Hollywood's hottest coordinating couples

By Elizabeth Snead, Special to the Times

In the blazing klieg lights of Hollywood's red carpets, appearances count. Big time. Which is probably why so many celebrity couples try to match when they appear in public together. God forbid they might clash.

Paris Hilton and Benji Madden began their carpet coordination early on in their relationship. Like so many celebrity pairs, Paris and Benji, who both just happen to have clothing lines, know that the true test of a successful relationship is not how long you last. It's how you look while you're together.

But coordination can be tricky. There are subtle secrets that work, like matching a "his" tie with a "her" gown, a la Will Smith and Jada Pinkett.

Here are some dual dressing examples -- good and bad -- of hot couples.

FYI: Brad Pitt is, hands down, the master of coordinating with his lady loves. Check out the Red Carpet Rewind Gallery to see his chameleon-like transformation with past loves Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston.