Best Dressed Stars at the Emmy Awards of All Time

These red carpet gowns are just as famous as the celebs who wore them

By Diana Nguyen Sep 15, 2017 10:00 AMTags
ESC: Emmy Awards, Best Dressed EverGetty Images

We're seeing red…a red carpet, that is.

The 2017 Emmy Awards is just around the corner, and with it, a supple supply of major, if not momentous, gowns and ensembles to ogle. Most eyes will likely be on the nominees—Nicole Kidman hardly ever misses a step, Reese Witherspoon always looks good in yellow and Viola Davis is the reigning queen of off-the-shoulder necklines. There will also be a few shining style stars who will stop the red-carpet show.

How do we know? It's happened in the past.

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Nicole Kidman's Best Looks

Whether it was Blake Lively at the 2009 Emmys, in that jaw-dropping, plunging, backless Versace stunner, or Nina Dobrev's va-va-voom Donna Karan number at the 2011 Emmys, fashion history is always made during TV's most important event of the year.

We know, we know: Sometimes, red-carpet styling can be questionable—there were E! fans on both sides of the aisle when it came to Sarah Paulson's divisive Prada gown. But to fully appreciate what fashion has in store for you come Sunday night, you need to look back at the most epic pieces that have come before.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Hello yellow! The Queen's Gambit actress glowed in her bright Dior dress with Tiffany & Co. jewelry at the 2021 award show. 

Zendaya

The Euphoria star took the red carpet by storm for the 2019 ceremony. From the vibrant emerald green hue to the sheer corset bodice, her custom Vera Wang dress was one to remember.

Reese Witherspoon

The Big Little Lies star shined bright at the 2022 ceremony in a glitzy blue strapless gown.

Angelina Jolie

A total stunner! The actress made a grand entrance at the 1998 star-studded ceremony with this body-hugging blush gown.

Susan Kelechi Watson

The This Is Us actress shined as bright as the cameras in this shimmery off-the-shoulder gown.

Joan Collins

Known for her ~extra~ glamorous fashion sense, the Dynasty star brought the drama to the 1987 awards ceremony with this red-hot gown.

Tracee Ellis Ross

The Black-ish star showed up and showed out in this hot pink Valentino Haute Couture gown.

Quinta Brunson

The Abbott Elementary star lit up the red carpet in a glitzy metallic bronze getup.

Ellen Pompeo

Who says you have to wear a dress? The Grey's Anatomy star switched things up in 2021 by wearing an Elie Saab black velvet jumpsuit with crystal embroidery. 

Priyanka Chopra

The actress was a vision in white as she graced the red carpet in a dreamy custom-made Balmain gown.

Viola Davis

Orange you glad the legendary star added a pop of color to the 2017 Emmys? The answer is yes.

Michelle Dockery

The 2018 Emmy winner brought whimsy and magic to the star-studded ceremony with a baby blue number by Carolina Herrera.

Keri Russell

The Hollywood star sizzled in a sexy feathered black dress at the 2018 Emmys.

January Jones

This figure-flattering Versace peplum stole the show at the 2009 Emmys. While the dress had a futuristic feel, it still has classic details that make it timeless. 

Claire Foy

Sometimes less is more. And in this case, it worked with Claire's ultra-chic black jumpsuit by Oscar de la Renta.

Rue McClanahan

All that glitters is gold and Rue proved it with a glitzy design at the 1990 Emmys.

Elle Fanning

Elle most certainly brought old-Hollywood glamour to the 2022 event.

Regina King

King lit up the 2018 awards show with her highlighter-green Christian Siriano gown.

Kim Cattrall

The Sex and the City star sparkled in a daring and dazzling cut-out dress at the 2003 event.

Nina Dobrev

Talk about red-hot. The Vampire Diaries alum knocked 'em dead with a fiery strapless Donna Karan number in 2011.

Taraji P. Henson

The Empire star made a statement in a custom yellow Vera Wang dress at the 2016 Emmys.

Issa Rae

Looking like a modern-day Cinderella, the Insecure star turned heads in a bedazzled baby blue jumpsuit by Vera Wang. "There are 3,000 crystals on my dress right now. I was like, are you serious right now," she told E! News

Mandy Moore

The This Is Us star dropped jaws with her wildly colorful Brandon Maxwell design.

Ava DuVernay

The director glistened and glimmered on the red carpet in her Reem Acra gown at the 2019 Emmys.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

The actress wore a  show-stopping design to the 1995 awards ceremony with this little (daring) black dress, which featured a plunging neckline and spaghetti straps.

Jennie Garth

The Beverly Hills, 90210 actress brought all the drama to the 1995 Emmys with her audacious black design, which she perfectly paired with long satin gloves and strappy heels.

Zendaya

The actress, who made history at the 2020 Emmys, oozed with glamour in an Armani creation that was reminiscent of the Swinging Sixties.

Kim Kardashian

The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star graced the red carpet in a regal black dress that she paired with a statement-making necklace.

Allison Janney

Purple is rarely seen on the red carpet, but the award-winning actress made it looks oh-so-good.

Jessica Biel

The Sinner star looked angelic in a white Ralph & Russo creation at the 2018 awards ceremony.

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View More Photos From Best Dressed Stars Ever at the Emmys

Honest opinion: Which dress is your favorite?

Let us know in the comments below!

Don't miss E! News tonight at 7 and 11 p.m. and tune in to the Fashion Police 2017 Emmys Special, with guest co-host Erika Jayne, at 8 p.m., only on E!