Sometimes it's hard to separate an actor from their on-screen characters. This can be especially true for TV actors, who can spend 10- plus years filming season after season and are easily more identifiable as 'so-and so from that show' instead of their true identity.

Tabloid magazines and online gossip sites have given us a small glimpse into actors' personal lives, but my preferred method of sizing up celebrities outside of their characters is what they wear on their days off. Awards shows are my weakness for checking out celebrity personal style (albeit it's certainly their stylist's style more than theirs in most cases). When the Emmys aired on September 18, I got my fix of award show style. After seeing lots of glitz and tits on the red carpet, I admittedly judged and compiled a list personal favourites.

5. Jayma Mays managed to look adorable while still maintaining a (small) level of sophistication. Though she bordered on resembling a cupcake, Mays looked sweet enough to eat in a frothy beaded Zuhair Murad gown from his 2011 collection. The beaded sleeves and bodice gleamed just the right amount and paired perfectly with a thin satin sash that separated the tiered tulle skirt. Hot pink lipstick added an element of modernity, but it was ultimately her seemingly relaxed disposition that made it work.

4. Although this choice is definitely a biased one as I absolutely adore Sofia Vergara, there is simply no denying the actress looked sensational in a coral Vera Wang number. The gown showed off the actress's stunning and famously sexy figure with a crepe chiffon one shoulder accent, body-hugging silhouette and finished with a tumble of tulle and more crepe chiffon in a lovely mermaid style bottom, complemented with dazzling, intricately shaped shoulder dusting diamond and emerald earrings by Lorraine Schwartz. The only thing that outshined the jewels was her gorgeous smile.

3. As a rather safe player in the fashion game, I gravitate towards interesting silhouettes and accessories rather than colour. This may be why I enjoyed Evan Rachel Woods' choice so much, as her dramatic yet simple Elie Saab gown was striking enough without any extras. The black boatneck cap sleeve stunner shimmered with embellishments that were also done in black for a subtle sparkle effect, while the slim cut and slight train made this gown bang-on.

2. Emily Blunt always gets it right on the red carpet, and this year's Emmys were no exception. Sexy yet understated, Blunt shone in a midnight blue Elie Saab gown. The sheerness of the dress was embellished with tufts of tulle and crystals at the waist. The elegance was balanced with a deeply cut neckline, but the sexiness of the exposure was balanced by covered shoulders thanks to the wider straps. Absolute perfection.

1. This was the most controversial pick for many fashion bloggers and judgers alike: making number 1 on both best- and worst-dressed lists, Gwyneth Paltrow's Emilio Pucci number was either loved or loathed. As much as I am a safe player myself, I love a risk taker on the red carpet, and I especially love when it's as flattering as it is fashionable. The sheer, midriff-baring flapper-esque gown was beaded with a gorgeous pattern that included decorative and floral designs, while the trims were lined with delicate tulle. Paltrow makes it no secret she works hard to look that good, and if the Emmys were anything to go by, she is definitely a woman of her word.