30 Stunning, Unforgettable Red Carpet Looks main image
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30 Stunning, Unforgettable Red Carpet Looks

If you’re anything like me, your favorite season isn’t spring, summer, fall, or winter—it’s award season. And thankfully, it’s upon us. Whether it’s the Golden Globes or the Grammys, I’m invested. To appease my friends and family, I pretend to care about the nominations, snubs, and trophies, but really I’m only watching for one reason—the red carpet. Yes, I’m most concerned with who and what each celebrity is wearing. And yes, I will be the first to decide whether they should be on the “worst-dressed” or “best-dressed” list (like it’s any of my business).

As we enter a new decade, I feel it’s due time to reminisce on the most unforgettable red carpet looks of the 2010s. I’ve dug up my lists of who wore what to what award show so I can properly decide what red carpet ensembles deserve a spot on this list. May we all keep in mind that fashion has evolved drastically in the last 10 years. These are the celebs who nailed their looks—and who didn’t. Either way, we have yet to forget about them.

Anne Hathaway, 2011 Golden Globes

Anne Hathaway, 2011 Golden Globes

One of Anne Hathaway’s most unforgettable red carpet looks was the Armani Prive dress she wore to the 2011 Golden Globe Awards. The gown, which was covered in Swarovski crystals, featured dramatic shoulders and an open back.

It’s been almost 10 years since Hathaway wore this gown, yet it’s not outdated. It looks like something you’d see at a 2020 award show. She finished the look with peep-toe heels, a gold clutch, and stud earrings.

Evan Agostini/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

Amal Clooney, 2015 Golden Globe Awards

Amal Clooney, 2015 Golden Globe Awards

When Amal Alamuddin and George Clooney tied the knot in 2014, she was all the media could talk about. Aside from being a badass human rights lawyer, she snagged one of Hollywood’s most notorious bachelors!

When they made an appearance together on the red carpet in 2015, Amal wore a fitted, one-shoulder Dior Haute Couture dress. And while the dress didn’t receive any backlash, her elbow-length white gloves did. She made them herself, just hours before the Golden Globes. I loved them, but many critics said she looked like she was attending a debutante ball...

Kevork Djansezian/NBCUniversal/Getty Images & Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images

Lili Reinhart, 2019 Golden Globe Awards

Lili Reinhart, 2019 Golden Globe Awards

“Riverdale” star Lili Reinhart embraced the red carpet when she attended the 2019 Golden Globe Awards. She wore a fiery red gown that was featured in designer Khyeli’s Spring ‘19 couture collection.

The strapless dress featured plenty of ruching and ruffles, which looked sweet and feminine. But it was also made of sheer tulle, which revealed Reinhart’s legs. This gave it a more daring and sexy edge. The striking gown was paired with a set of matching red heels and stunning jewels. She also wore a reddish rosy eyeshadow and subtle tinted lip.

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Lupita Nyong'o, 2014 Golden Globe Awards

Lupita Nyong'o, 2014 Golden Globe Awards

Lupita Nyong’o has become a style icon in the last decade. In 2014, she walked the Golden Globes red carpet for the very first time and did not disappoint. The 12 Years A Slave actress, who had been nominated for Best Supporting Actress, looked like a dream.

Her bold red gown mimics Gwyneth Paltrow’s 2012 Oscars dress. They’re both strapless, extremely fitted, and encased by a cape. Nyong’o paired her dress with red heels, diamond earrings, and a glossy lip.

Gabriel Olsen/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Rihanna, 2013 GRAMMY Awards

Rihanna, 2013 GRAMMY Awards

When Rihanna made an appearance at the 2013 Grammys, she did so in a custom Azzedine Alaia gown. The sheer material, structured bodice, and lengthy train turned heads. It isn’t easy wearing red on the red carpet, but the R&B singer/songwriter pulled it off—effortlessly!

To finish off her look, Rihanna was layered in $2 million worth of diamonds and wearing a bold red lipstick that matched her dress. While most pay attention to the Grammy nominations and wins, I only pay attention to the fashion choices! And this is one red carpet look that I’ve yet to forget.

