The Most Iconic Dresses Worn On The Red Carpet

Published on 12/13/2018

As we all know, people from all parts of the globe eagerly await the Academy Awards every year. Celebrities also anticipate the special occasion for the awards they might get as well as the looks they plan on serving us. We adore watching the stars flaunt their stuff in beautiful gowns as they walk the red carpet. While there are always magnificent dresses on display, we can’t ignore that some of our favorite celebrities have also committed various faux pas over the years.

Red Carpet Dresses

The Most Iconic Dresses Worn On The Red Carpet

If you are now ready to head into the most iconic and interesting ensembles ever worn to the Oscars, it is time to get started!

Kendall Jenner

It certainly seems like Kendall Jenner has had a wonderful year. She has definitely become a star in her own right when she ended up becoming one of the top models in the world alongside her best girlfriends Bella and Gigi Hadid. She was able to accomplish her dream of becoming a model for Victoria’s Secret and let’s not forget that their family reality show ended its 14th season with its highest ratings so far. The dress she wore to the red carpet in 2017 left little to our imagination.

Kendall Jenner1

Kendall Jenner

Designed by La Perla Couture

Hilary Swank

Hilary Swank took home an award in 2000, though we think she won on the red carpet as well! The award was for her performance in Million Dollar Baby and she looked fantastic in this beautiful blue dress.

Hilary Swank

Hilary Swank

Designed by guy laroche

Danica Patrick

Known for the women who took the all-men sport NASCAR by surprise and became a successful female driver in the American open-wheel racing. Patrick received numerous endorsements and sponsorships throughout her career and gained enormous popularity thanks to her success. Patrick isn’t strange to these red carpet events as she was invited to countless premieres and events, this beautiful white dress with the stylish cleavage is our favorite.

Danica Patrick

Danica Patrick

Charlize Theron

A lot of people seem to enjoy criticizing this South African beauty for her hair and skin. However, we think these features worked to her advantage in this dress. It was definitely one of her best red carpet appearances.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron

Designed by gucci

Rihanna

Bad girl Ri-Ri has made a name for herself in the fashion world as a risk taker. We are generally big fans of the musician and entrepreneur, though we aren’t sure how we feel about this dress. Fashion experts have even mentioned that she looked more like a Valentine’s Day bouquet instead of a superstar.

Rihanna

Rihanna

Angelina Jolie

With her pale complexion, you would not think that this pale dress would suit her. However, Angelina Jolie made it work! The dress suited her figure well and she looked completely stunning. She might not look impressed, though we think she managed to nail the look.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie

Designed by marc bouwer

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence was chosen to become the face of Dior back in 2012. This photo makes it clear why they chose her. She looked gorgeous and graceful in this dress!

Jennifer Lawrence 2013

Jennifer Lawrence 2013

Designed by dior

Cher

Talk about an iconic dress! Cher was the center of attention when she stepped onto the red carpet wearing this headpiece. This black jewel look certainly stole the show!

Chers 2nd Look

Chers 2nd Look

Halle Berry

Here is another dress that made its way to the headlines! Halle Berry looked amazing in this sheer little number. The maroon made a beautiful contrast against her dark skin and it showed off her figure without sacrificing elegance.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez killed it when she wore a gown by Elie Saab back in 2015. The neckline, shape, and color of the dress have all been crafted to perfection.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie’s 2012 dress was made by Atelier Versace. This particular number went viral when she showed off one leg!

Angelinas 2nd Look

Angelinas 2nd Look

Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker is also known for her adventurous fashion sense. However, many people think she went a little too far in 2015. In any case, she certainly turned heads with the headgear and the dress.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker

Andra Day

The outfit Andra Day decided to wear in 2018 definitely earned some attention thanks to its wide range of colors and materials. The Grammy-nominated musician turned heads with the dress itself and when she laid down on the red carpet! Her hairstyle definitely added even more drama. The ponytail came with loose waves and small pink flowers. We loved the uniquely feminine look she went with!

Andra Day

Andra Day

Kim Kardashian West

Kim Kardashian is a fashionista best known for taking fashion risks. She has never shied away from jumping on the newest fashion trends. Her style appears to have improved and matured ever since she became Mrs. Kanye West. This dress is a great example as it remains classy despite its revealing nature.

