While red is bold, it’s also versatile. From crushed velvet, to silky satin, to lace, these stars stun in unique looks. Everyone in Hollywood has tried their hand at a red dress, and some have given us some iconic looks. Get ready for some inspo on how to rock this timeless color.
Sofia Vergara
Sofia Vergara walked arm-in-arm with her new fiance, Joe Manganiello, at the 2015 SAG Awards. The engaged part was obvious thanks to that ginormous diamond ring. To mark the occasion, as well as the fact Vergara was nominated with the rest of her "Modern Family" cast for Best Ensemble, she wore a Donna Karan Atelier dress that looked like it was made for her.
The all-red look has everything - lace, a train, perfect ruching, and a spined corset that fits Vergara like a glove. Instead of toning down the makeup, she matched the dress. Vergara wore a bold red lip and smoky black eyeshadow. On anyone else, this might be too much - but not for Sofia Vergara.
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez is an actress, singer, and songwriter from Grand Prairie, Texas. She started her career in 2002 as a child actor on the Disney Channel, with one of her earliest roles being on "Barney and Friends." The world has been enamored with that Selena charm ever since.
Having grown up in the spotlight, we've all seen Gomez's style evolve, from sweet and innocent, to glamourous and sultry. For the premiere of "Rudderless" in 2014, Gomez wore this low-cut cocktail dress by none other than Christian Dior. It became *the* Christmas dress inspo for that year. Gomez kept everything else classic with black pumps, a black clutch, and simple, clean hair and makeup
Julie Macklowe
If you're not familiar with Julie Macklowe, we'll catch you up to speed. She is an American socialite, philanthropist, hedge fund manager, and whisky distiller with a skincare brand. Got all that? In her spare time, she appears to double as a Scottish tablecloth.
Well, Macklowe blended into the rest of the over-the-top looks at the 2017 Gala, even though she looked like a tablecloth mixed with someone who was throwing on random things they found in a Halloween bin in their attic. Where exactly are her arms? That’s the thing – no one knows. It remains a mystery to this day.
Katy Perry
Before becoming a pop sensation, Katy Perry endured heart-breaking failure. Her family faced severe challenges, often relying on food stamps to get by. Perry dropped out of high school at 15 to pursue music full-time. She relocated to Tennessee, where she signed with Red Hill Records, but the label went out of business soon after. Later, she signed up with Java to work on a solo record, but the project was eventually shelved.
Things began looking up when she secured a deal with Columbia Records. Her big break finally came in 2007, when she signed with Capitol Records and released "I Kissed A Girl" in 2008. Since then, Katy Perry has been the apple of everyone's eye in her crazy and stunning outfits, like this one by Redemption.
Zendaya
At the 2021 CFDA Fashion Awards, Zendaya showed up in a jaw-dropping red two-piece dress by Vera Wang - who even accompanied Zendaya on the red carpet! The strapless top was paired with a maxi skirt featuring a bubble-waist. She even had a cropped red jacket to match. The actress accessorized with some sparkly silver bling and wore her in thigh-length braids.
Zendaya had to make a splash that evening - she was being honored with the Fashion Icon Award for that year. In doing so, she became the youngest recipient of the award, ever. The actress is known for her sleek and polished looks that always turn heads. What's more, she's the unmatched queen of the two-piece sets on the red carpet - and looking at those washboard abs, it's no real surprise why.
Scarlett Johansson
If there's one color that Scarjo knows how to wear, it's red. The "Avengers" actress has graced the red carpet in some of the most memorable red numbers to date. At the "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" premiere way back in 2014, Johansson wore this Vivienne Westwood Red Label dress. The dark red coloring complemented the actress, and the matching lipstick made her green eyes pop.
Fun fact about this look; the "Black Widow" actress was pregnant here with her daughter, though you could never tell. Between the coordinated hand placements, the ruching of the dress, and, other distracting factors, Johansson was able to mask her bump pretty comfortably.
Anjelica Huston
At the 2008 Costume Designers Guild Award, Anjelica Huston showed everyone how it's done. Huston hosted the event and honored those behind the scenes who make on-screen stories come to life. To do this, she wore a daring scarlet number adorned in sequins, with a deep-v neckline. She topped off the look with matching red lipstick because, well, what else?
Here is a fun story about this talent: Huston became the third-generation Oscar winner of her family when she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in "Prizzi's Honor" (1985). She joined her father, the late John Huston (director), and her grandfather, the late Walter Huston (actor).
Meghan Markle
Many speculate what Diana would think of her two daughters-in-law. Most agree that she would highly approve of her son’s choices of partners and fellow royal family members. Kate has often been compared to Diana but Meghan tends to be the one who is willing to take more fashion risks.
In this photo, Meghan wears a dazzling, red column dress by designer Safiyaa at the Mountbatten Festival of Music. The capelet shoulders added a touch of femininity to the bold look. As a bonus, she also matched Harry’s handsome military uniform. Markle actually wore the same dress in blue at a state dinner in Fiji, while pregnant. So, it's safe to say this look definitely works for her.
Famke Janssen
Famke Janssen might not be a household name, but there's a good chance you've seen the Dutch actress in some of your favorite movies. Famke's most memorable performances include hit films and TV shows like the "Taken" trilogy, "Hemlock Grove," "How to Get Away with Murder," and "The Blacklist: Redemption." Safe to say, Janssen knows her way around a film set.
At the DGA awards in 2012, Janssen wore a timeless dark red one-shoulder gown. The floor-length dress featured a thigh-high slit that emphasized her classy scarlet pumps. For her hair and makeup, she kept it simple with sleek hair worn over the shoulder, and simple makeup.