Dan MacMedan/WireImage/Getty Images

Bella Hadid, 2017 amfAR Gala

Bella Hadid, 2017 amfAR Gala

In 2017, Bella Hadid graced the amfAR gala in an unforgettable Ralph and Russo gown. The gown, which was dripping in crystals, sequins, and beading, required 30 embroiders and 3,000 hours of time to make.

The barely-there ensemble’s thigh-high slit, sheer bodice, and draping sleeves left little to the imagination. Bella completed her look with a pair of Rene Caovilla heels and a tight top knot. This gown inspired many other celebrities to experiment with nearly naked red carpet looks!

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Jennifer Lopez, 2019 Milan Fashion Week

Jennifer Lopez, 2019 Milan Fashion Week

If you kept up with celebrity fashion in the early 2000s, chances are you remember J.Lo’s iconic Versace dress—yes, the one that inspired the creation of Google Images. She wore the emerald green gown to the 2000 Grammy Awards and had everyone drooling.

Nearly two decades later, she made an appearance at Milan Fashion Week in a recreation of the Versace dress. While there were many distinct differences in the two dresses, the 2019 version still had a similar tropical print and plunging neckline. How is it possible she looks even better now than she did in 2000?

Vittorio Zunino/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Kate Middleton, 2019 BAFTA Film Awards

Kate Middleton, 2019 BAFTA Film Awards

The one-shoulder Alexander McQueen gown that Kate Middleton wore to the 2019 BAFTA Film Awards was fit for a queen—or should I say duchess! The gathered waist and intricate appliqué was feminine and beautiful. And she wore a pair of sparkly Jimmy Choos to complete the look.

To add to her elegance, Kate wore a chignon updo, smoky eye, and pink lip. She also wore a pair of pearl earrings and a stack of dainty bracelets. The entire look was timeless, which is why it’s so unforgettable.

Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images

Mandy Moore, 2019 Emmy Awards

Mandy Moore, 2019 Emmy Awards

Mandy Moore is known for her red carpet arrivals, so when she stepped onto the red carpet at the 2019 Emmy Awards in her custom Brandon Maxwell gown, she immediately made everyone’s “best-dressed” list.

The “This is Us” star wowed in her color-block dress. The deep red and bright pink color combination was the envy of everyone. And the off-the-shoulder top and thigh-high slit made a sexy statement. She paired the gown with strappy red heels and old Hollywood glamour.

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Ezra Miller, 2019 Met Gala

Ezra Miller, 2019 Met Gala

The Met Gala is known for its extravagant costumes—and Ezra Miller’s Met Gala look fully embraced the 2019 “Camp” theme. While the majority of the costumes were completely outrageous, Miller’s was whimsical and surreal. The actor fully embraced the art of optical illusion.

His pinstripe Burberry suit was subtle in comparison to the mask he used to cover his dizzying makeover. The mask had an eerie resemblance to his own face, but wasn’t the strangest part of his look. Behind the mask was five extra sets of eyes. His makeup artist, Choi, is so incredible that most couldn’t tell which eyes were real and which were an illusion!

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Lady Gaga, 2010 MTV Video Music Awards

Lady Gaga, 2010 MTV Video Music Awards

Although Lady Gaga wore three different outfits to the 2010 MTV Awards, the most memorable outfit was her meat dress. Designed by Franc Fernandez, the iconic dress made the ultimate fashion statement. The asymmetrical, cowled-neck dress was actually made out of flank steak.

Although many critics believed Gaga’s dress to be a statement against PETA, it was actually meant to express her distaste toward the U.S. military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. Regardless of how the dress was received, it’s unlikely to be forgotten.

Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Rihanna, 2014 CFDA Awards

Rihanna, 2014 CFDA Awards

In 2014, Rihanna won the CFDA Fashion Icon Award—and it’s not hard to see why. She’s not afraid to experiment with bold and daring looks. She attended the event in a sheer Swarovski crystal gown. The dress, which left little to the imagination, set the standard for naked dresses.

