Top 10 Red Carpet Looks of All Time

At the 2018 Met Gala, themed “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” Blake Lively stole the show in a custom burgundy and gold gown by Atelier Versace that took over 600 hours to complete. With an elaborately beaded corset, long dramatic train, and regal jeweled headpiece, she looked every bit the modern-day queen.

The gown was a meticulous blend of religious iconography, high fashion, and baroque opulence. Every detail, from the embroidery to the accessories, was aligned with the theme while still remaining true to Lively’s bold yet romantic aesthetic. It was the kind of ensemble that stopped photographers mid-shot and left audiences speechless.

This look was a testament to how red carpet fashion can transcend costume and become high art. Lively has always had a keen eye for red carpet impact, but this was her most ambitious and theatrical moment yet. For many, it represents the pinnacle of Met Gala fashion—one where theme, execution, and personal style were in perfect harmony.

Lady Gaga’s 2010 MTV Video Music Awards meat dress remains one of the most controversial and culturally impactful red carpet looks in history. Designed by Franc Fernandez and styled by Nicola Formichetti, the dress was made entirely from raw beef and worn as a statement against the U.S. military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.

Though deeply polarizing, this look is impossible to ignore. It wasn’t about beauty—it was about protest, performance, and power. Gaga has always used fashion as a form of messaging, and this was no exception. The meat dress sparked debates in political, cultural, and ethical arenas and secured its place in fashion history.

What makes this outfit significant in the context of red carpet fashion is its ability to break boundaries and challenge norms. Gaga didn’t just wear a look—she created a moment that would be studied, discussed, and archived. For better or worse, the meat dress became a lasting symbol of fearless expression, demonstrating that red carpets can be used for much more than showcasing haute couture.

When it comes to timeless red carpet elegance, few can rival Cate Blanchett. At the 2014 Golden Globes, she wore a sheer black lace gown by Armani Privé that turned heads not with shock value, but with its exquisite craftsmanship and classic silhouette. The dress featured delicate floral lace, a high neckline, and an open back that balanced mystery and sophistication.

What made this look stand out was its subtlety. In an era when red carpets often reward flash and flamboyance, Cate Blanchett chose restraint and detail, making a case for quiet luxury. Her posture, hair, and makeup—all styled to perfection—transformed the gown into a complete fashion statement.

This is a look that speaks to the enduring power of couture. It’s about honoring the artisan hands that create these pieces while understanding the value of presence and poise. Cate didn’t just wear the dress—she elevated it. For those who appreciate fashion’s intersection with storytelling, this moment remains a lesson in refined glamour that continues to inspire designers and stylists worldwide.

When Lupita Nyong’o won her Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 2014, she did it while wearing a light blue, pleated Prada gown that instantly became one of the most beloved red carpet looks of all time. Inspired by the color of Nairobi skies, Lupita’s dress carried cultural, emotional, and visual significance.

The gown’s simplicity—marked by its deep plunging neckline and soft, floating hem—was balanced by its ethereal fabric and perfect tailoring. Combined with her gold headband and minimal jewelry, the overall effect was regal yet effortless. What made this look unforgettable was not just its beauty but the emotion that accompanied it. As she accepted her award, Lupita’s tears and grace elevated the gown into a symbol of achievement and possibility.

Fashion critics praised the ensemble as an example of modern princess style done right—romantic but grounded, elegant yet deeply personal. This was more than a dress. It was a message to young Black girls everywhere that they belong on the biggest stages, in the most celebrated clothes, and in the center of the spotlight.

At the 2021 Academy Awards, Zendaya stunned the fashion world in a custom bright yellow Valentino gown that paid homage to the glamour of old Hollywood while infusing a youthful, modern energy. The flowing silhouette, sculpted bodice, and midriff cutout highlighted her statuesque frame and brought sunshine to an event still shadowed by the global pandemic.

The color choice was both symbolic and daring—yellow is notoriously difficult to wear on the red carpet. Yet Zendaya owned it with poise and elegance. Her minimal accessories and flowing hair allowed the dress to shine on its own, showcasing her ability to let the fashion speak without overwhelming the look.

