Viola Davis is not afraid to wear color, and no year made that fact more evident than in 2021. Donning a floral peplum dress by Duro Olowu, Davis was a vision in purple, blue, and orange. What’s more, this bold look wasn’t even Davis’ most daring that year.
We can all learn a thing or two from the Oscar-winning actress – never be afraid to stand out and light up a room!
Catherine Zeta-Jones - 2021 Emmys
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 at 52!
Her husband, actor Michael Douglas, told reporters, "I can't believe my luck." We wouldn't either, Michael!
Michelle Yeoh - 2021 "No Time To Die" Premiere
Yeoh starred alongside Pierce Brosnan in the 1997 Bond film, "Tomorrow Never Dies," and attended the franchise's "No Time to Die" premiere in 2021, proving she's still got it. Yeoh is no stranger to an Elie Saab number, and it's no wonder why.
This grey-toned powder blue dress, complete with a dramatic sheer shawl, looked like it was made for Yeoh. The Malaysian actress attended the London premiere solo. Or, at least, she might as well have. Even if she did bring a date, we don't think anyone would have noticed with all eyes on Yeoh.
Catherine O'Hara - 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party
One of film and television's favorite mothers, Catherine O'Hara, commanded attention at the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar party. The "Schitt's Creek" star wore a long-sleeved, floor-length dress by Jeffrey Dodds.
And, as a departure from many of her classic all-black looks, this number featured a slew of colors that made the actress look years younger. Finished off with a red lip, O'Hara looked radiant at one of Hollywood's most fashionable nights.
Cate Blanchett - 2022 Venice Film Festival
Cate Blanchett loves a black jumpsuit - but how many of them can you wear before they get boring? Well, the Australian actress showed everyone how far a little creativity could go. Blanchett looked fresh as a daisy at the premiere of her movie, "Tár" at the 2022 Venice Film Festival.
This black velvet ensemble by Schiaparelli features an adornment of flowers along the bodice. Fun fact: the original runway version of the look featured a necklace in the shape of an anatomical human heart. Each to their own, but we're glad Blanchett omitted that piece for the red carpet.
Patricia Clarkson - 2019 Screen Actors Guild Awards
It's hard to believe that at just shy of 60, Patricia Clarkson was rocking the red carpet, putting to shame actresses half her age. But that's what happens when you have an A-grade stylist who secures you the latest Zuhair Murad fresh from the runway.
Needless to say, nobody spoke about the 2019 Screen Actors Guild Awards without mention of Clarkson looking like a real-life goddess. That probably softened the blow when Clarkson missed out on the award she was nominated for.
Marisa Tomei - 2019 Emmys
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.
This dramatic look, paired with some pointy silver pumps, ensured that Tomei would not fly under the radar for a minute. Mission accomplished!
Lisa Bonet - 2017 "Justice League" premiere
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. Suffice 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?
Jennifer Lopez - 2019 Vanity Fair Oscars Party
Jennnifer Lopez is a reigning queen of the red carpet, so it's got to be tough to keep upping the ante. Somehow, though, Lopez seems to do it with ease. This time around, she did it with an innovative Zuhair Murad piece.
Lopez looked like a sultry sea nymph in this navy pearlescent dress with a seashell design. Not to mention, the high slit and complimentary strappy heels showed off what hours of exercise and dance do for the body, even when you're over 50!
Nicole Kidman - 2017 Emmys
Nicole Kidman was a vision in her signature color - red - at the 2017 Emmy awards. Her 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.
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.
Lucy Liu - 2019 Tony Awards
Dubbed "The Loofah Dress," Lucy Liu's purple look at the 2019 Tony awards was definitely a show-stopper. Liu is, bewilderingly, over 50, but age is clearly just a number in this case.
Wearing Christian Siriano, the "Charlie's Angel" star sported minimal makeup, because when you age as gracefully as Lucy Liu, you don't feel the need to slather on a full glam look. Liu topped off the look by accessorizing with green earrings and a matching purse.
Sigourney Weaver - 2020 Oscars
In 2020, then-70-year-old Sigourney Weaver rocked the Oscars red carpet in a green Dior dress that stunned everyone. The dress itself wasn't overly-flashy, nor did Weaver adorn herself with jewelry. She didn't even sport a crazy makeup look!
All she did was stick to the color that compliments her best, accentuate her natural features (not hide them), and throw on some classy earrings and a bracelet. Weaver radiates confidence, and that's the only glow she needs!