Lil’ Kim
As the unofficial queen of outrageous outfits at the VMAs, Lil’ Kim did not disappoint with the plastic red outfit she wore to the 2000 awards show. Wearing a bustier romper made out of red transparent plastic, the “Lighters Up” rapper topped off her look with a matching bright red plastic jacket.
With all of those straps, studs, and sharp plastic edges, we just can’t imagine how uncomfortable this outfit must have been. On the bright side, with that PVC jacket, she was probably ready for any sort of rainy weather! Well, at least select parts of her body were, anyway.
Lucy Hale
Lucy Hale is not a "Pretty Little Liar" when she says she loves being single. She treasures the time she gets to be on her own and enjoys the freedom that comes with it. Growing up, she wanted to date someone to complete a missing part of her. And she knows she glows. Here she is at the 2014 Teen Choice Awards in an adorable little red dress.
Hale rocked this red mini and went for a natural glam hair and makeup look to give the dress all the attention it deserved. A simple black clutch with matching nails and some fun heels finished up the look. On a separate note - what can a person keep in those clutches?
Halle Berry
Not only did Halle Berry make history at the 2002 Oscars by being the first black woman to win Best Actress in the Award Show's history, but her iconic dress made history, too. This burgundy dress by Ellie Saab boasts a sheer bodice laced with embroidered flowers and a low-waist layered skirt.
As of 2023, Berry's dress now hangs in the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. It stands among iconic outfits and costumes such as Dorothy's red slipper from "The Wizard of Oz," a $17 million Rolex watch worn by Paul Newman, and Shirley Temple's silver tiara from the film "Little Miss Broadway."
Gigi Hadid
Definitely one of the IT girls right now, the 5'10'' model Gigi Hadid is taking over the fashion industry. The young diva has already graced the covers of the most popular magazines. She's even won Model of the Year a couple of times - no small feat. And she does all this while being a young mother.
Hadid wore this gorgeous red number to her first Met Gala back in 2015. It was designed by Diane von Furstenberg for the theme "China: Through the Looking Glass." Safe to say, Hadid made quite a splash onto the scene and has been a regular attendee since.
Cardi B
A trial will always steal the show. Endless trains have been a recurring theme in the prestigious Met Gala and for a good reason. They have an impact that can't be denied. For Cardi B, there's no such thing as overdoing it. A sparkly cap? Sure. Feathers Galore? No problem. A 10-foot train? Bring it on! This $250,000 dress was worth every penny.
The dress was designed by Thom Browne and took a recorded 2000 hours to produce. Cardi B sported this in 2018 while she was expecting her first child. And while most women will tell you that pregnancy is not fun and games, we're sure Cardi B had her work cut out for her.
Carey Mulligan
This isn't Carey Mulligan's typical kind of red carpet look. This Prada frock might seem strange at first, but when the theme is camp, there's no such thing as too much. "The Great Gatsby" actor enrobed an elegant evening gown made out of various fabrics and textures.
With red rhinestones coating the whole dress and a large black satin... thing attached at the hip, the pink sash was really needed in order to somehow tie the whole look together, and Carey Mulligan looks great in it. It's not your typical look, and that's what the Met Gala is here for.
Scarlett Johansson
As one of the world's highest-paid actresses in the world, Scarlett didn't have to save money on a Met Gala dress. In 2018, she decided to spoil herself with a Marchesa ombré gown. The dark wine-red gown works beautifully with Johansson's dark pixie cut, and every makeup detail from the eyes to the lips complements the whole ensemble.
This off-shoulder look is a favorite of the "Black Widow" actress, and it's easy to see why. As one of Hollywood's leading ladies, she knows what she's doing! While this look has a lot going on, Johansson topped it off with simple accessories and let the attention fall where it deserved to.
Jared Leto
Jared Leto turned heads – two of which belonged to him – at the 2019 Met Gala when he showed up in this bright red, bedazzled getup. But it wasn’t so much the outfit that landed him on our list, but the fact he was toting a one-of-a-kind accessory that made little sense: a life-like replica of his head.
The look was a nod to Alessandro Michele’s “Cyborg” runway show in 2018, where he sent his models down the runway carrying their own “severed heads.” Listen, Jared Leto has always been a wild card, just ask anyone he worked with when he played the Joker.
Lizzo
Lizzo proves that fantastic fashion is for every figure! The singer loves getting creative, and even a bit cheeky with her red carpet looks. Her “siren” dress for the 2019 VMAs was no different. The “Truth Hurts'' singer wore a customized red sequin Moschino gown with the word “SIREN” written all over it in silver sequins.
Moschino is known for some out-there looks, and Lizzo really pulled this one off. She completed the look with a matching red feather boa and glamorous bouffant hairdo. Looking every bit like a sultry siren, Lizzo proved that you can wear red on the red carpet without fading into the background!
Charlize Theron
Charlize definitely knows how to work a red carpet. She looks jaw-dropping every time she sets foot onto the carpet of an awards ceremony. You may recognize her from her many appearances in the J’adore Dior fragrance advertisement.
So of course, for the 2016 Oscars, she was seen in a beautiful bold red dress from Dior with a deep-cut neckline and statement jewelry. This was the actress' first time wearing red to an awards show - and she didn't even see the dress until a week before the event. Theron was busy filming and left everything in the hands of her trusty stylist.
Kate Winslet
Kate Winslet is, of course, well-known for her role in the "Titanic" film. No matter where she goes she always looks absolutely beautiful. She is one of the classiest stars we have ever seen. There is never a time you see her on the red carpet in something that isn’t flattering and classic.
She is the epitome of English Rose. The cross-shoulder is the perfect touch to such an elegant yet simple gown. This outfit was worn at the 2002 Oscars where Winslet was nominated for the third time. It was a Ben de Lisi creation, a London-based designer who understood Winslet's style and vision.
