson, California in a fiery red one-shouldered mini and Dr. Marten boots. Hot or not?

Fab or Drab?: Looks that Make You Go Hmmm
Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic
09
Model Behavior

Jessica White attends Jeffrey Fashion Cares 2012 at the Intrepid Aircraft Carrier in New York City in a silk kimono-sleeved dress. Fab or fail?

Fab or Drab?: Looks that Make You Go Hmmm
Bennett Raglin/WireImage
10
Color Blocked

Ashanti hosts “The Pool After Dark” At Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City in a barely-there, see-through, colorful mini. Cute or try again?

Fab or Drab?: Looks that Make You Go Hmmm
Tom Briglia/FilmMagic
11
Haute Couture
Beyoncé at 2012’s Costume Met Gala
Fab or Drab?: Looks that Make You Go Hmmm
Getty Images
12
Material Girl

Rihanna got all dolled up in a satin Marchesa dress with an exaggerated neckline and Louboutin pumps for TIME’S 100 Most Influential People gala. Is this a hit or miss for the diva?

Fab or Drab?: Looks that Make You Go Hmmm
Getty Images
13
Touch Of Blue

Tika Sumpter attends the screening of Safe in New York City in a printed blouse, Robins egg blue, high-waisted shorts and hot pink clutch. Fab or drab?

Fab or Drab?: Looks that Make You Go Hmmm
Jamie McCarthy/WireImage
14
Stage Presence

Leona Lewis performs at Rock in Rio Lisboa music festival in Lisbon, Portugal sporting a retro-futuristic dress. Haute or not?

Fab or Drab?: Looks that Make You Go Hmmm
Patricia De Melo/AFP/GettyImages)
15
Risque

At Bergdorf Goodman’s 111th Anniversary at The Plaza Hotel in New York City, the celeb stylist pushed fashion to the limits with this Alberta Ferretti chiffon gown with feather and rosette details. Is this a hit or miss?

Fab or Drab?: Looks that Make You Go Hmmm
Steve Mack/FilmMagic
16
Banking on It

Azealia Banks served us a mix of sequin, fur, and jelly sandals at the Serpentine Gallery Summer Party in London. Did the fiesty diva pull it off?

Fab or Drab?: Looks that Make You Go Hmmm
Dave M. Benett/Getty Images
17
Wisk Away

Raven-Symone works a strapless ivory gown at the 50th anniversary celebration for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Beverly Hills, California. Hot or hmm?

Fab or Drab?: Looks that Make You Go Hmmm
18
Mellow Yellow
Lianne La Havas
Fab or Drab?: Looks that Make You Go Hmmm
Francois Durand/Getty Images)
19
Black Girls Rock

Ciara showed up to this year’s Black Girls Rock awards, rocking head-to-toe Givenchy. Fab or epic fail?

Fab or Drab?: Looks that Make You Go Hmmm
D Dipasupil/Getty Images
20
Shining Moment

Jessica White tends to push the envelope when it comes to fashion. At the Leila Shams After-Party during NYFW she rocked a bronze harem jumper. Is this cute or crazy?

Fab or Drab?: Looks that Make You Go Hmmm
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