Angela Bassett - 2018 "Black Panther" Premiere
One of the undisputed queens of the screen, Angela Bassett is also a reigning champ of jumpsuits! At the "Black Panther" premiere in 2018, Bassett channeled her roots for an African-inspired yellow jumpsuit. Comprised of almost entirely tassels, the one-piece also featured a large collar - an ode to traditional African neckpieces worn across the continent.
Given that her jewelry, hair, and shoes were all on the larger side, you'd expect this look to drown out the wearer. That is unless the wearer is Angela Bassett, whose confidence and personality are big enough to control any look.
Sarah Jessica Parker - 2015 NYC Ballet Fall Gala
If we were invited to the NYC Ballet Fall Gala, we'd likely pass out. The event sounds like the bougiest event ever, so what could we even wear? Luckily, we can take our cue from SJP. The "Sex and the City" star apparently decided that just because she had turned 50, that didn't mean she needed to slow down slaying the red carpet.
So, she opted for this glitzy silver Zuhair Murad dress, got a smokey eye look that made her blue peepers pop, and threw her hair into a ballet bun (kidding, that probably took hours).
Jessica Lange - 2010 Golden Globes
Whether it's in "A Streetcar Named Desire" or "American Horror Story," Lange's almost six-decades-long career has something for everyone. And with over 50 years in the industry, that's a lot of red carpets to walk. Lange often opts for black ensembles, so this silver number for the 2010 Golden Globes was an exciting departure from her norm.
She turned to Zac Posen for this silver crepe-fabric dress, which she paired with a matching silver clutch, and complimenting eye-shadow. Even though this look was over a decade ago, it still remains one of Lange's most iconic.
Viola Davis - 2021 NAACP Image Awards
Viola Davis is not afraid to wear color, and no year made that fact more evident than in 2021. Donning a floral peplum dress by Duro Olowu, Davis was a vision in purple, blue, and orange. What's more, this bold look wasn't even Davis' most daring that year.
We can all learn a thing or two from the Oscar-winning actress - never be afraid to stand out and light up a room!
Helena Bonham Carter - 2021 BAFTAs
Compared to some of HBC's other looks, this one doesn't even seem all that eccentric. Still, this white ruffly gown with black and grey polka dots perfectly embodies the quirky, free spirit that is Helena Bonham Carter. The actress was 55 when she attended the 2021 BAFTAs, arm-in-arm with her boyfriend, Norwegian writer Rye Dag Homboe, who is 21 years younger than her.
Considering she's so young at heart and he is "an old soul in a young man's body," according to Bonham Carter, it looks like a match made in Tim Burton's version of heaven!
Salma Hayak - 2018 Oscars
Salma Hayek's 2018 Oscars look would have been a tough one for anyone to pull off. There's a lot of bling and sparkle going on, and never mind the way this pink, sequined Gucci dress hugs the body. But at 52, Salma Hayek pulled it off like it was nothing.
Rocking an hourglass figure that most women could only dream of, Hayek even doubled down on the drama by wearing diamond chandelier earrings and sporting a burgundy lip shade.
Meryl Streep - 2013 Oscars
It's an honor for any designer to have an A-list celebrity wear their looks on the red carpet. So imagine how it must feel knowing Hollywood royalty like Meryl Streep will be donning one of your dresses! To match the glistening awe that is Meryl Streep, design house Lanvin provided an all-over-sequins dress with a deep V-neckline, topped with floral, sequin flower shoulder pads.
Streep may only have been a presenter that night, but she outshone a lot of the winners. Oh yeah, she was also 64 when she rocked this look. No biggie.
Halle Berry - 2017 Toronto International Film Festival
This one is a lot. There must have been a lot of tape involved, and the stress of a looming wardrobe malfunction (on the *red carpet* of all places) would have likely shot our blood pressure through the roof. Still, does a 51-year-old Halle Berry look concerned?
Not even a little. She's got it, she's flaunting it, and she's showing us all that being over 50 is no reason to be less daring.
Renée Zellweger - 2020 Women’s Cancer Research Fund Gala
In 2020, Renée Zellweger was the guest of honor at The Women’s Cancer Research Fund Gala for her advocacy work throughout her career. Naturally, the subject matter of the evening was the main event, but we can't neglect the outfits. For this occasion, Zellweger kept the hair and makeup simple and let the dress speak for itself.
