Top 10 Red Carpet Looks That Didnt Have to Go That Hard

“74th Golden Globe Awards” (2017)


She’s been a noticeable fashionista on the red carpet for years, and her Golden Globe looks have really turned some heads. At the 2017 awards, she donned a stunning and sparkly strapless, tea length Zuhair Murad[b] dress with a beautiful collection of rings. It’s a glamorous structural look that made her look like an award herself, which was fitting considering this Golden Globes was her first nomination and her first win. Not to mention that this was the first time a black woman had won this award in over thirty years, and she truly looked like a winner that night.

“74th Golden Globe Awards” (2017)

Zuhair Murad[c] was a big hit at the Golden Globes in 2017, and Lily Collins’ Murad dress was truly showstopping. She somehow managed to look both regal and modern with a lavish pink gown complete with floral details, a sleek updo, and a bold red lip. In a sea of glamorous looks, she really stood out and cemented herself as a trendsetter. While she didn’t win the award for her role in “Rules Don’t Apply” at the ceremony, we’re certain that Emily in Paris would’ve been very proud of this look.

“84th Annual Academy Awards” (2012)

We can’t talk about fashion icons without talking about Angelina Jolie. She’s strutted the carpet in countless bold and beautiful outfits throughout her career, with most of her infamous looks being designed by Versace[d], like this one. She presented the award for Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars in 2012, but all anyone could pay attention to was that velvet dress with that neckline and that slit. The dress was bold, but also timeless, as we wouldn’t be surprised to see it on a red carpet today. It’s a perfect look for her aesthetic, and it speaks volumes that we’re still talking about it over a decade later.

“91st Annual Academy Awards” (2019)

Although Gemma Chan is relatively new to the world of red carpet fashion, she came in swinging, and has left our jaws on the floor several times with her looks. While her dresses are normally uninhibited, futuristic, and stunning, this one sticks out to us as its most memorable feature is the color. Not everyone could pull off this vibrant pink, but she wears it like it’s made for her. The opposite of form-fitting, this parachute look somehow still gives her great shape and flatters her exquisitely. This was the look she wore to the Oscars after her appearance in “Crazy, Rich, Asians” which featured lavish fashion, making this Valentino dress even more perfect for this occasion.

“41st Annual Academy Awards” (1969)

Not all iconic red carpet dresses are from this millennium, and without trendsetting red carpet looks like this one, the fashion we know and love might look a lot different. At the Oscars in 1969, Diahann Carroll stunned the audience with this mystical pink gown, complete with flowy sleeves and shiny details throughout. It’s simple and elegant while being ahead of its time and so iconic that red carpet dresses today could emulate it and we wouldn’t bat an eye. It’s giving Glinda from the “Wizard Of Oz” in the best way possible and we’re definitely here for it.

“86th Annual Academy Awards” (2014)

Throughout her career, Nyong’o has been seen in amazing looks. Some are over-the-top, bright, and daring, while others are understated and classic. It doesn’t seem to matter though, because she looks gorgeous in every look, no matter what. When she accepted her award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “12 Years a Slave,” her dress was jaw-dropping. The stunning creation featured a plunging neckline and a flowing skirt. She paired it with simple accessories, putting all of the attention on her and the dress. The look is reminiscent of one Cinderella, and we just hope this dress doesn’t disappear at midnight.

2019 Met Gala


We’ve seen Lady Gaga in some incredible outfits over the years. But, she proved that she’s the queen of Camp at the Met Gala in 2019 when she appeared in not one, not two, not even three, but a whopping four looks. Her first is a bold pink dress with an oversized bow as a hair accessory, with her second being a black ball gown with an asymmetrical neckline. Next, she appeared in a silky, skin tight pink dress before finally showing off sparkly undergarments with some seriously next level boots. All of these looks were layered one on top of the other, and honestly, we’ve never seen anything more “Lady Gaga” in our lives.

2024 Met Gala

Another Met Gala icon, Zendaya appeared in two stunning looks on the red carpet in 2024. Following the year’s theme of Sleeping Beauty and the garden of time, her first look was haunting. She donned an iridescent dress with dark blue and green features, fruit-like embellishments, and a bold birdcage. For her second look, she reappeared on the red carpet to walk it again in a dramatic black gown with a colorful bouquet as a striking hair accessory. She never fails to impress critics and fans alike at the Met Gala, so we weren’t surprised that she nailed this. She started with a nightmare-ish look and ended looking like a dream, truly encompassing the theme and her personal style.

2015 Met Gala

It’s hard to keep track of all of the amazing looks we’ve seen over the years at the Met Gala, but Rihanna’s looks never fail to leave us stunned. In 2015, the theme “China: Through the Looking Glass” gave way to Rihanna wearing this stunning Guo Pei[i] look. Sporting a yellow coat with a train you need to see to believe, it’s the details in this look that make it unforgettable. The embroidery, the fur, the necklace, the hair accessory. Chef’s kiss, ten out of ten, we have no notes for Queen Ri Ri.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

The Crystals in this Givenchy[j] Gown Were Perfect for the Met Gala

This Is a Tuxedo Dress We Won’t Soon Forget

We Love Styles’ Styles

She Looked Like a Star in this Dazzling Dress

Simply Beautiful, Just Like Her

2018 Met Gala

When it comes to the Met Gala, Blake Lively doesn’t miss. In 2018, celebrities and fashion designers alike were given a bit of a daunting theme in “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” but Lively’s look knocked it out of the park. With an angelic headpiece, Lively wore a red Versace dress complete with gold embroidery, a bodice filled with jewels, and a tremendously lavish train. She’s one that we look forward to seeing walk the red carpet each and every year, and this look was definitely a stand out that won’t be soon forgotten. Did we mention it took six hundred hours to create? If this is what heaven looks like, we’re here for it.

Which red carpet look will you never forget? Let us know in the comments!

[b]zoo-HAIR moo-RAHD
[c]zoo-HAIR moo-RAHD
[d]ver-SAH-chay
[e]JEM-uh CHAN
[f]DIE-ann KAR-uhl
[g]loo-PEE-tuh nee-YONG-oh
[h]ree-AN-uh
[i]GWOH PAY
[j]zhee-von-SHEE