When she tried the dress on, she decided she would ditch her bra to avoid unnecessary undergarment lines. She did wear a thong, but has since expressed regret. The thong wasn’t rhinestoned like the rest of the outfit and she wishes it would’ve been. I wish that was my biggest regret in life.

Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Miley Cyrus, 2015 MTV Video Music Awards

Miley Cyrus, 2015 MTV Video Music Awards

When Miley Cyrus was asked to host the 2015 MTV Awards, she immediately began to plan her outfits. Over the course of the evening, she underwent 11 costume changes—all of which were equally as shocking and outrageous as the silver ensemble she arrived in.

The nearly-naked outfit consisted of little to no fabric. The outfit, which was designed by Versace, was the combination of metallic suspenders, a thong resembling a chandelier, and silver thigh-high boots. This outfit is still burned into my memory.

C Flanigan/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Angelina Jolie, 2012 Academy Awards

Angelina Jolie, 2012 Academy Awards

Let’s face it, Angelina Jolie can do no wrong. The 2012 Oscars red carpet proved just that. She wore a dark Versace dress that was as elegant as it was sexy. And to the surprise of many, the rather low-profile star decided to make a statement.

Hundreds of photos were taken of Jolie as she posed daringly in her gorgeous gown. The sky-high slit revealed her right leg, which was intentionally exposed and extended. When she made her way to the stage to present, she put her left hand on her hip and stuck her leg out, letting audience members admire her. Can’t say I blame her. I’d do the same if I looked that hot!

Donato Sardella/WireImage/Getty Images

Gwyneth Paltrow, 2012 Academy Awards

Gwyneth Paltrow, 2012 Academy Awards

Gwyneth Paltrow always stuns on the red carpet and the 84th Academy Awards was no exception. Her blonde hair was slicked back into a loose ponytail and her makeup looked elegant and natural.

What really stunned though was her striking Tom Ford gown. It even had an attached floor length cape that created an alluring silhouette. Although she only attended the event as a presenter, she was more talked about than most nominees! It just goes to show that fashion is (almost) everything.

Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images

Billy Porter, 2019 Academy Awards

Billy Porter, 2019 Academy Awards

While the majority of men aren’t recognized for their fashion choices on the red carpet, Billy Porter is the exception. The style icon has challenged the gender norms surrounding fashion by ditching the traditional tux.

Although his outfits always make a statement, it’s his 2019 Academy Award ensemble that I’ve yet to forget. The entertainer arrived in a Christian Siriano gown and shut down the red carpet. The glamourous look boasted a tux-style top, a velvet gown, and six inch Rick Owens boots. The custom creation confronted the rigid dress code that we’ve all grown so accustomed to.

Dan MacMedan/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Zendaya, 2019 Met Gala

Zendaya, 2019 Met Gala

The 2019 Met Gala welcomed many different looks, including Zendaya’s dreamy Cinderella moment. She brought the fairytale to life by wearing a custom Tommy Hilfiger gown on the red carpet. Her stylist even tagged along as her fairy godmother—wand included.

She mesmerized everyone when her gown lit up...literally. The Disney-like magic transformed her into an enchanting princess in a matter of seconds. And as if the baby blue bodice, puffy sleeves, and voluptuous skirt weren’t enough, Zendaya even wore glass slippers. And left one of them on the Met steps. Incredible.

Rabbani and Solimene Photography/WireImage/Getty Images

Nicole Kidman, 2018 Academy Awards

Nicole Kidman, 2018 Academy Awards

It appears that Nicole Kidman really is as beautiful as she is kind. The Aussie-born actress always impresses when it comes to fashion. When she arrived at the 90th Annual Academy Awards in an Armani Prive gown, she stole the show.

The royal blue dress looked gorgeous on her fair skin. The plunging sweetheart neckline, oversized bow, and high slit were reminiscent of dresses worn by the starlets of Hollywood’s Golden Age. She paired the look with Christian Louboutin shoes and her signature red lips!

Dan MacMedan/WireImage/Getty Images

Jared Leto, 2019 Met Gala

Jared Leto, 2019 Met  Gala

The Met Gala’s 2019 theme, “Camp: Notes on Fashion,” was all about the exaggeration of fashion. And though no one should’ve been completely surprised by anything, Jared Leto carrying his Gucci human head was not expected or anticipated.