With a fully-laced bodice and double high-leg slits, this Gucci dress perfectly balanced femininity with seduction. Not to mention, Zellweger was 51 at the time, so a double leg-slit moment is nothing to sneeze at.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus - 2013 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner
Going from a fictional White House to the real deal, Julia Louis-Dreyfus pulled out all the stops in 2013 when she attended the Correspondents' Association Dinner with her husband. Wearing Dolce & Gabbana, Louis-Dreyfus stunned in a strapless all-over lacy gown in a deep purple hue.
The "Veep" star topped off the look with some emerald green dangly earrings. At 52, the actress showed off her figure without taking too many fashion risks to give us this classy look.
Iman - 2017 amfAR New York Gala
Supermodel Iman has dedicated decades to charity work and outreach, so spotting her on the red carpet for the 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 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.
Helen Mirren - 2018 Oscars
For someone like Helen Mirren, award shows and red carpets must be as mundane as going grocery shopping. So when Mirren made headlines for giving paps the middle finger at the 2018 Oscars, we can safely assume it was because she felt right at home. That's not exactly the behavior you'd expect from someone's first red carpet rodeo.
What's more, Mirren did it in style in a custom blue Reem Acra dress paired with a statement sapphire and diamond necklace. The ensemble was certainly plain, but no one can deny it; she looked gorgeous - especially considering she was 72.
Queen Latifah - 2022 Oscars
Queen Latifah is a big personality, so when she showed up on the 2022 Oscars red carpet in a floor-length yellow gown, all eyes were on her. And, let's be honest, how many other celebs could have pulled this look off? There's no shying away from attention in a dress like this, so you need Queen Latifah-like confidence to give it the justice it deserves.
With minimal jewelry, a simple clutch, and a slicked-back ponytail, the actress and rapper really showed the world why she's called "Queen."
Shania Twain - 2022 People's Choice Awards
Everybody should just stop what they're doing. Shania Twain just made the best/boldest/weirdest/most iconic fashion choice of 2022. The country star was honored with the Music Icon Award at the 2022 People's Choice Awards, and she did not disappoint.
An ode to the music video for her legendary song, "That Don't Impress Me Much," Twain wore a leopard-print dress, equipped with a hood and all. Also featuring a sheer body suit, this look sent fans into a nostalgic tizzy. And pulling this off at 57? That certainly does impress us much.
Oprah Winfrey - 2013 "The Butler" Movie Premiere
She may be no stranger to the screen, but Oprah doesn't always show off her acting prowess. 2013 was one of those lucky times, however, when the talk show queen starred in the biographical drama, "The Butler."
To mark the occasion, Oprah stunned in a fuchsia body-hugging midi-dress that showed off her curves. You don't need to be a body-language expert to see that the then-60-year-old's big smile and hands on her hips oozed confidence.
Elizabeth Hurley - 2015 Burberry Bash
British actress Elizabeth Hurley is one of those people who just seem to defy the aging process. Ringing in her 50th year, Hurley attended the Burberry Festive Film in a black minidress and royal blue coat. Often seen in hot pinks and other bright colors, the actress opted for a fairly low-key look here.
Still, there's nothing wrong with an LBD, and her patterned blue coat was the perfect statement piece without looking overboard.
Sandra Bullock - 2022 "The Lost City" Premiere in London
While promoting her movie, "The Lost City," Sandra Bullock rocked a number of colorful looks - perhaps an ode to the hot pink, sequinned jumpsuit featured in the film. For the London premiere, Bullock went with a unique piece from Carolina Herrera.
Putting a spin on a classic black suit, the outfit wielded a swathe of pink, purple, and red fabric that wrapped the actress' abdomen and floated alongside her. It kind of looks like she got wrapped up in some aerial silks five minutes before she was due to appear on the red carpet. But, hey, it works.
Renée Elise Goldsberry - 2021 Gotham Awards
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.
Michelle Pfeiffer - 2017 Venice Film Festival
Attending the premiere of her movie, "Mother!," a then-59-year-old Michelle Pfeiffer showed everyone that despite taking a Hollywood hiatus to focus on her family, the actress is still very much a class act. In this relatively rare red carpet appearance, Pfeiffer wore a fitted gold and black chainmail dress and boasted tousled locks and a smokey eye.