Miranda Kerr
Miranda Kerr is known as one of the most famous Victoria's Secret models to ever walk the runway. From her high-profile relationships to her numerous fashion campaigns, Kerr has been in the spotlight since her burst onto the scene in 2007 as the first Australian Victoria's Secret model. She never fails to impress us with her looks and she certainly turned heads with this dress.
She attended the 2016 Vanity Fair Oscar Party wearing a custom Kaufman Franco gown, Christian Louboutin shoes, and an Atelier Swarovski bag. Her matching red lipstick pulled the whole look together - which otherwise isn't holding on to much (in a good way!).
Renée Elise Goldsberry
Despite the fact that the 30th Annual Gotham Awards had a virtual ceremony, celebs still put their best feet forward, including "Hamilton" star Renée Elise Goldsberry. Wearing a daring look from Naeem Khan, the actress turned heads (albeit virtually) in this sparkly red jumpsuit with a plunging neckline.
Given that Goldsberry was 51 here, it's pretty impressive to see she doesn't look a day outside of her 20s. Her confidence is palpable, and who can blame her? The woman knows how to style! She completed the look with a giant sparkly silver bracelet and a bag that, honestly, maybe wasn't the best choice. Still, it's a hard yes from us.
Jennifer Aniston
On the 2013 Academy Awards red carpet, Jennifer Aniston went bold with a red Valentino gown. The choice paid off. Aniston is no stranger to a red dress, and even though there isn't all that much going on, it still made a big statement on the carpet. This was the Academy Awards, to be fair.
The fit and flare strapless dress was quite a showstopper, with a slight satin sheen and impressive train. Aniston topped off the look keeping her hair and makeup fairly natural. We can't see the shoes, but we're sure they were just as elegant as the whole look. Although, maybe Aniston took this opportunity to wear some comfortable sneakers. We may never know.
Lupita Nyong’o
All eyes were on Lupita Nyong’o at the 71st Golden Globe Awards. And can you blame us? The dazzling model and actress was one to watch, having turned heads on fashion runways during the 2014 season. On the red carpet, she continued to show everyone what she was made of.
She was also an up-and-coming film star, nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Nyong’o chose a red statement gown by Ralph Lauren, even though she was the face of the Miu Miu fashion house. The actress, who is also a Yale School of Drama graduate, donned the dramatic dress that featured an attached cape with the skilled finesse of a supermodel.
Amber Heard
Amber Heard arrived at the 2016 Golden Globes in this showstopper that worked on every level. It’s hard to stop staring at the coral-pink Gucci gown, partly because it looks just as fantastic from the front as it does from the back. It's not over the top, but it commands attention and is undoubtedly elegant.
A floral embellishment rounds her neckline, and the décor continues down her back. The chiffon fabric gives the actress an ethereal air. The actress donned a vintage-inspired hairdo (with a pretty crisp wave, mind you) and scarlet lip color to complement the floral design sealed the deal.
Catherine Zeta-Jones
When Catherine Zeta-Jones showed up on the 2021 Emmys red carpet, everyone else might as well have gone home. Her strapless, burgundy gown turned heads with its high slit and cinched waist. The Welsh actress looked like the perfect blend of elegance and seduction - not an easy feat in general, let alone doing it in her 50s.
Her husband, actor Michael Douglas, told reporters, "I can't believe my luck." We wouldn't either, Michael! The dress was the work of Cristina Ottaviano, a New York-based designer who has also dressed the likes of Bella Hadid, Allison Janney, and Emily Ratajkowski for their red carpet-dos.
Janine Turner
“Northern Exposure” star, Janine Turner was everywhere in the 90s. Having nabbed some impressive leading roles in productions such as "Cliffhanger" and "Stolen Woman," Turner made her mark on Hollywood. Another way in which she dazzled was her unforgettable red carpet looks. The 1993 Golden Globes was one such occasion.
She turned heads wearing this fitted gown in bright red. Matching red lipstick and a cropped tousle of locks complete the actress’s image of elegance - not to mention the eyebrows. She likes to wear jewels sparsely. Here she is wearing a pair of drop earrings and a dainty bracelet, the effect is quite chic.
Connie Sellecca
Actress Connie Sellecca, pictured at the Golden Globe Awards in 1989, radiates in red. Her gown is so chic with such flattering lines, that it’s hard to believe we are looking at a style from the ‘80s. Still, the shoulder pads, and even the clutch, are pretty strong indicators of the time period.
It’s a timeless gown and Sellecca dons it gracefully. Only her chunky earrings and big hair hint as to which decade this photo is from. She won in attire but missed the gold prize that night. It would have been her first Golden Globe. Still, Selleca had a booming career from the 70s to the early 2000s and is still an icon today.
Miranda Kerr
If you're ever conflicted about what to wear to the red carpet, then the color red is a very good choice. Unless you're worried about blending into the carpet, that is. Miranda Kerr chose the same theme with her red dress, Jimmy Choo heels, and lipstick. But, Kerr went on a limb with her dress, which may look familiar to something you've seen in stores.
She wore a red H&M by Night dress, and fans can now get the same dress at their local stores or buy it online. The dress falls under a hundred bucks costing an exact total of $75 for anyone interested in buying it.
Serena Williams
Serena Williams is the most talked-about female athlete in the world right now. She's one of the best female tennis players of all time and has amassed a whopping 23 major singles title wins, more than any man or woman in the Open Era. Williams has broken many, many records throughout her career and made over $90 million as a tennis player, making her one of the highest-earning female athletes of all time.