Leto’s Gucci gown was red, silky, and encrusted with jewels—except it wasn’t his dress that was memorable, but his severed head accessory. The uncanny resemblance was slightly unsettling, but also extremely entertaining. And how can you not appreciate the replica of Leto’s head after he reveals it took more than six months to make?

Karwai Tang/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Harry Styles, 2019 Met Gala

Harry Styles, 2019 Met Gala

If anything has evolved over the last decade, it’s Harry Styles’ fashion. He’s into patterns, textures, and loose silhouettes. And he’s known for wearing lots of jewels and painted nails. So when he walked onto the red carpet at the 2019 Met Gala, everyone took note.

His Gucci jumpsuit had it all—sheer fabric, ruffles and frills, and intricate detailing. And in true Harry fashion, he also wore a single pearl earring, a stack of rings, a mixed manicure, and heels. The feminine look played heavily into his decision to defy the gender norms and stereotypes associated with fashion. I stan.

Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images

Rihanna, 2017 Met Gala

Rihanna, 2017 Met Gala

Rihanna, as she’s known to do, completely shut down the 2017 Met Gala. Because the show was in celebration of Japanese fashion designer Rei Kawakubo and her line Comme des Garcons, Rihanna arrived in one of the outfits that debuted on her Fall 2016 runway.

The dress, which had 18th-century influence, was a work of art. The floral fabrics were layered with intentionality, allowing Rihanna to resemble hundreds of petals. The dress was paired with bright red gladiator heels that laced up to her thighs. As if this ensemble wasn’t glorious enough, her hair and makeup artists gave her wispy bangs, a high bun, and bright pink eyes and cheeks!

Philip Rock/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Zendaya, 2019 Emmy Awards

Zendaya, 2019 Emmy Awards

Everyone was buzzing about Zendaya after the 2019 Emmy Awards, and not just because of her role in the new HBO show “Euphoria.” They couldn’t stop talking about the Vera Wang dress she donned on the red carpet.

She wore an emerald green dress that was as sexy as it was stunning. The sheer corset, asymmetrical lining, and high leg slit left her looking a vision. The dress was paired with matching green satin pumps, Cartier jewels, and a deep smoky eye.

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Imagese

Emma Stone, 2012 Academy Awards

Emma Stone, 2012 Academy Awards

I adore Emma Stone, I do, but her fashion choices aren’t always sound. For example, her 2012 Academy Awards dress didn’t do much for me—or for anyone. In fact, she was reluctantly added to almost every “worst-dressed” list that year.

The deep red gown was overwhelming. The oversized bow, bold color, and extra fabric seemed to swallow her. No offense to designer Giambattista Valli, but this gown just had too much going for it. But like all red carpet looks, it garnered mixed reviews. While many critics found it distasteful, others couldn’t get enough!

Donato Sardella/WireImage/Getty Images

Lizzo, 2019 American Music Awards

Lizzo, 2019 American Music Awards

Lizzo, one of music’s biggest stars, rocked the red carpet at the 2019 American Music Awards. The celebrity wore a one-shoulder fluorescent orange mini dress, white strappy heels, and bright white earrings. Her bangs loosely framed her face, while the rest of her hair was pulled back into a ponytail.

The entire ensemble was a hit, but it was her itty bitty Valentino purse that had people talking. She proudly posed with it on the red carpet and joked about what was inside. How can you not love her?

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Kim Kardashian, 2019 Met Gala

Kim Kardashian, 2019 Met Gala

It’s no surprise that Kim Kardashian’s 2019 Met Gala dress was the tightest dress on the red carpet that evening. She wore a Mr. Pearl corset underneath her Thierry Mugler dress in order to create an extreme hourglass figure.

But beauty is pain, right? According to Kim Kardashian it is. The corset was so tight that it took two people to help her into it, she couldn’t sit down while wearing it, and she had major indentation marks on her stomach and back after taking it off…No thank you.