At just shy of 60 at the time, the actress not only proved you can get back into your career later in life, but you can look glamorous doing it.
Monica Bellucci - 2017 Beijing International Film Festival
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.
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.
Laura Dern - 2020 Golden Globes
Laura Dern was up for a Golden Globe at the 2020 awards, and while she's received multiple nominations, she clearly had a feeling that this one was going to go well - so she dressed the part. Wearing Saint Laurent, Dern channeled her inner bohemian goddess and stole the show in this black gown with a golden printed design.
Her main accessory was the matching Golden Globe award she took home that night - pretty hard to come by, but it definitely pulls an outfit together!
Cindy Crawford - 2017 Vogue Italia Party
Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2018 made headlines for the best reasons. As part of the Versace show, Donatella Versace walked out with five of the biggest supermodels from the 90s, including Cindy Crawford.
At 51, Crawford rocked the red carpet (and runway) like it was 1999. She still has the body, the hair, and the confidence to glow - a quality she's passing on to her daughter, aspiring supermodel Kaia Gerber.
Sandra Oh - 2022 Emmys
Sandra Oh's 2022 Emmys look practically broke Twitter. And, we mean, we get it. Not every 51-year-old shows up in a sparkly purple jumpsuit with a plunging neckline and acts like it was no biggie.
Oh may not have taken home an award that night, but that's probably for the best. It would have distracted us from her real achievement of the night - putting literally everyone else on the red carpet to shame.
Taraji P. Henson - 2021 BET Awards
Hosting the BET awards is no small order, so you can expect people to go all out. Taraji P. Henson definitely took that message to heart in a unique Versace dress. Her look featured a black panel corset and a printed pink and yellow sarong.
It's a bold look for a bold woman who is not slowing down, either in her boldness or her style, as she kicks off her 50s.
Courtney Cox - 2018 AFI Life Achievement Award Gala
Courtney Cox is known for sporting all-black looks on the red carpet. A classic look, sure, but it runs the risk of getting boring. But Cox owns her reputation, and after a couple of decades, we know what to expect.
Honoring George Clooney at the 46th AFI Life Achievement Award Gala, Cox took the stage alongside "Friends" costar Jennifer Aniston in similar floor-length, sleeveless black numbers.
Jennifer Aniston - 2020 Screen Actors Guild Awards
Over the years, Jennifer Aniston has given us a wealth of iconic red-carpet moments. Now at over 50, Aniston looks as youthful as ever, and she dresses it, too! At the 2020 SAG awards, Aniston stunned in a white satin Dior gown with an asymmetric neckline and mermaid-style bottom.
And Aniston needed to look the part as she took home the SAG award for Best Female Actor in a Drama. Does someone plan on telling her she's already Hollywood royalty and she can calm down? Well, if they have, she's not listening.
Grace Jones - 2022 "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery" Premiere
Few people have a stage presence like Grace Jones. Even at over 70, the model, actress, and singer causes a splash anywhere she goes. At the London premiere of "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery" in 2022, the 74-year-old hit the red carpet in slim-fit pants and a fitted black blazer. Oh yeah, she also wore a blue tassel headpiece and blue gloves.
Not exactly the statement piece celebs usually go for, but when you've been in the public eye for as many decades as Jones has, you need to stay creative.
Jane Fonda - 2015 Cannes Film Festival
By 78, most women are in retirement homes, spending their days relaxing with some knitting. Except for Jane Fonda; she's on the red carpet at the Cannes film festival wearing an electric blue Versace gown with cut-outs across the body.
Fonda is not exactly the type of grandma you'd expect, but she's the type everyone secretly wishes they had. Turns out all those workouts in the 80s were really worth something, huh?
Vivica A. Fox - 2015 Femmy Awards Gala
In one of the actress's most talked about red carpet moments ever, Vivica A. Fox made sure all eyes would be on her at the 2015 Femmy Awards.
It's still unclear whether Fox's, um, exposure, was intentional or not, but the sheer and bejeweled number certainly made headlines. She also took home a Femmy Award that night, but we're not sure anyone actually noticed that.
Julianne Moore - 2022 Venice International Film Festival
While she's always stylish, Julianne Moore isn't exactly known for taking crazy fashion risks. So when the then-62-year-old showed up to the opening ceremony of the 2022 Venice International Film Festival in a sheer, sequin-embroidered dress with a matching cape, heads turned.
