61 Memorable Looks From the Emmys That Stand the Test of Time

This Sunday marks the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze. (For a list of the evening’s nominations, see here.) Ahead of TV’s biggest night, and in honor of the red carpet beforehand, Vogue is looking back on some of the most memorable fashion looks to hit the step and repeat over the past 15 years. During that time, we’ve seen red carpet style run the gamut, from daring trends to classic Hollywood glamour. Here, we look back at the dresses that made the greatest impact.

Although she wasn’t nominated, Blake Lively stole the spotlight in 2009 in a plunging neckline and high-slit dress from Versace. Also in attendance in a more-is-more look around that time was Heidi Klum, wearing a John Galliano for Christian Dior Couture dress that recalled the smoldering elegance of Rita Hayworth. With beachy blonde waves and whimsical Chanel dresses, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jennifer Aniston brought an air of romance to the big night, too.

On the other end of the spectrum, Mischa Barton, Keri Russell, and Kerry Washington have all dazzled in sequins from head to toe. Julianne Moore in Christian Dior Couture and Claire Danes in Lanvin showed that bold color can be a beguiling choice—ditto for Allison Williams in Oscar de la Renta and Katie Holmes in Calvin Klein Collection. A favorite from the 2013 Emmys was Kiernan Shipka, who wore an intricate Delpozo dress that was sophisticated without being stuffy.

The following year, Gwen Stefani all but stole the show in a shimmering Atelier Versace number boasting edgy metal detailing. More recently, Lady Gaga opted for an all-black gown by stylist turned designer and close personal friend, Brandon Maxwell. The asymmetric neckline flattered Lady Gaga’s 5-foot-1 frame and furthermore showcased her signature sense of dramatic flair.

At the 2018 Emmys, pink was the color of the night: Tracee Ellis Ross wowed in a voluminous Valentino Haute Couture gown, while Westworld’s Thandiwe Newton did sleek minimalism in a Brandon Maxwell column gown. In 2021, Elizabeth Olsen wore a white floor-length cape dress by The Row, the luxury label founded by her sisters Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, while Emma Corrin took a refreshing risk in Miu Miu’s yellow bonnet and a high-drama manicure, complete with fangs.

And just last year, The Bear star Ayo Edebiri wore a vibrant leather strapless gown from Bottega Veneta, while Saoirse Ronan kept it timeless in a draped navy chiffon number from Louis Vuitton. As for what to anticipate this Sunday evening? Here’s hoping there will be just as many bold fashion statements.

Below, see these and more of the 61 best moments in Emmys red carpet history.