Kim Kardashian West

Kim Kardashian West

Miranda Kerr

The stunning Victoria’s Secret model Miranda Kerr looks fantastic and she looks as gorgeous as ever dressed in this red ensemble. She displayed a lot of skin in the outfit and we daresay there was more skin on display than the actual material. Regardless, it’s a look that totally works for her.

Miranda Kerr

Miranda Kerr

Designed by kaufmanfranco

Bella Hadid

Just take a look at this photo if you wanted to learn how Bella made it as a top model. She looks fantastic in this sensual red dress.

Bella Hadid

Bella Hadid

Rita Moreno

In 1962, she bagged the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her stellar performance in West Side Story. After 56 years, she decided to wear the lovely black and gold boatneck dress again. Of course, she did not fail to slip on those black satin gloves for the second time. What a confident dress choice!

Rita Moreno

Rita Moreno

Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz is someone who must be tired of landing in all the best-dressed lists. This nightgown might look like a kimono, though we daresay it was a memorable and bold look.

Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz

Jennifer Lawrence, Again

Jennifer Lawrence wore a simple but elegant cropped top and skirt combo. It might not sound impressive, though she did not fail to deliver! The sleek hairstyle and smoky eyes look amazing together.

Jennifer Lawrence Again

Jennifer Lawrence Again

Daryl Hannah

Back in 1988, Daryl Hannah decided to pair elbow-length gloves and a fancy gold dress. With her long blonde locks, she definitely turned quite a number of heads. She deserves kudos for this look!

Darryl Hannah

Darryl Hannah

Nicole Kidman

During the 90th Oscars, Nicole Kidman did not disappoint when she showed up looking like a true diva. She was definitely one of the best-dressed women that year with her blue Armi Prive outfit. The shape was pretty unique but it has been tailored to fit her perfectly. She donned bold red lips to top it off!

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman

Heidi Klum

Heidi Klum is probably used to flaunting her stuff on both the red carpet and the catwalk. This purple dress was certainly feminine, though a lot of people thought it was inappropriate for the event.

Heidi Klum

Heidi Klum

Celine Dion

Celine Dion certainly took a risk when she opted for a glam rock chic look here. We don’t know how to feel about the dark makeup, however. Likewise, we’re not convinced the dress was her best option.

Celine Dion

Celine Dion

Lady Gaga

If you want to see what a fashion trendsetter looks like, look no further than Lady Gaga. She is known for pushing boundaries and this outfit definitely counts. Her style has evolved over the years, though we daresay the jumpsuit exudes timelessness as well.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga

Juliette Binoche

The nineties were certainly an interesting period for fashion. This dress Juliette Binoche wore to the 1997 Academy Awards is not easy to forget. It looks like it was made with brown velvet if you ask us! It might not win any awards, though the actress did walk away with the Best Supporting Actress Award.

Juliette Binoche

Juliette Binoche

Emily Ratajkowski

Emily Ratajkowski is another lovely woman and we adore how well the dress suits her. She looks nothing short of a million bucks! Black is definitely her color and the shape of the dress flatters her figure.

Emily Ratajkowski

Emily Ratajkowski

Designed by Steven Khalil

Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet never fails to look amazing both on and off the red carpet. The color and cut of this dress definitely complement her natural beauty. It goes well with her pale skin if you ask us. Great fashion choice, Kate! She looks like the very definition of an English rose.

Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet

Irina Shayk

Irina Shayk’s dress was certainly the talk of the town when she wore it. Among other things, it was highly revealing. Nonetheless, she looked fantastic!

Irina Shayk

Irina Shayk

Designed by versace

Liz Hurley

Liz Hurley started quite a bit of controversy in 1995. It wasn’t only for the dress she wore as a lot of people started talking when they saw her date. The man on her arm is, of course, Hugh Grant. It wasn’t long before they became one of the biggest couples in Hollywood.

Liz Hurley

Liz Hurley

Gigi Hadid

Here is yet another top model who has made it to our list! Gigi Hadid and her younger sister Bella have never had problems turning heads. Don’t you just wish you had that bone structure? Gigi looks amazing in every public appearance and we daresay this outfit choice is no exception.

