The BET Awards is usually one big game of charades. Full of impromptu performances, mic flaws and throwback singers (yes, El Debarge was in the house!) we always sit at the edge of couches in anticipation of the next surprise. This year was no different with the award show and fashion choices.

Maybe it has to do with the invitations Viacom sends out, but MTV and BET award shows always have a diverse range of fashion. Some are dolled up like they’re going to a formal occasion, while others dress like they’re about to hit the gym. It doesn’t bother us though… just another reason to shamelessly talk about people’s odd sense of style.

Here we go…

FAB

Ashanti

Red is a great color on this R&B star. The color and fit compliment her gracefully.

Nia Long

Although some may hate on this deck or cards inspired dress, we think it’s kind of funky– in a good way. Nia is usually neutral colored and simple with her dress picks, but this was a good switch up for the fun-filled night.

Queen Latifah

Whenever Queen steps out in formal dresses, she shines and this black number was no exception. Despite her annoying movie-inspired wardrobe changes throughout the show, her formal gowns were gorgeous.

Tia Mowry

Tia has really grown up from her “Sister, Sister” days. Once dressed and fashioned by a team, she now seems to have a solid and independent sense of fashion and sophistication.

Holly Robinson Peete

The 40-something mother of two always looks fab. We didn’t expect anything less.

Keyshia Cole

OK, so the two-toned, semi-mullet hair wasn’t our favorite hairstyle we’ve seen the new mother in but the outfit was a solid ten. Curvy girls can never go wrong with a high waisted skirt and Hot blouse– plus her pumps matched her outfit to-a-tee.

FAIL

Nicki Minaj

Although we liked her “Best Female Hip-Hop Artist” acceptance speech, the wedding gown and Lil Kim-esque bright orange wig she wore was atrocious.

Chilli

Now, we love Chilli! We really do. But she knew she could have worn the same getup to run errands at Target. At least it looked comfortable.

Ciara

Who knew there were still tassel-wearing cowboys in California? Ooo. We can answer that: Ciara.

Jada Pinkett Smith

There’s a time and place for booty shorts. The time: as a young woman. The place: Not at the BET Awards in front of your kids.

Brittany Daniel

A collective sign of relief was taken when “The Game” was announced to be coming back early next year. No more reruns of the Melanie and Derwin drama! All joy aside, Brittany has one too many cutouts in her black evening gown.

Dru Hill

We love that they did the old-school everybody coordinate outfits because we finna look sharp at this here award show thing. But there just seemed to be a disconnect between going classy and going street.

Cassie

We understand you have to be a little different at every red carpet to stick out, but Cassie went in a bad direction. It’s not so much the tapered high-waist pants or her tub top, but the chunky wedges and fuzzy clutch does far too much for us.

Monica

Really, if the humongous sleeves were ripped off, we’d love it.