Serena Williams has been mired in various controversies in her career. She claims that most of them were due to her race and gender. Williams has also been the focus of many dramas and public debates due to her extremely vocal nature and critical view of the Women’s Tennis Association. Luckily, we can easily forget that just by looking at her beauty. She graces any red carpet with elegance - even in daring red numbers.
Katy Perry
Yes, Katy Perry made her mark once again. For her 2017 ensemble, Katy really didn’t shy away from the cameras. This bright red gown featured all kinds of textures and materials, including netting and jewel details. The theme was "Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between" and even though Perry didn't wear the designer being honored, she still hit the nail on the head.
While the Maison Margiela gown itself certainly stood out from the crowd, it was her avant-garde headpiece that really stole the show. The transparent veil featured all kinds of additions, and a pop of red could also be seen underneath the wearable art. It was the kind of dress that stopped people in their tracks.
Lady Gaga
It’s no secret that Lady Gaga has worn some seriously strange and controversial outfits over the years. However, the “Meat Dress” she wore to the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards is perhaps the most controversial of all. It's certainly the most memorable, with people still talking about it more than ten years later.
While most people assumed that this dress was made from fake meat, it was actually created using a huge amount of raw flank steak. The whole idea was designed and conceptualized by Franc Fernandez, who probably didn’t think about the backlash that would amount from animal rights groups. We bet it smelled awful, too.
Jennifer Lopez
A true icon and a risk-taker when it comes to fashion, while many of J-Lo’s outfits have had people divided into naysayers or supporters, the public almost unanimously agreed that this red dress the singer and actress wore to the 2015 Met gala was a hit. The Gala's theme for the year was "China: Through the Looking Glass" and Lopez wore Atelier Versace for the occasion.
The embellishments suggest a dragon wrapping around J-Lo's body, and the sheer panel on the side of this dress shows off Jennifer’s curves without being too provocative. Lopez paired the look with a Swarovski clutch covered in red crystals, and her makeup tied the whole ensemble together.
Charlize Theron
2006 was a crazy time for fashion. That's pretty clear here. The Met Gala theme was "AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion." Designer John Galliano appeared at the 2006 Gala looking like he’d been up drinking the night before with a group of pirates who went crazy with a Bedazzler, passed out for a few minutes, and been woken up and told he had to hit the carpet.
His date, Charlize Theron, opted for a flowy, deep-red Christian Dior dress, which looks nice but pretty mismatched with her date's attire. Though, that seems to be on him. We have a feeling that Theron looks back at this look with a pretty desperate sense of regret.
Jennifer Lopez
This eye-catching, fuchsia-colored Gucci gown turned all heads towards Jennifer Lopez as she walked the carpet at the 2011 Gala. The theme for this year was "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty," and Lopez undoubtedly had one of the most beautiful looks of the night.
Some say that the shrug overwhelms the look a bit, but it received mixed reviews, as others said she carried it well and didn’t let it distract from the overall beauty of the flowy dress. We agree with the latter. She kept her hair sleekly pulled back and chose to carry a small clutch so as not to overpower the attire.
Rihanna
Another iconic look for Rihanna, she's definitely a star who knows how to clean up well and be red-carpet ready. She offset her flaming curls with a breathtaking blood-red Elie Saab gown at the 2010 American Music Awards. Riri's red hair phase led to some of the singer's most iconic outfits, and clearly, the red gave her some extra confidence.
The gown was from Elie Saab’s Fall 2010 Couture collection. She looked as glamorous as ever. She also scooped up an award that night for best Female R&B Artist. So, all in all, it seemed like a pretty good night for the Barbadian beauty!
Melanie Griffith
Though they were closing in on a divorce, Melanie appeared on then-husband, Antonio Banderas’ arm on the red carpet for the 2012 Goya Film Awards. The couple was a stalwart of Hollywood and even remained close after ending their marriage.
In happier times, like this one, Griffith dazzled in a couture red gown kitted out with red roses across the train. Not to mention, the bodice seems inspired by magical evil stepmothers everywhere - but on Griffith, we love it and get no bad magic vibes! Griffith wore her hair in a tousled updo, and her statement (and we mean, statement) necklace somehow didn't overpower her iconic dress.
Miley Cyrus
As hard as it might be to believe, there was a time when Miley Cyrus wore traditional gowns for red carpet-events. For the Grammy Awards ceremony in 2018, Miley Cyrus wore a Zac Posen ball gown that made her look like a Disney princess. We know Miley was going through a lot around 2018, but no matter what your stance on her, you have to admit that this dress was made for her.
And her performance alongside legendary Elton John probably made her feel even more like a princess. The magenta-colored dress was accessorized with a classic, old Hollywood hairdo, and subtle makeup.
Carrie Underwood
Country queen Carrie Underwood always serves great looks regarding red carpet events. For the 2017 Grammy Awards, cutie Carrie Underwood wore a fiery red Elie Madi gown with shiny red beaded details and a sensual keyhole front. This kind of outfit makes us think she was trying to make someone jealous. We mean, imagine seeing the girl you dumped in high school on the Grammy red carpet wearing this!
The beautiful long-sleeved sheer dress was the perfect combination of elegance and boldness. Her understated jewelry and shoes were the perfect accessories to complete the look. She might have an all-American sweetheart face, but Underwood certainly cleans up well for awards ceremonies.
Kaley Cuoco
Kaley Cuoco got a lot of media attention when she got engaged to former professional tennis player, Ryan Sweeting after only three months of dating. Apparently, Cuoco was very sure that she found the one. During the couple's good old days, Cuoco hosted part of the 2013 Emmy Awards with Sweeting by her side.