Moore was the jury president of 2022, meaning she and a panel decided which film would win Best Film for the year. That's no small responsibility, and her outfit showed everyone she means business.
Vanessa Williams - 2014 Emmys
With such a remarkable career, it makes sense that Vanessa Williams wouldn't just fade into the background as a Hollywood has-been. Even at over 50, Williams still rocked red carpets and reminded everyone how she won Miss America back in the 80s.
One such occasion was the 2014 Primetime Emmys, where Williams tapped into the peplum trend and wore a body-hugging sage green dress.
Susan Sarandon - 2016 Screen Actors Guild Awards
Susan Sarandon let everyone know that 70 was the new 20 when she wore multiple eye-catching looks on the red carpet in 2016. At the SAG awards that year, Sarandon wore a chic white suit, but swapped out a top for a black bra.
It was a controversial outfit, sparking a Twitter debate between the actress and Piers Morgan, but nothing compared to what Sarandon wore throughout the year.
Whoopi Goldberg - 2018 Oscars
An undeniable queen of the silver screen, Whoopi Goldberg has attended her fair share of Oscars. In 2018, Goldberg wore an off-the-shoulder teal ball gown decorated with florals. The Christian Siriano masterpiece made headlines the world over, and the actress was the talk of the town. Plus, it had a secret detail that had women falling over themselves...
Pockets! Style and practicality, what more could you want?
Emma Thompson - 2022 "Matilda the Musical" Screening in New York City
It's no secret that Emma Thompson loves a pants-suit. And why wouldn't she? They're fun, stylish, and, best of all, you can walk in them with ease - and that last part isn't always a given for a red carpet look. The 2022 screening of "Matilda the Musical" saw this in action with a black and red ensemble.
Paired with some sneakers and a baggy black shirt underneath, Thompson's look didn't scream "elegance," per se, but she was clearly having a great time with her cast members and looked confident, so what else matters?
Demi Moore - 2021 Fashion Awards
Demi Moore has stayed out of the limelight for the past few years but made a comeback for the 2021 Fashion Awards. Sporting an off-the-shoulder silver and black midi dress (fitted with a cape and black leather gloves, mind you), the actress certainly got people talking.
Rumors started flying about potential cosmetic procedures the star has undergone, while others shot them down, saying Moore simply put on a dramatic pout for the night. Whatever it is, we hope Moore is entering her 60s happily and confidently - she deserves it!
Jada Pinkett Smith - 2022 "Emancipation" Premiere
In her first red carpet appearance since the infamous 2022 Oscars incident, Jada Pinkett Smith returned to the public eye with a bang. The actress wore a bold high-low gown from Stéphane Rolland, kitted out with embroidered crystals and a dramatic ruffly train.
Even though there's a lot of fabric going on, the then-51-year-old star, who is notably petite, stunned and didn't let the look overshadow her natural beauty at all.
Rachel Weisz - 2020 Golden Globes
When you're married to James Bond, you know all eyes will be on you and scrutiny will be harsh regarding your looks. Probably a tough ask for most of us, but less stressful when you're Rachel Weisz and literally always drop-dead gorgeous. At the 2020 Golden Globes, Weisz joined her husband, Daniel Craig, and was a vision of elegance on the red carpet.
The actress wore a simple sleeveless black dress, blinged up with diamond trimmings, and paired it with a diamond necklace in the shape of a bow. Kind of like a real-life Bond girl, if you ask us.
Julia Roberts - 2022 "Ticket to Paradise" Premiere
Julia Roberts went real Barbiecore while promoting her 2022 film, "Ticket to Paradise." The actress wore a vibrant Barbie-pink gown with a deep-v neckline and puffy sleeves. And if that wasn't enough, she accessorized with some diamond and fuchsia statement earrings. And if THAT wasn't enough, she topped off the look with George Clooney.
At 55 years old, Roberts is living every woman's dream, however you cut it.
Naomi Campbell - 2022 British Fashion Awards
Naomi Campbell is one of the original 90s supermodels, so if anyone is going to manage to age gracefully, she's a good bet. At the 2022 British Fashion Awards, she made sure everyone was aware that was exactly the case. At 52, Campbell was barely separable from models half her age.
And if her sparkling silver dress looks like it was made for her - you're right! Campbell wore a custom Maison Valentino caped gown designed especially for her. Because that's the kind of treatment you get when you're every designer's dream muse.