The 13 Best Emmy Looks of All Time, According to <i>Bazaar</i> Editors (2024)

The 13 Best Emmy Looks of All Time, According to <i>Bazaar</i> Editors (1)

Typically, the Emmy awards take place in September, but due to last year’s Hollywood strikes, the delayed ceremony will air this coming Monday night, January 15. Even if the Golden Globes did just happen, we’re excited to get so much red carpet glamour this early in 2024.

It’s strange to recall that the Emmys weren’t always as glamorous as they are now. For a while, the ceremony’s style felt less put-together than its award-show peers—a bit “VMAs-adjacent,” if you will. That’s probably because TV 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 Penélope Cruz in Chanel couture.

Naturally, there are some Emmys looks that we at Bazaar will never forget. Ahead, 13 of our absolute favorites.

1

Chloë Sevigny in Isaac Mizrahi, 2009

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“I’ve never seen a Chloë Sevigny red-carpet look I didn’t absolutely love—and this one from the Emmys in 2009 is one of my absolute favorites. Polka dot gets 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

2

Zendaya in Vera Wang, 2019

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“When I’m trying to explain 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 award-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

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3

Blake Lively in Versace, 2009

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“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.” —HL

4

Halle Berry, 2000

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“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

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5

Penélope Cruz in Chanel Haute Couture, 2018

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“I recently spoke with Penélope 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.” —TG

6

Calista Flockhart in Ralph Lauren, 1999

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“I am an absolute sucker for any time a celebrity wears a white button-down shirt with slinky skirt to an award 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 hyperfeminine vibes on the bottom, and vice versa—it’s a look that’s never not cool.” —Izzy Grinspan, digital director

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7

Tracee Ellis Ross in Valentino Couture, 2018

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“Tracee Ellis Ross looked like a walking pink orchid at the 2018 Emmys in Valentino couture. The color! The drama! Love it.” —IG

8

Elizabeth Olsen in the Row, 2021

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“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.” —IG

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9

Emma Corrin in Miu Miu, 2021

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“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.” —TG

10

Mischa Barton in Oscar de la Renta, 2005

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“In 2005—much like her character, Marissa Cooper, on The O.C.—Mischa Barton dazzled everyone at the 57th Primetime Emmy Awards. Wearing an Oscar de la Renta spaghetti-strap embellished slip gown, with swept-back hair, she effortlessly embodied the glamorous California style we so loved throughout the show.” —Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen, senior fashion and accessories editor

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11

Tracee Ellis Ross in Alexandre Vauthier, 2020

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“The Emmys in 2020—at the height of the pandemic, with celebrities and viewers tuning in to the remotely filmed ceremony—were like no other. While guests were welcomed to dress down for the virtual event, Tracee Ellis Ross (who was nominated that year for her star role on Black-ish) captured our hearts and spirits in an Alexandre Vauthier look that went above and beyond. Not even her matching face mask could take away from how fabulous this look and moment truly was.” —JAC

12

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, 1991

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“Over the years, the Olsen twins have graced the red carpet with countless memorable looks, and when they stepped out in 1991—when Full House was the biggest it would ever be—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!” —JAC

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13

Jessica Biel in Ralph & Russo, 2018

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“I was floored when Jessica Biel wore this ethereal sculptural white strapless Ralph & Russo gown. I fell in love with the layering. Her hair, Harry Winston jewels, and makeup were all just so perfect.” —Alicia Banilivy, retail credits editor

The 13 Best Emmy Looks of All Time, According to <i>Bazaar</i> Editors (15)

Tara Gonzalez

Tara Gonzalez is the Senior Fashion Editor at Harper’s Bazaar. Previously, she was the style writer at InStyle, founding commerce editor at Glamour, and fashion editor at Coveteur.

The 13 Best Emmy Looks of All Time, According to <i>Bazaar</i> Editors (2024)

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