To mark the occasion, Cuoco wore a deep red Vera Wang gown that suited her to a tee. The fitted bodice with the boning showing burst open into a flare of ruffles, and you can tell that Kaley wore this look with confidence. Her hair and makeup complemented the look perfectly, with a dramatic wine-red smoky eye, and tousled locks over her shoulders.
Jennifer Lawrence
This perfectly fitted, curvaceous Calvin Klein number Lawrence wore to the Oscars really put her on the map. This dress will go down in fashion history as the point at which Lawrence stopped playing games, and made sure all eyes were on her. The gown is as simple as it gets, but it fits Lawrence like a glove and highlights her figure flatteringly.
Lawrence topped the look off with simple gold jewelry and a gold clutch. The final step was her hair, which is the perfect shade of blonde for her skin tone and the dress. Even though it clashes with the red carpet, we absolutely adore this simple gown and the way it looks on her. Sexy, yet elegant!
Charlize Theron
One of the youngest additions to our list is the incredibly beautiful Charlize Theron, a South African and American actress and producer who took the world by storm in the 21st century. Despite growing up in an abusive household, the aspiring ballet dancer eventually made her way into film and Hollywood circles.
In 1994, Charlize Theron was discovered by talent agent John Crosby after he saw her shouting at a Hollywood bank teller who wouldn't cash her mother's rent check. The rest of the story is history, as Theron eventually became one of the most beloved and recognizable actresses in the world. Since then, she's graced red carpets with iconic looks such as this one.
Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera has often been celebrated for her racy outfits and her ability to show off some skin while still looking fabulous, but what do you think of this ensemble? When Christina made her way down the red carpet at the 7th Annual Blockbuster Entertainment Awards in 2001, people weren’t sure.
The velour dress with some rather deep cut-outs just didn’t seem to compliment her giant hair, and certainly not with those shoes. Maybe that’s why she reserved this outfit for a Blockbuster event, in the hope that it would fade into oblivion… The only silver lining is that Aguilera's style has significantly improved since this trainwreck.
Nicki Minaj
However, it seems as though Nicki wanted to make even more of a statement the next year. By the time the 2012 Grammy Awards came around, this singer and rapper went with an entirely different look. Instead of rocking the animal print, she rocked her habit-like cloak dress instead.
While the Versace ensemble was supposedly an homage to Madonna, many people were offended rather than impressed. They believed her own outfit to be sacrilegious, and that’s before they got onto the fact that she brought along a date dressed as the Pope. We're all for celebrities taking risks on the red carpet and making political or social statements, but this... didn't make the cut.
Maisie Williams
"Game of Thrones," actresses Maisie Williams and Sophie Turner play sisters on the show. This red dress may look familiar to you, for a number of reasons. Firstly, it was worn by Miranda Kerr on the red carpet, too. Secondly, you might have seen it at H&M at some point! This dress that took the red carpet by storm was famously widely available at the fashion retailer.
Williams glowed in the red floral number and wore gold shoes and light jewelry to pull the look together. She also put her hair up in a messy updo (that likely took over an hour to achieve with a team of hairstylists, go figure) and embraced the spotlight.
Sloane Stephens
Tennis champ Sloane Stephens shined on the ESPY Awards red carpet event in 2018, sporting a plunging red pantsuit. The American tennis athlete ranked number 3 following Wimbledon in 2018. This red-on-red suit was bold, and we can't blame her - she took home Best Female Tennis Player that year, and was nominated for Best Breakthrough Athlete.
Stephens took the 2017 U.S. Open championship and won the WTA Comeback Player of the Year. After going pro in 2009, she made waves by defeating Serena Williams at the 2013 Australian Open. She was just 19 when she began her rise to prominence.
Suzanne Schulting
Suzanne Schulting is the first short-track speed skater to win an Olympic gold medal for the Netherlands. She's also the youngest Dutch skater to ever win a Winter Olympic championship. She began training in short-track speed skating at the young age of eight, and by 2016 she had won her first big tournament at the 2016 World Junior Championships in Sofia.
This young beauty is pictured during her first time hitting the red carpet. Suzanne Schulting has a lot more in her, so we’re likely to see a lot more from her as she gets older and more successful. We’re excited about her future tournaments because it seems that for her, the accomplishments and record-breaking performances are only getting started.
Ashley Wagner
You might remember Ashley Wagner as the accomplished and talented American figure skater from the 2014 Olympics, where she brought home three Bronze medals. Wagner began practicing the sport at age five and decided from a young age to commit to figure skating instead of her other passion, ballet.
As a serious and highly competitive woman, Ashley Wagner claimed that she “wasn’t going to do anything in pink shoes.” Still, she knows how to rock sequins when she needs to, like in this bold full-sequin jumpsuit. The accomplished figure skater is fired up and training to get a serious win in the next Olympics, and everyone’s rooting for her to do just that.
Heather Watson
Heather Watson is a British professional tennis player and was Britain's number-one player at the time. She has since been demoted to number 2 in the rankings, which is still extremely impressive. This beautiful athlete broke a huge glass ceiling when she became the first-ever British woman in 1988 to win a WTA singles title.
Heather Watson regularly updates her Instagram page, which has a substantial following. She is known for having a very balanced playing style with great movements and a strong serve. The young female athlete also has a very feminine side, which can clearly be seen here with her great sense of style. This crocheted red dress is bold and fitting for such a strong woman.
Ali Krieger
Ali Krieger is a talented and successful National Women's Soccer League player. She plays for Orlando Pride, a Florida-based women's soccer team. The player is an avid philanthropist and supports a charity called MiracleFeet, which helps kids with clubfoot, a birth defect that causes one or both feet to be rotated inward or outwards, to get the treatment they need. She worked with Nike in 2007 and has been a great advertiser for them.
