The Best Red Carpet Looks Of All Time

1. Lady Gaga at the 2011 Grammys - brought some friends with her ....

Image source Kirk McKoyLady Gaga arrived on the red carpet in an egg pod, accompanied by four partially dressed assistants!  She proceeded to 'hatch' from the egg as she sang 'Born This Way' on stage. It's always good to make a spectacular entrance and Lady Gaga made sure she ticked that (egg) box!

2. Angelina Jolie at the 2012 Oscars - dressed to kill ....

Image source Bob Riha JrAt the 2012 Oscars, Miss Jolie stole the show, oozing Hollywood glamour.  She had it all - sexiness, timelessness and sexiness.  The dramatic pose where she showed off  her long legs, caused a sensation and inspiration for many memes which you can still see today

3. Sarah Jessica Parker at the London premiere of 'Sex and the City 2' in 2010 - getting those pins out ....

Image source Antony JonesSarah Jessica Parker, in her 'Carrie' days, modelled the design of her good friend, Alexander McQueen.  The addition of the Philip Treacy fascinator made it extremely high-fashion and London-appropriate at the same time!  The whole look was very reminiscent of Carrie Bradshaw.

4. Billy Porter at the 2019 Oscars - showstopper ....

Image source Frazer HarrisonIn 2019, gender-blurring fashion had just peaked and Billy Porter took full advantage.  He walked the red carpet in a Christian Siriano tuxedo gown, strutting his stuff and feeling empowered.  The photo made the front of all the tabloids and wel embraced his bravery for 'being right out there'.

5. Issa Rae at the 2018 CFDA Awards - a beauty in blue ....

Image source Jared SiskinThis red carpet appearance was so much more than the beautiful blue floaty designer gown.  Issa Rae wore a belt round her waist which read, ‘Every N— Is a Star’ which was a response to black people often being depicted as tragic characters.  It sent a powerful message around the world

6. Rihanna at the 2015 Met Gala - mustard creation ....

Image source Andrew H. WalkerNot many could carry this off but Rihanna managed perfectly and effortlessly.  The huge gown weighed a staggering 55 pounds but Ree-ree wanted to create a moment and she did just that.  Fashion gurus thought the dress was the top of the tree out of all the red carpets she had graced.

7. Beyoncé at the 2015 Met Gala - sheer delight!

Image source Axelle/Bauer-GriffinThere is no such thing as perfection but Beyonce got as near to it as was humanly possible.  Leaving little to the imagination, this sheer diamante masterpiece clung to her body and she walked the red carpet as if she owned it.  Brimming with confidence, Beyonce was happy to strike a pose - who wouldn't with that bootie and those legs!

8. Gemma Chan at the 2019 Oscars - what's she hiding under there!

Image source Steve GranitzGemma Chan's Valentino dress stood out because it was the total opposite of a red carpet gown.  It didn't have a fishtail, it wasn't clingy and it wasn't a princess dress, yet she still did herself justice in the shocking pink ruffled 'arrangement' of a dress.  She certainly stood out in a crowd!

9. Lady Gaga at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards - not a vegetarian then!

Image source Gregg DeGuireIf you want to shock and you've got a few kilos of meat almost past its sell by date, then nothing for it but to turn it into a matching dress and shoe set.  Of course, the outfit got tongues wagging but Lady Gaga went one even better than her dress - she sang a duet with the great Tony Bennett and that went down an absolute storm!

10. Lupita Nyong'o at the 2014 Oscars - even the flowers behind her are beautiful!

Image source Jason LaVerisA stunning dress and an equally gorgeous floral backdrop must have pleased Lupita Nyong’o as she got continuously snapped in her Prada number.  The star of '12 Years A Slave' was a popular female on the red carpet, as much for her gown as the amazing role she depicted in the movie.

11. Gwyneth Paltrow in Ralph Lauren (1999) - pretty in pink ....

Image source Getty ImagesIf you go back to the 90s, pastel satin was all the rage and Gwyneth Paltrow was the height of fashion in this number.  Whilst it wasn't the best fit for her, de to he very slender frame, she was beaming from ear to ear to be on the red carpet and even happier to pick up the Oscar! 