What sets Zendaya’s red carpet style apart is her consistency in delivering drama, innovation, and relevance. This Valentino moment reflected her evolution from Disney star to fashion’s golden girl. It was not only a celebration of design but also a declaration of identity. Zendaya proved once again that she’s not just following trends—she’s creating them. For modern red carpet watchers, this look remains one of the most vibrant and empowering style moments in recent memory.

Princess Diana’s black silk off-the-shoulder Christina Stambolian dress—dubbed the “Revenge Dress”—was worn the same night Prince Charles admitted to infidelity in a televised interview. The sleek silhouette, daring neckline, and asymmetrical hemline diverged from royal protocol and presented a new Diana: confident, modern, and unapologetically bold.

This red carpet appearance redefined her public image. It wasn’t just about looking stunning—it was about taking control of the narrative. Diana showed that fashion could be a form of empowerment, an act of defiance wrapped in elegance.

The impact of the “Revenge Dress” was seismic. It became a cultural shorthand for reclaiming power through style. Even today, when celebrities make bold comebacks, they’re often compared to this unforgettable moment. Princess Diana’s red carpet transformation remains a masterclass in turning personal adversity into iconic fashion.

No list of legendary red carpet looks is complete without Jennifer Lopez’s plunging green jungle-print Versace gown at the 2000 Grammys. The silk chiffon dress, cut down to her navel and open nearly to her waist, pushed fashion boundaries and even helped spark the creation of Google Image Search due to the overwhelming number of online searches it triggered.

What made this look iconic wasn’t just its daring cut—it was Lopez’s confidence and the cultural impact it generated. The dress became a symbol of red carpet risk-taking and remains one of the most searched and referenced outfits in fashion history.

Years later, J.Lo would reprise the look on the Versace runway, proving its staying power. Jennifer Lopez’s Grammy gown wasn’t just a bold fashion statement—it was a moment that changed digital and fashion culture forever.

Billy Porter turned red carpet gender norms on their head when he arrived at the 2019 Academy Awards in a dramatic tuxedo ball gown designed by Christian Siriano. The top half was a sharply tailored black velvet tuxedo jacket, while the bottom flowed into a grand, voluminous skirt.

This look was more than stunning—it was revolutionary. Porter challenged the rigid boundaries of masculine red carpet attire and ignited conversations about gender expression in fashion. The outfit blended classic elegance with bold individuality, proving that fashion can be both political and beautiful.

For anyone studying red carpet history, this ensemble marks a cultural shift. Billy Porter’s gown did not just break the internet—it broke the mold. It reminded the world that the best red carpet fashion is about authenticity, not conformity.

When Rihanna arrived at the 2015 Met Gala wearing an opulent yellow fur-trimmed Guo Pei gown with a dramatic train, the world stood still. It wasn’t just a dress—it was a moment of artistic defiance and celebration. The Met Gala’s theme that year was “China: Through the Looking Glass,” and Rihanna honored it by choosing a relatively unknown Chinese designer known for couture craftsmanship.

The gown, which took nearly two years to make, featured heavy embroidery, bold texture, and imperial proportions. The look went viral almost instantly, inspiring memes and admiration alike. Yet behind the spectacle was cultural intention. Rihanna elevated global design on one of the biggest platforms in fashion.

This was not a safe choice—it was a bold, fearless embrace of high-concept red carpet fashion. It solidified Rihanna as more than a pop icon; she became a fashion trailblazer, unafraid to take risks and redefine the narrative around luxury and representation.

One of the most iconic fashion moments in cinematic history came when Audrey Hepburn stepped onto the red carpet in a white floral Givenchy gown at the 1954 Oscars. The dress featured a fitted bodice, delicate embroidery, and a full skirt that evoked old-world charm with modern grace. This look not only solidified her image as a fashion icon but also launched a lifelong collaboration with designer Hubert de Givenchy.

What made this appearance so unforgettable was its simplicity. In an era when Hollywood glamor often meant over-the-top glitter and volume, Hepburn’s understated elegance broke the mold. Her look embodied classic red carpet sophistication and became a blueprint for minimalism done right.

For modern stylists and fashion enthusiasts, this ensemble remains a masterclass in proportion, balance, and silhouette. The timeless appeal of Audrey Hepburn’s red carpet style still echoes in countless interpretations seen at today’s awards shows. She didn’t just wear fashion—she defined it.