Ali Krieger's last name actually means "warrior" in German, which might be a clue on why you shouldn't mess with her. Her brother, Kyle Krieger, is a very popular social media influencer, with over 200 thousand YouTube subscribers and more than 2 million Instagram followers. It seems that red is truly the perfect color for this dedicated warrior - just try telling us that she doesn't look like a Greek fighter here.
Chelsea Pezzola
Arguably the hottest woman on the golf course (and the competition is quite massive) is the gorgeous Chelsea Lynn Pezzola. She's a professional golfer, a host and media personality on Fox Sports' show, "Swing Clinic," and a regular golf editor for the popular Jet Set magazine. She was born during the early '90s in Florida and had a strict and dedicated work ethic.
Chelsea began golfing at the age of five after her stepdad introduced her to the game. A few years later, she found herself playing in the LPGA and working to help promote women's golf everywhere. Despite her moderately successful golfing career, it seems that her biggest developments can be seen through her Instagram account, which includes various pictures of her incredible life.
Anna Wintour
Sure, Kim K has had the honor of gracing Vogue a few times, and of course, that wouldn’t have gone through without Wintour’s approval. In saying that, she’s trying to sell magazines, and while she may not personally agree with Kim’s celebrity status, the Kardashian is undoubtedly popular. It's compromises like these that have gotten Anna Wintour to where she is today. In this picture, we see her at her star-studded yearly event, the Met Gala.
This Chanel number was, admittedly, not the most impressive of Wintour's Met Gala looks, but it kind of feels sacrilegious to say something like that about Anna Wintour at the Met.
Shailene Woodley
At the premiere of "Divergent," one of the films that put Shailene Woodley on the map, Woodley went all out in Zuhair Murad. The young starlet wore this sweet but spicy backless red dress that gracefully fell to the floor. Her hair was simple in a sleek bun, with her makeup also not overpowering. She topped off the look with some cute gold jewelry.
When she was on the red carpet for her film, "Divergent," a reporter at the time asked her to give a “Kylie Jenner selfie-face.” The actress coolly and calmly replied, “I have no idea who that is…sorry.” Boom! Talk about the most savage of the savage. We live for the drama!
Megan Fox
As a first-time attendee at the 2021 MET Gala, dubbed "fashion's biggest night," Megan Fox was understandably anxious. However, she didn't let her nerves get the better of her, and she killed her Met Gala debut. With stylist Maeve Riley at the helm, Megan rocked an intricately beaded firey red dress by designer Dundas.
In keeping with Megan's slightly spooky interests, she told red carpet reporters that her look had been inspired by none other than Bram Stocker's "Dracula." With her appearance at the event, Megan cemented her vampy yet chic mark on the fashion map. But regardless of any criticism, this woman can wear anything and look good - so it couldn't have been hard to pull off an all-red look like this.
Mila Kunis
Mila Kunis is a household name at this point, due to her jaw-dropping beauty and fantastic roles in various TV shows and romantic comedies. The actress gained her first critical acclaim for her performance in the 2010 psychological thriller, "Black Swan." For the premiere of "The Spy Who Dumped Me," Kunis wore this simple but sultry red strapless dress, with a relatively sheer overlay.
Mila Kunis was born in Soviet Ukraine, but her family quickly moved to the United States when she was just 7 years old. She was discovered by an agent shortly after enrolling in after-school acting classes and landed her first significant role at age 14, as Jackie Burkhart, in the American sitcom, 'That '70s Show." That's also where she first met her current husband, Ashton Kutcher.
Nina Dobrev
Nina Dobrev’s cherry red Donna Karan mermaid-style gown dazzled at the 63rd Annual Emmy Awards. Back in the early 2010s, Dobrev was all the rage thanks to her lead role in "The Vampire Diaries." So, for the Emmys, Dobrev needed to make a statement. Her bold choice paid off, and this is still considered to be one of the actress's most iconic looks.
The "Vampire Diaries" star’s dress was a fan favorite at the 2011 event. Her red dress fit her like a glove and flared out into a mermaid bottom, with all the ruffles you can handle. While many celebs opt for gold accessories when wearing red, Dobrev made the brave choice to wear silver jewelry and a silver clutch.
Blake Lively
Blake Lively made an appearance at the 61st Annual Emmy Awards in a plunging Versace gown. This was all the way back in 2009 when Lively was fresh-faced and in her prime as the lead in the iconic TV series "Gossip Girl." Lively has always made a splash on the red carpet, and her style is much loved. It's plain to see that this was always the case.
The "Gossip Girl" knockout was not putting out any fires in this scintillating high-slit fashion statement. With all this fabric flowing around, it makes sense that Lively opted for a slicked-back ponytail and pretty modest makeup. Her accessories and shoes are also understated, really letting the dress speak for itself.
Michelle Dockery
Nominated for outstanding lead actress in "Downtown Abbey," Michelle Dockery chose this dramatic two-toned, red, and burgundy satin Prada gown for the 2013 Emmy Awards. While the front was also gorgeous, it's clear that the main event was at the back. The open, low back is complimented by the oversized bow around her neck. Not to mention, the dress has an impressive train.
Jewels by Fred Leighton completed the actress’s attire. For her hair and makeup, Dockery kept it simple with sleek hair and clean makeup. Unfortunately, she didn't take home the award that night - but she looked every bit the winner to us.
Mila Kunis
For the 2009 Emmy Awards, Mila Kunis went with a Monique Lhuillier gown. The "Family Guy" actress sparkled in the dainty burgundy tulle cocktail-length dress trimmed with a black waist tie. Even though this was all the way back in 2009, this is easily one of Kunis' most memorable looks. It's different and unique while not being a crazy divergence from mainstream haute couture.