12. Jennifer Lopez’s Molten Metallic Tom Ford, 2019

Image source Getty ImagesJ.Lo will always find a way to make a fashion statement on the red carpet and here we see she didn't disappoint.  Only a handful of A listers could carry off this disco ball chic but Jennifer smashed it out of the park!  Strikingly breath taking, the cameras were red hot on this gown!

13. Rihanna at the 2015 Grammys - an abundant dress!

Image source Jon KopaloffIt must be difficult to create the correct vibe on the red carpet and the saying 'less is more' went straight out the window- it was a case of 'more is more' when Rihanna rocked up in a layered cerise, big dress, with a tiny bandeau to cover her essentials!

14. Zendaya at the 2015 Met Gala - not everyone could wear this!

Image source George PimentelZendaya and Law Roach have been making fashion magic since her Disney Channel days.  They have worked in partnership for over 10 years  and her look for the 2015 Met Gala, her first appearance, certainly stood out in a crowd!  The confident young lady even wore a crown to create a stir.

15. Lena Waithe at the 2018 Met Gala - straight from 'Joseph'?

Image source Taylor HillThe actress wowed the carpet and the LGBT community with a custom crafted cape, inspired by their inclusivity.   When interviewed, she said, 'God made us all in His image.’ It's true that not all super heroes wear capes, but this one does and she does it well!

16. Timothée Chalamet at the 2019 Venice Film Festival - suited and belted!

Image source Stefania D'AlessandroMen love to experiment on the red carpet, particularly in reflection of these gender fluid times we are living in.  Timothee Chalamet glided his way through the flashing cameras in a pink satin suit and cummerbund (waist sash).  The turn ups on his narrow trousers revealed a toned down cowboy boot.

17. Nicole Kidman in Dior (1997) - alongside her ex ....

Image source KEVIN MAZUR ARCHIVE / WIREIMAGENicole Kidman's was already becoming Hollywood royalty when she attended the 69th Academy Awards with her then husband, the cheesy grinning Tom Cruise. Her Christian Dior embroidered dress, with the high side split, scored 10 out of 10 with the fashion police.

18. Cate Blanchett at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival - as blue as the sea ....

Image source Toni Anne BarsonThis look, at the Academy Awards, was boldly eye-catching yet with a modern graphic displayed on a classic mid-century silhouette. It was utterly chic, so photogenic and so perfect for Cannes.  Both the film 'Carol' and Blanchett herself, had a great night!

19. Hilary Swank in Guy Laroche (2005) - if you've got it, flaunt it ....

Image source JEFF KRAVITZ / FILMMAGICIn a case of 'before it was a trend,' Hilary Swank went all out when she wore a down-to-there backless dress in a sophisticated navy blue, back in 2005. Understated at the front, it certainly made up for it at the back, with the little material that was used to protect Hilary's modesty.

20. Ezra Miller at the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund in 2018 - a fan of patchwork ....

Image source Roy RochlinIf you wanted to play it safe on the red carpet, you'd wear anything BUT this little number.  Patchwork doesn't normally get an airing at awards ceremonies but Ezra Miller made a good job of it with a cravat and embroidered shirt, along with a 1960s hairstyle.

21. Zoë Kravitz at the 2017 Met Gala - roses for the rose ....

Image source J. KempinZoe Kravitz' pixie hair and make-up made her a modern day Audrey Hepburn.  Unbelievably, the roses were real and had probably been recently watered before being attached to the gown.  The dress was an eye opener with its long train and Zoe walked effortlessly up the stairs to waiting photographers.

22. Tiffany Haddish at the Hollywood premiere of 'Girls Trip' in 2017 - looking rosy ....

Image source Jason LaVerisTiffany Haddish was a brave girl.  She was determined to send a message about the shelf like of red carpet gowns and wore the same one, as shown here, to no less than 3 awards ceremonies.  The dress was timeless and still looked fresh and simplistic, all thanks to Alexander McQueen.

23. Gwendoline Christie at the New York premiere of Game of Thrones' - is that just one dress she's wearing? 

Image source Angela WeissIris van Herpen designed this 'whatever it is but identifies as a dress' with a strong female in mind, someone who could carry it off without the gown carrying the person off!  Gwendoline Christie took the challenge and some say she won it, although the jury is still out on that one!