Taylor Hill/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Zendaya, 2018 Academy Awards

Zendaya, 2018 Academy Awards

Zendaya’s red carpet arrivals are always anticipated because she isn’t afraid to take fashion and beauty risks. This pleated one-shoulder gown is just one of her many dramatic red carpet moments. The untraditional hue of the dress was all anyone could talk about. The deep, chocolatey gown was designed by Giambattista Valli, an Italian fashion designer.

Her bold brows, neutral lips, and smoky eyes complemented the dress without overpowering it. She kept her jewelry minimal, wearing only diamond earrings and three diamond bracelets. And she had her hair pulled up in a sleek bun.

Dan MacMedan/WireImage/Getty Images

Kacey Musgraves, 2019 Academy of Country Music Awards

Kacey Musgraves, 2019 Academy of Country Music Awards

Not only did Kacey Musgraaves win Best Country Album and Album of the Year at the 2019 Academy of Country Music Awards, but she also made many “best-dressed” lists. The country music star looked effortless.

Her Christian Cowan suit subtly fades from blue to pink hues. The bell sleeves and flared trousers give the look a very ‘70s feel, as does her middle part. She kept her look simple by wearing minimal makeup and a blush pink manicure.

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Whoopi Goldberg, 2014 Academy Awards

Whoopi Goldberg, 2014 Academy Awards

It’s ironic that Whoopi Goldberg won an Oscar as Best Supporting Actress for the movie Ghost in 2014 because that was the year her outfit was legitimately scarier than any type of paranormal activity.

She wore a white button down shirt underneath a black satin gown, a pair of pearls, and her signature frames. It wasn’t until she got on stage that she revealed black and white striped stockings and ruby red pumps. The resemblance to The Wizard of Oz’s Wicked Witch of the East is uncanny.

JB Lacroix/WireImage/Getty Images & Kevin Winters/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Ajiona Alexus, 2017 Emmy Awards

Ajiona Alexus, 2017 Emmy Awards

To say that Ajiona Alexus slayed the 2017 Emmys would be an understatement. The 13 Reasons Why actress wore a sleek white jumpsuit, with a lengthy train attached to the right hip. The bodice was adorned with an embellishment and the entire outfit was tailored to perfection.

Her warm skin tone made the bright white pantsuit pop. And her makeup was natural and dewy. She let her loose curls fall effortlessly down her back and wore rhinestone earrings that were a bold contrast from her dark black hair.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Joy Villa, 2015 GRAMMY Awards

Joy Villa, 2015 GRAMMY Awards

The red carpet has seen its fair share of outrageous outfits, but Joy Villa’s 2015 Grammy dress is too weird for words. The aspiring singer/songwriter made a name for herself when she wore orange construction fencing...to an award show.

The dress (if you can call it that) was worn over nipple pasties and a nude thong. As if the entire ensemble wasn’t bad enough, she decided to wear a matching hairpiece. She landed on multiple “worst-dressed” lists and rightfully so. Next time, leave the orange fencing material where it belongs—at the construction site.

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Kendall Jenner, 2021 Met Gala

Kendall Jenner, 2021 Met Gala

Kendall Jenner graced the 2021 Met Gala red carpet in custom Givenchy.

Although her team of stylists claim Jenner was going for an Audrey Hepburn look a la My Fair Lady, her Met Gala dress reminds us more of Kim's wet dress at the 2019 Met Gala...

Mike Coppola/Staff/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Kim Kardashian, 2021 Met Gala

Kim Kardashian, 2021 Met Gala

Kim Kardashian didn't come to play on the Met Gala 2021 red carpet. She wore custom Balenciaga—and the designer even posed on the carpet with her.

That's right, it wasn't Kanye by her side on the Met Gala red carpet. Kanye who??

Theo Wargo/Staff/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Megan Fox, 2021 Met Gala

Megan Fox, 2021 Met Gala

Megan Fox never disappoints, does she? She hit the 2021 Met Gala red carpet in a red little Dundas number and blunt bangs.

She was missing her usual arm candy, MGK, which is rare these days. But we have to say: she clearly doesn't need him!

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