We do think that while the cocktail length is fun, the dress might have looked better as a full-length gown. Still, the length allows for Kunis' cute shoes to be shown off, and they match perfectly. The beautiful actress finished it off with Fred Leighton jewelry.
Kate Winslet
Red gowns ruled at the 2011 Emmy Awards Show in Los Angeles. Kate Winslet sets herself apart in this Elie Saab cap sleeve V-dip dress. The neckline and figure-hugging silhouette are definitely sultry, but the dress overall looks classy. It may be simple, but it is memorable. The actress's tousled updo framed her face beautifully.
The actress took a fashion risk and paired silver jewelry with a gold clutch. Did it work? More or less. Was it necessary? We don't think so. The dress was tailored to the perfect fit to collect her best actress statuette for her role in HBO’s "Mildred Pierce."
Heidi Klum
Heidi Klum graced the Victoria’s Secret runway from 1997 up until 2009. Since then, she has continued to model and has expanded her career. Now, she is a fashion designer, television personality, author and actress. The 2015 Golden Globes were full of fun red dresses like Klum's Versace fishtail gown.
With her hair in a classic Old Hollywood hairdo and corresponding makeup, Klum looked like a starlet straight out of the 1930s (in a good way, of course). She presented the hit fashion design show, "Project Runway" for 16 seasons and has a NET worth of $90 million. Klum was also the first German model to ever walk for Victoria’s Secret.
Jeniffer Lawrence
The 2013 Golden Globes were a big deal for Jeniffer Lawrence. She was up for Best Actress in a Musical/Comedy Motion Picture, and she had a good shot. So, it makes sense she went all out, and this gorgeous bright red gown from Dior really has it all. The bright red color is made for a star, and the gold metal belt shapes her perfectly while complimenting the hues of the dress.
It is young, modern, and unbelievably glamorous - all in one dress! And it was a good choice, too. Lawrence took home the Golden Globe that night, beating out big names like Judi Dench and Meryl Streep!
Priyanka Chopra
In 2016, Priyanka Chopra made a splash by “completing” the red carpet of the 68th Emmy Awards show with this amazing dress. Ever a fan of red lipstick, Chopra's makeup was dramatic, and her gorgeous locks were tamed back in a stunning ponytail. Even with the loud lipstick, all eyes were on Chopra's dress; a beautiful flowing one-shoulder gown from Jason Wu.
The dress was form-fitting and despite all the layers, didn't drown out Chopra for a moment. She really wore the dress instead of it wearing her. Designed to twirl, the Jason Wu design was adorned with one million dollars worth of Neil Lane jewels.
Mandy Moore
It's almost unbelievable how you can find cheap items that look expensive enough to complete a rich-looking red carpet getup, and heels are what we're talking about. Mandy finished her long red floral dress with a pair of Ann Taylor heels that are just to die for. The tiered maxi dress was by Johanna Ortiz and definitely made Moore look like the red-dress emoji, but we're not mad at it!
The star chose the wine-colored heels to match the theme of her dress, and now you can get your own Ann Taylor heels too. You can choose the same color or browse through other color choices, and all you have to pay is $100, not counting discounts.
Gal Gadot
The gorgeous actress is recognized by many as Wonder Woman in the "Wonder Woman" movies. She is not only a sweet, personable woman but is also a greatly talented performer. At the "Wonder Woman" premiere, Gadot rocked a stunning sequined dress from Givenchy. The halter-neck floor-length gown was embellished beyond measure and had coordinated cut-outs throughout.
When Gal Gadot went into making her debut on the red carpet for her feature film, "Wonder Woman," looking beautiful in her red gown that had cut-outs in it, she chose to go with a very unusual pair of sandals. She chose to wear $50 Aldo sandals instead of some fancy high heels.
Salma Hayek
At the 2003 Golden Globe Awards, Salma Hayek was stunned. She was invited to the gala to be celebrated for her role as “Frida,” so she wanted to wear something fantastic. She ended up choosing a Narciso Rodriguez gown, even though it was not what she had in mind, but it was more than fantastic.
Hayek's earrings may be statement pieces, as is her red lipstick. But still, her hair, shoes, and other accessories are nondescript. No one expected that such a minimalist design would translate into the look she was going for. Sheer simplicity. Hayek’s gown is one of the most memorable ever worn at the Golden Globes. And it was all because her stylist suggested she go simple.
Marisa Tomei
The 2019 Emmys were bursting with iconic looks, and all eyes were on the nominees, but also on the gorgeous presenters. So when Marisa Tomei booked a gig presenting, her style team really went to town. The result was a one-shoulder, monochromatic fuchsia and red gown by Ralph & Russo Couture.
Tomei has worn some gorgeous red carpet looks over the years, but this one will surely go down as her most memorable. Her hair was volumized but slick, and her makeup didn't detract from the main event. This dramatic look, paired with some pointy silver pumps, ensured that Tomei would not fly under the radar for a minute. Mission accomplished!
January Jones
When January Jones graced the red carpet in this red Versace dress, people noticed. She absolutely dazzled in the daring fire-engine red gown. It was decked out with tassels (but somehow not the tacky kind). The Red Carpet Fashion Awards criticized her for appearing too “busty.” Well, haters gonna hate!
The actress was a hot property in 2011 at the Golden Globe Awards. The “Mad Men” star had all eyes on her. Ten years later in 2021, Jones put the same gown on for an Instagram moment. It fits great. Jones is the kind of star that never fades, thanks to both her insane talent and timeless look.
Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman was a vision in her signature color - red - at the 2017 Emmy Awards. Her style team opted for a red silk gown by Calvin Klein that hit just above the ankles to show off her strappy pink heels by the same designer. No matter how Kidman ages, she always glows and walks with confidence on the red carpet.