24. Rihanna at the 2014 CFDA Awards - not to be viewed until after the 9pm watershed!

Image source Randy BrookeWe know Rihanna is completely fearless - she sets trends and never follows them.  She was at the CFDA Awards to accept her Style Icon award and she upped the bar as she dressed in a nearly there dress, very see through but somehow acceptable.  A matching hat, in the same material, adorned her head, to complete the wow factor.

25. Halle Berry in Elie Saab (2002) - her bits are cleverly covered!

Image source JEFF KRAVITZ / FILMMAGICIt takes a gutsy woman to show up at the Oscars with such a sheer gown where it was almost rude to stare. Halle Berry wore Elie Saab in 2002 with a dress that was a piece of art.  It got everyone's full attention as Halle won the Oscar and her speech went down in history!

26. Jennifer Lopez at the New York premiere of 'Second Act' in 2018 - bridesmaid dress?

Image source Daniel ZuchnikPink to make the boys wink and make the rest of us to gasp, as J. Lo excelled herself, as usual.  This Giambattista Valli gown required its own transport accommodate the long, dramatic tulle train.  It was rated in the top 5 best dresses Jennifer Lopez has worn over the decade.

27. Cardi B at the 2017 Diamond Ball -green to be seen ....

Image source Gonzalo MarroquinThis was very different to anything we had ever seen Cardi B wear.  A very classic ball gown, with a sweetheart neckline, off the shoulder sleeves and that voluminous skirt, by Christian Siriano.  It was hailed as the 'Cinderella' moment for the rapper and made her one to watch in the fashion space.

28. Elle Fanning at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival - sporting old Hollywood glamour!

Image source Pascal Le SegretainIt's no wonder Elle Fanning went viral in 2019 for her look at the Cannes Film Festival. The custom made Dior Haute Couture number was inspired by an old photograph of a model wearing the brand and it got thumbs up by all the critics, a rare achievement in itself! e

29. Margot Robbie in Chanel (2018) - Chanel with two capital 'C's'!

Image source KEVIN MAZUR / WIREIMAGEThere's something architectural about Margot Robbie's Chanel look from 4 years ago.  Her blunt bobbed hairstyle gives the whole outfit a more casual nature although the crystal handbag totally evokes Old Hollywood.  All in all, a winning combination of old and new.

30. Cher in Bob Mackie (1973) - attending with then husband, Sonny ....

Image source Getty ImagesThere's so much to love about this amazing look from Cher.  It was really forward thinking, back in '73', to show a midriff on the red carpet.  Cher's completely straight hair (before straighteners were a thing!)  gave the outfit the finishing touch it needed.  She's pictures with ex hubby Sonny.

31. Grace Kelly in Edith Head, 1955

Image Source / Vogue Grace Kelly was always an icon of style and beauty, so her red carpet looks are going to be no different. In 1955, she wore this blue-green satin dress when she won her award for The Country Girl. The dress was designed by Edith Head.

32. Faye Dunaway in Theadora Van Runkle, 1968

Image Source / Vogue Stunning actress Faye Dunaway arrived at the 1968 Oscars wearing this black stunner. It looks like it could easily be a formal winter coat with the ruffles at the top (with a scarf on, of course, if you were being practical about the cold).

33. Barbra Streisand in Arnold Scaasi, 1969

Image Source / Vogue 

There's just something about suits on the red carpet, and the women who decide to wear them. Back in 1969, actress Streisand decided to wear this chic and sheer suit, complete with beautiful sequins, large white cuffs and white collar. While it wouldn't raise any eyebrows by today's standards, apparently it did at the time!

34. Diahann Carroll, 1969

Image Source / Vogue This beautiful blush gown was showcased by actress Diahann Carroll back at the 1969 Oscars. The jewel-covered dress made the actress look like a princess in all its regal grace, but there's also something like a sexy nightgown feel to it, isn't there?

35. Jane Fonda in Yves Saint Laurent, 1972

Image Source / Vogue But back to the attractive pant suits and how awesome they look on the red carpet - here, actress Jane Fonda wore a black wool Yves Saint Laurent pantsuit, complete with a casual, shaggy hairdo. She looks effortlessly chic, though obviously not as glam as some of the huge dresses out there.

36. Anjelica Huston in Halston, 1975

Image Source / Vogue Anjelica Huston attended the 1975 on the arm of fellow actor and partner-at-the-time Jack Nicholson. She was here in all her mermaid splendour with this shimmering, fish-scale gown. The iridescent dress definitely looked the part for the red carpet.

