16 Unforgettable Minimalist Red Carpet Looks
If you think red carpet outfits must always be extravagant and over-the-top, think again. Countless simple red carpet looks have garnered the same attention and praise as more complicated getups, even though they may have been designed without all the bells and whistles.
From plain velvet dresses to several pared-down ensembles worn without fancy jewelry or accessories, here are some memorable red carpet looks that are simple yet stunning.
Halle Berry
Halle Berry attended the 21st Annual People's Choice Awards wearing an icy gray-blue unembellished satin gown with contrasting double straps and a slightly structured bodice.
Drew Barrymore
Back in the day, the actress chose a cute, cut-out knee-length black dress to walk the 50 First Dates red carpet. “I was really inspired by this Marilyn Monroe dress that is identical to this one but is in coral, and somehow I found the LBD version of it,” Barrymore told People recently while reflecting on the look.
Salma Hayek
For the Los Angeles premiere of her 1995 movie, Desperado, Salma Hayek wore a solid red halter-neck dress and matching jewelry.
Penelope Cruz
Penelope Cruz, pictured here with filmmaker Pedro Almodovar, decided to throw on a red dress for the 11th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival. Known for her ability to achieve the perfect balance between simple and sophisticated, the actress has worn countless noteworthy red-carpet dresses—from flowy gowns to extravagant ensembles—throughout the years.
Lucy Liu
At the 6th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, Liu looked glamorous, dressed in a vibrant turquoise gown that featured a cowl neck and gathered train.
Scarlett Johansson
The fitted Calvin Klein dress, the curled hair, the red lip—actress Scarlett Johansson’s easygoing yet eye-catching look for the 2004 Tony Awards screams “old Hollywood glamour.”
Chloë Sevigny
During the Seabiscuit world premiere, Chloë Sevigny oozed downtown cool while wearing a pared-down white dress with black platforms. Since she came onto the scene in the early ‘90s film Kids, Sevigny has been a style icon.
Michelle Yeoh
Award-winning actress Michelle Yeoh chose a buttery yellow dress with a cascading hemline for The Da Vinci Code premiere at the 59th International Cannes Film Festival. This unfussy dress was a show-stopper.
Zoë Kravitz
In 2018, Big Little Lies actress Zoë Kravitz arrived at the 75th Golden Globes Awards wearing a simple custom velvet Saint Laurent dress, black open-toe Christian Louboutin heels, and oversized emerald earrings. Many actresses wore green jewels to the awards show that year as a symbol of growth, renewal, and hope.
Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston attended the 52nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards with then-husband Brad Pitt, dressed in a strapless, floor-length red gown and a casual updo that added to the look’s laidback feel. That year, the actress was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Rachel Greene on Friends. However, Will and Grace star Megan Mullally took home the award.
Elizabeth Hurley
In 1996, Elizabeth Hurley accompanied actor Hugh Grant to the red carpet premiere of his thriller Extreme Measures. The actress wore a silky red dress with a plunging neckline and jeweled black heels to the event.
Kate Winslet
Kate Winslet’s royal blue gown for the 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards was basic yet beautiful.
Angelina Jolie
Actress Angelina Jolie opted for a breezy white shift dress and silver sandals to attend the Original Sin premiere red carpet in 2001.
Salma Hayek
Hayek did it once again when she showed up to the 1998 MTV Awards wearing a plain, draped-hem black dress accessorized with solid black heels and a matching bag. Instead of elaborate jewelry, the actress decided to add a touch of flair by wearing temporary butterfly tattoos. This unexpected look is still talked about today.
Rachel Weisz
Rachel Weisz decided on a casual lilac-colored satin dress that stopped right below the knee for the Runaway Jury Los Angeles premiere.
Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence proved that less is more when she chose a plain red dress by Calvin Klein and a small gold bracelet to wear to the 83rd Annual Academy Awards.
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