Kidman kept the jewelry simple, which ensured that the dress got the attention it deserved. And the ultimate accessory for this look? Those two Emmys she picked up that night because she's clearly not just a pretty face. Her husband, Keith Urban, didn't hurt, either.
Lisa Bonet
Although Lisa Bonet and Jason Momoa had been together for years before this, the "Justice League" premiere in 2017 was the couple's first appearance after their secret wedding that same year. So, naturally, Bonet had to dress the part - as the new (official) Mrs. Mamoa. Sufficed to say; this vibrant red Alexander McQueen dress did the trick.
The dress also features a gold adornment across the chest and shoulders, meaning no jewelry was necessary with all that built-in bling. P.S. Is it just us, or does the gold embellishment look like an eagle? Was that the point? That has to be the point, right?
Iman
Supermodel Iman has dedicated decades to charity work and outreach, so spotting her on the red carpet for the 2017 amfAR New York Gala is no surprise. As a sponsor of the evening, Iman stunned in a red, satin Zac Posen number with a diagonal design. The misaligned v-neckline was a subtle but effective divergence from the norm, and the mermaid-tail bottom elongated the already tall model's appearance.
The model was 61 at the time but easily stole the show as one of the best-dressed. Considering this is the annual kick-off event to New York Fashion Week, that's no small feat.
Monica Bellucci
Making a name for yourself as a Bond girl comes with lifelong pressure to live up to that title. It's unfair, certainly, but that's the reality of showbiz. While many have fallen to public scrutiny over losing their looks as they age (we know, how dare women not look the same today as they did in the 80s?), Monica Bellucci has remained unscathed.
At the 2017 Beijing International Film Festival, Bellucci wore a floor-length, long-sleeve gown. It also happened to be firetruck red, have a deep V-neckline, and come with a CAPE. If anyone is confident in living up to their title, it's Bellucci.
Sofia Vergara
Sofia Vergara rocked up to the 2020 Golden Globes with a point to prove. And that point was that she could pull off any outfit. Let's be real, the dress itself here is a little meh. It's a little all over the place and it's got a lot going on without doing all that much. And YET, here she is slaying the red carpet.
Vergara wore a maroon Dolce & Gabbana strapless gown. Complete with a mermaid-tail flare, one good thing we can say is that the color is gorgeous. It's an impeccable way to wear red on the red carpet without blending into the background or looking over the top.
Bella Hadid
Bella Hadid, one of the new Dior beauty ambassadors, caught everyone’s attention at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival. She wore an Alexandre Vauthier dress which complimented her very well. in 2016, Hadid was still trying to make a name for herself, and the new model certainly achieved that with this dress.
She tends to always wear black to events, so this was a pretty big risk and she blew this look out of the water. Even so, Hadid told Vogue that she feels a bit embarrassed looking back at this outfit. She said she was young and felt insecure about how sexual she looked in the revealing dress, as well as in the amount of makeup she was wearing. It just goes to show!
Jane Lynch
You're probably familiar with Jane Lynch from the hit TV show "Glee," where she plays a stern but hilarious gym teacher, Sue Sylvester. Naturally, she towered over many of her female costars. However, even though Lynch has been a Hollywood star for years now, it's still a bit strange to see her all dolled up for the red carpet.
Luckily, Lynch doesn't buy into any part of hiding her body due to her age and strutted confidently in this bright red halterneck gown. Thanks to her height, Lynch had a promising basketball career all throughout high school and even considered going pro. This is fitting, considering the role she played in "Glee."
Rihanna
Rihanna has no shame in her game when it comes to fashion. There is no water she won’t cross. We aren’t really sure what the look she was going for here, but she almost looks like a bouquet of flowers or colorful eucalyptus. This was for the 2017 "Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art Of The In-Between" Gala, and she paid homage to the honored designer by wearing one of their creations.
The public response to it was mixed, to say the least, but given that she wore the literal designer whose theme it was, it's tough to say that she didn't hit the mark.
Jennifer Garner
Known for playing Elektra on “Daredevil,” in 2005 Jennifer Garner was already making waves. Walking the red carpet in this vintage Valentino gown, it is clear that red is definitely her color. In 2005, Garner was fresh-faced and cementing herself in Hollywood as a force to be reckoned with.
The open-back dress cascades in ruffles. Not to be outdone, the cut in front is equally lovely. The gown’s tank top straps have a unique design, attached under the arm. It makes way for the showstopping open back. The Golden Globe winner for “Alias” felt right at home on the red carpet.
Kate Upton
Not every article of clothing needs to cost more than your bank account for a celebrity to picture themselves wearing it on the red carpet. Kate Upton turned up to a Sports Illustrated party in an Emilio Pucci dress that pulled out all the stops. The fully-sequined number has a chest cut-out, one sleeve, and a high slit. Despite what is a costly dress, Kate Upton chose to spice things up with these golden-colored Sam Edelman Sandals.
The dress makes you think that the sandals she's wearing probably cost an arm and a leg, but that's where you're proven wrong. We're not sure about the orange dress, but all you need is $100, and the shoes can be yours.
Pharell and Helen Williams
The look on the faces of everyone standing behind and looking at Pharell Williams’ wife, Helen, on the red carpet, says it all. It’s the same look that’s probably on your face right now as you’re trying to figure out what on earth she’s wearing, too. Not to mention the fact that Pharell himself looks like he got dressed in the dark.
The outfit, a look created by Comme des Garçons, looks like an odd-shaped puffer jumper. Granted, that year’s Gala was based on the avant-garde designer, Rei Kawakubo, the face behind the line. Still, we say, “Why?” Or maybe, “What?” Also, are those socks with her peep-toe shoes?