Joining her ‘Scandal’ co-stars, Kerry Washington attended the show’s Season Two finale event, hosted last week by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences at the Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre in North Hollywood.

The actress, who generally impresses with her sartorial sense, hit a slightly less inspiring note in her Giambattista Valli Spring 2013 dress.

While the blushing hue of the frock was fresh, the shapeless, boatneck silhouette of the design fell flat on this glowing occasion, which saw the cast treat guests to a ‘table read’ of the ‘Scandal’ finale script.

The dress’s wilted bow at the waist and the rumpled, creased fabric didn’t help matters. Kerry may be able to make a burlap sack look good, but this look was really testing the theory.

A nip and a tuck—and an iron—were all this sporty-chic frock needed.

If I ignore the dress, I like the styling here—from the bracelet clutch to the sparkling statement ring to her beauty look. I don’t even mind those rosy-nude platform Lanvin heels, although they did precious little to pump in volume. Her Lanvin ‘Partition’ camera bag was an inspiring choice.

It seems like Kerry may have toned down the red highlights in her pretty long bob, and the blunt bang has made its return. Her makeup was radiant, too. Now, she just needed the outfit to match.

Credit: Getty