25 of Our Favorite Emmys Red Carpet Looks Of All Time

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Remember Sarah Jessica Parker’s Carrie Bradshaw-esque tutu dress? Or Tessa Thompson‘s metallic rainbow dream look? What about Jennifer Aniston slaying every red carpet in the ’90s? The best-dressed celebs at the Emmys have always come out to play, and as the opener to awards season, there’s something extra special about this particular red carpet.  

As we anxiously wait to see what our favorite TV stars wear this year, we’re taking a trip down memory lane and gushing over our favorite Emmys red carpet looks of all time.

zendaya 2019 emmy awards, best emmys red carpet looks
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Zendaya, 2019

Zendaya was an emerald green dream in this corseted, high-slit dress at the 2019 Emmys. The Vera Wang number featured a sheer bodice and a thigh-high slit, and Zendaya paired it with matching green heels, diamond accessories, and auburn red hair.

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Angela Bassett, 2019

This winged jumpsuit and watercolor clutch combo was a beautiful, structured moment on the purple carpet in 2019. 

sandra-oh 2019 Emmy awards red carpet
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Sandra Oh, 2019

Sandra was pretty in pink in this fitted off-the-shoulder Zac Posen gown. 

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Kristen Bell, 2019

Bell pulled off wearing rainbow and glitter and fringe at the 2019 Emmys. The Dior dress was funky and fresh. 

tracee ellis ross 2018 emmy awards red carpet dress pink
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Tracee Ellis Ross, 2018

Show. Stopper. We’ll never forget this voluminous, hot pink Valentino couture gown, and we never should.

johnathan van ness 2018 emmy awards red carpet
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Johnathan Van Ness, 2018

Yas queen! Sparkles, a thigh-high slit, and sheer fabric—Jonathan pulled out all of the stops with their look in 2018. Would we expect anything less?

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Evan Rachel Wood, 2018

There’s nothing like a woman rocking a power suit, and Evan Rachel Wood is the queen of them. We loved this sleek look, and the flowers in Evan’s hair added an ethereal touch.

reese witherspoon 2017 emmy awards dress
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Reese Witherspoon, 2017

The Big Little Lies star looked like the powerful boss she is in this cobalt blue Stella McCartney blazer dress. It was especially fitting for the night, as Big Little Lies dominated the 2017 Emmys.

zoe kravtiz 2017 emmy awards
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Zoë Kravitz, 2017

You need a 360 view of Zoë’s 2017 Emmys dress to see all of the beautiful colors it included—we really fell for this feathery Dior Haute Couture design.

gina rodriguez emmy awards, best emmys red carpet looks
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Gina Rodriguez, 2017

We’ve never met a plunging neckline we didn’t like, and the intricate fabric of Gina’s Naeem Khan dress made this one even more jaw-dropping.

mandy moore black and white emmys dress
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Mandy Moore, 2017

Is that Mandy Moore or an Oreo? We’re making this comparison in the best way possible—this monochrome gown was unforgettable.

tessa thompson 2017 emmy awards, best emmy awards red carpet looks
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Tessa Thompson, 2017

Tessa Thompson brought ’70s glam to the 2017 red carpet with this metallic rainbow gown. Honestly, we would watch her twirl around in this dress all day.

kerry washington 2016 emmy awards
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Kerry Washington, 2016

Kerry absolutely slayed the 69th Emmys Awards in this gorgeous Brandon Maxwell gown. It featured a cascading tail and sexy cut-outs, and the fact that she was pregnant with her second child made the look even cooler. Goals.

sarah paulson emmy awards prada gown, best emmy awards red carpet looks
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Sarah Paulson, 2016

We’re totally mesmerized by this beaded Prada gown, and Sarah’s hair matched the golden jewel accents more perfectly.

lady gaga emmys 2015, best emmy awards red carpet looks
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Lady Gaga, 2015

In true Gaga fashion, what could have been a simple white gown turned into a major fashion moment with the addition of giant puff sleeves.

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Sarah Hyland, 2014

Sarah Hyland always rocks the Emmys red carpet, but this sweet number is our favorite of hers. This two-piece set inspired countless prom styles in 2014 and beyond.

nina dobrev 2011 emmy awards dress
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Nina Dobrev, 2011

Nina looked like an actual mermaid in this bright red Donna Karan Collection gown and diamond choker. Can you say bombshell?

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Christina Henricks, 2010

Christina’s copper hair was the perfect accent to this fringed, lavender dress.

blake lively red emmy awards dress, best emmy awards red carpet looks
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Blake Lively, 2009

Blake stunned in this sultry red Versace dress that featured matted scales.

leighton miester emmy wards, best emmy awards red carpet looks
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Leighton Meester, 2009

We couldn’t include Serena without including Blair. Leighton Meester served major Greek Goddess vibes in this toga-like gown and ornate gold cuffs.

olivia wilde emmy awards, best emmys red carpet looks
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Olivia Wilde, 2008

Olivia looked like an actual princess in this timeless gown by designer Reem Acra.

hallee barry emmy awards, best emmys look all time
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Halle Berry, 2005

Halle makes everything seem effortless, and she looked stunning in this blue strapless dress. The big hoop earrings added a dash of playfulness to this 2005 look.

jennifer anniston emmy award red carpet, best emmy red carpet looks
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Jennifer Aniston, 2002

We love everything about Jen’s boho-chic gown, from the neck scarf to the subtle bedazzled accents. Even Brad’s hair can’t distract us from Jen’s beauty.

sarah jessica parker emmy awards red carpet
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Sarah Jessica Parker, 2000

From the feathers and the sparkles to the tight silk waist, this look couldn’t be more Carrie Bradshaw-esque.

angelina jolie emmys red carpet
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Angelina Jolie, 1998

Back in 1998, Angelina Jolie rocked the scoop neck that has since made quite the comeback. She accessorized with a tiny clutch and sheer bejeweled slit. Iconic.