37. Lauren Hutton in Halston, 1975

Image Source / Vogue In the same year, and by the same designer, was model and actress Lauren Hutton. She wore this stunning slinky number in which the huge fur wrap at the top was the star of the show! Truly an iconic look - and nice and warm for those cold red carpet walks!

38. Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy, 1975

Image Source / Vogue Another queen of effortless style and grace, actress Audrey Hepburn attended the 1975 Oscars wearing this beauty. The gown includes the intricate beading at the top, complete with the adorable bow, showing Audrey once again knows how to combine a sort of playful yet mature design.

39. Martha Plimpton in Vintage, 1989

Image Source / Vogue Martha Plimpton's dress for the 1989 Oscars was stunning - it had the sort of classic Hollywood elegance whilst still managing to look a bit edgy. She attended the awards ceremony in this cream satin dress with then-boyfriend River Phoenix.

40. Uma Thurman in Prada Designed by Barbar Tfank, 1995

Image Source / Vogue When you think of Uma Thurman, you might not immediately think of a simple princess dress, but that's probably why she looks even more special in this design - because it's unexpected. In true 90s style, she shows off a simple gown, accessories and a simple shawl. Perfect!

41. Winona Ryder in Vintage, 1996

Image Source / Vogue Anyone who grew up in the 80s/90s knows what a fashion icon actress Winona Ryder was, and this just proves it. Ryder is getting 'Old Hollywood Glamour' absolutely spot on here, complete with the waved hair and accessories. She looks like vintage perfection!

42. Claire Danes in Cerutti by Narciso Rodriguez, 1997

Image Source / Vogue Actress Claire Danes looked beautiful in this little blue number. It's the perfect combination of glamour coupled with a more laid back style shown through the t-shirt like design at the top. The tee and skirt combination gives off an amazing silhouette, for a very memorable red carpet look.

43. Salma Hayek in Armani, 1997

Image Source / Vogue If there's anyone who always looks good, it's Salma Hayek. Here, she looks like a queen with her matching tiara and Armani gown. The dress is figure-hugging with a sequinned sheen, simple but utterly glamorous!

44. Madonna in Olivier Theyskens, 1998

Image Source / Vogue Madonna's ever-changing style and image has always been iconic, no matter what garb she's put on. And this dress for the 1998 Oscars gives the perfect mix of a rebellious punk nature mixed with a classic elegance. Her dress included a corset bodice and full skirt.

45. Celine Dion in Christian Dior, 1999

Image Source / Vogue Why fasten a white suit at the front when you can wear it backwards and fasten at the back? In this stunning outfit, Celine Dion showcased a white backwards tuxedo exposing her back - and her effortless style. She topped off the look with a hat and sunglasses. Iconic.

46. Julia Roberts in Valentino, 2001

Image Source / Vogue The fashion world particularly enjoyed this dress worn by Julia Roberts when she picked up her Oscar for Erin Brockovich. The black and white vintage gown was designed by Valentino, showing off a classic elegance and timeless fashion.

47. Björk in Marjan Pejoski, 2001

Image Source / Vogue This dress speaks for itself - though what it's saying, I'm not entirely sure. No matter what you think about this dress, or what you think about the Icelandic singer for wearing it, there's no doubt it's gone down in the history books for quirkiness.

48. Cameron Diaz in Emanuel Ungaro Couture, 2002

Image Source / Vogue Cameron Diaz - and the designer Emanuel Ungaro - offered something a little different with this one. There's an easy boho style about this one that you might not think would work on the glam red carpet, but it absolutely does. The colouring of the dress is stunning!

49. Charlize Theron in Gucci, 2004

Image Source / Vogue But if you want the unbeatably glamorous red carpet dress, then this has to be the one. Actress Charlize Theron's dress for when she won her Oscar for Monster is the epitome of Hollywood beauty done right - not too much, but just enough to look like a million bucks.

50. Reese Witherspoon in vintage Christian Dior, 2006

Image Source / Vogue When winning her award for Walk the Line, Reese Witherspoon showing off this glorious bell-shaped golden gown with a plunge neckline and intricate ribbon pattern throughout. Coupled with her blonde hair, the champagne gold is the perfect match.