The 13 Best Emmy Looks of All Time, According to Bazaar Editors
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
Typically the Emmy awards take place in September but due to the writer's strike, the delayed ceremony will air this coming Monday night. Even if the Golden Globes did just happen, we're excited to have so much red carpet glamor this early in 2024.
And it's strange to think that the Emmy Awards weren't always as glamorous as they are now. For a while the ceremony's style felt a bit less put together....a bit VMA adjacent if you will. That's probably because television used to be not that big of a deal. But with the rise of prestige television and the golden age of the small screen came a major style shift. Now things are a little bit more serious and high fashion. Which is more than fine by us because it means we get to see stars like Elizabeth Olsen in The Row and Penelope Cruz in Chanel couture.
Naturally, there are some looks that we are Bazaar will never forget. Ahead, 13 of our absolute favorites.
Chloë Sevigny in Isaac Mizrahi, 2009
"I've never seen a Chloë Sevigny red carpet look I didn't absolutely love—and this one from the Emmys in 2019 is one of my absolute favorites. Polka dots get a bad rep sometimes (I blame the 2010s twee movement) but it's such a playful print that can still look so elegant when done right. This asymmetrical cut definitely helps elevate the pattern and makes the gown feels totally molded to her. And the gold sculptural brooch that gathers the material to her side just so makes her look like an actual floating goddess. Obsessed."—Tara Gonzalez, Senior Fashion Editor
Zendaya in Vera Wang, 2019
"When I try explaining to a non-fashion person why Zendaya and Law Roach's red carpet partnership is so special, I turn to this Emmys look. The duo collaborated with Vera Wang Collection on an ivy green gown with a corseted bodice and slitted skirt, accented with diamond drop earrings and Old Hollywood waves. It's a look that serves up the fantasy and glamour we want from an awards season red carpet, without feeling conventional. Only a true fashion team could balance these elements and make it look effortless." —Halie LeSavage, Fashion Commerce Editor
Blake Lively in Versace, 2009
"Blake Lively was deep in her Gossip Girl era when she wore this plunging Versace gown to the 2009 Emmy Awards. It's the kind of gown that didn't need much embellishment or over-accessorizing to stun—and it's exactly what Serena van der Woodsen would have worn to crash a red carpet. Channeling her character really worked here." —Halie LeSavage, Fashion Commerce Editor
Halle Berry, 2000
"Halle Berry's embrace of the naked dress has always been iconic but it was especially so at the Emmys in 2000. The way she embraces her sexiness on the red carpet is really powerful and she always manages to look so cool and relaxed--no heavy makeup, natural hair, and an easy, confident pose."—Brooke Bobb, Fashion News Director
Penelope Cruz in Chanel Haute Couture, 2018
"I recently spoke with Penelope Cruz about all of her Chanel red carpet moments and she told me she just has a "crush" on Chanel couture. I mean, who wouldn't? But I totally get what she means. Chanel is the kind of brand that makes you feel like a little girl in love again. And Cruz looks like an absolute vision in this Chanel couture number from 2018. She looks like a Swan come to life." —Tara Gonzalez, Senior Fashion Editor
Calista Flockhart in Ralph Lauren, 1999
"I am an absolute sucker for any time a celebrity wears a white button-down shirt with slinky skirt to an awards show (hello Sharon Stone at the 1998 Oscars), so I loved Calista Flockhart's Ralph Lauren look from 1999. The menswear vibes on top balance out the hyper-feminine vibes on the bottom, and vice versa—it's a look that's never not cool."—Izzy Grinspan, Digital Director
Tracee Ellis Ross in Valentino Couture, 2018
"Tracee Ellis Ross looked like a walking pink orchid at the 2018 Emmys in Valentino couture. The color! The drama! Love it."—Izzy Grinspan, Digital Director
Elizabeth Olsen in The Row, 2021
"In 2021, Elizabeth Olsen wore a white caftan from The Row to the Emmys, and now I want to wear a white caftan from The Row to the Emmys. It's so simple, elegant, and serene."—Izzy Grinspan, Digital Director
Emma Corrin in Miu Miu, 2021
"Nothing makes me feel more powerful than a fresh set of sharp acrylic nails. It's become a signature look of mine that I rarely see on the red carpet, which is why I so distinctly remember this Emma Corrin Miu Miu moment from two years ago. Of course their nails feel like a more exaggerated version of what someone like myself would typically wear, but they add some (literal) edge to this otherwise meek Miu Miu fit. As Corrin wrote on Instagram about the fit, it served “crucible realness” and I think that's a vibe more of us should aspire to channel." —Tara Gonzalez, Senior Fashion Editor
Mischa Barton in Oscar de La Renta, 2005
"In 2005, much like her Marissa Cooper character on The OC, Mischa Barton dazzled the scene at the 57th Annual Emmy Awards. Wearing an Oscar De La Renta spaghetti strap embellished slip gown, with swept back hair, she effortlessly embodied the California glamorous style that we so loved throughout the show." —Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen, Senior Fashion and Accessories Editor
Tracee Ellis Ross in Alexandre Vaulthier, 2020
"The Emmy’s in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, with celebrities and viewers tuning in to the remotely filmed ceremony, was like no other. While guests were welcomed to dress down to the virtual event, Tracee Ellis Ross (who was nominated that year for her star role on Black-ish), captured our hearts and spirits in her Alexandre Vaulthier look that went above and beyond. Not even her matching face mask could take away from how fabulous this look and moment truly was."—Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen, Senior Fashion and Accessories Editor
Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen, 1991
"Over the years, there are countless memorable looks that the Olsen twins have graced the red carpet with, and when they stepped out in 1991 it set the tone that they weren’t afraid to express their personal style. Of course styles evolve, but there’s something so iconic about these coordinated looks – and the twin of it all!"—Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen, Senior Fashion and Accessories Editor
Jessica Biel in Ralph & Russo, 2018
"I was floored when Jessica wore this ethereal sculptural white strapless Ralph & Russo gown. I fell in love with the layering. Her hair, Harry Winston jewels, and make up was all just so perfect."—Alicia Banilivy, Retail Credits Editor
You Might Also Like