Gigi Hadid

Gigi Hadid

Designed by Versace

Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett is one of those rare women who seem to always get their awards season fashion choices right. She wore an Armani Prive gown with intricate 3D floral details and it was a great tribute to old Hollywood fashion.

Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o wowed everyone in attendance when she appeared in this baby blue Prada dress during the 2014 awarding ceremony. The gown was perfect for her! The neckline, cut, and shape definitely worked to her favor. We can’t find anything to criticize about the look. What a stunner.

Lupita

Lupita

Amanda Seyfried

Amanda Seyfried truly owned the red carpet when she wore this gown by Alexander McQueen. She also topped it off with a classic hairstyle. We simply adore the timeless look she decided to go with!

Amanda Seyfried

Amanda Seyfried

Amy Adams

Amy Adams is yet another fashion icon we love! The Oscar De La Renta dress she wore during the 2013 Academy Awards was no exception. The American Hustle star was the image of elegance in this outfit. Great job, Amy!

Amy Adams

Amy Adams

Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson is someone known for her glamorous and classy style. We believe this look reflects all of that! She definitely knows how to make a lasting impression whenever she is on the red carpet.

Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson

Faith Hill

Faith Hill has mentioned in numerous interviews how she likes dressing as a way to express her feelings. We bet she felt happy on this particular day so she decided to wear bright summer colors. A lot of people thought it was a fashion faux, though we think her happiness is attractive in itself.

Faith Hill

Faith Hill

Kim Basinger

Kim Basinger designed this dress by herself and we have to say it was a memorable outfit. She certainly owned the white Cinderella attire during the 62nd Oscars. Moreover, she ended up taking home the Best Actress in a Supporting Role award for her performance in L.A. Confidential.

Kim Bassinger

Kim Bassinger

Whoopi Goldberg

We completely adore Whoopi Goldberg. If she wanted to make us smile with this ensemble, she certainly managed to do so!

Whoopi

Whoopi

Gwyneth Paltrow

Of course, we cannot compile a list about Oscar Dresses without mentioning Gwyneth Paltrow’s notorious pink dress! We love everything about this outfit, from the hair to the dress. She looks like a Barbie doll in real life! What an unforgettable ensemble.

Gwenyth Paltrow1

Gwenyth Paltrow1

Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams is lovely and the dress certainly made that as clear as day. She topped off the yellow dress by donning red lips. She was certainly a vision with her lovely porcelain skin. Talk about red carpet perfection!

Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams

Celine, Again

Celine Dion is back on the list for her backward tuxedo in 1999. She received mixed opinions when she rocked this look, though we always admire celebrities who aren’t scared to take risks!

Celine Dions 2nd Look

Celine Dions 2nd Look

Zoe Saldana

Zoe Saldana’s fashion choice for the 2010 Academy Awards was certainly… interesting. She wore this dress by Givenchy Haute Couture that came with a tulle train and a crystal bodice. We don’t think it was the best dress she ever wore, though she did a good job when it came to her accessories, hair, and makeup!

Zoe Saldanas 2nd Look

Zoe Saldanas 2nd Look

Michelle Williams

In 2010, Michelle Williams received a nomination for the Best Actress award for her work on My Week With Marilyn. She opted for this lovely red gown by Louis Vuitton. The lipstick sure was a nice touch.

Michelle Williams 2nd Look

Michelle Williams 2nd Look

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow wore this lovely cocktail dress by Tom Ford to the 2012 Oscars. We love it!

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow

Cindy Crawford

The beautiful Cindy Crawford probably looks amazing in anything she wants to wear. In our opinion, she managed to choose a great dress for her first Academy Award appearance. This tight Herve Leger dress shows off the curves this supermodel worked hard to obtain.

Cindy Crawford

Cindy Crawford

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer was absolutely gorgeous in this amazing dress. She took home the Best Supporting Actress award that same night.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer

Marion Cottilard

Marion Cotillard never fails to stun, but she looked particularly mermaid-like in this dress by Jean Paul Gaultier.

Marion Cottilard

Marion Cottilard

Zoe Saldana

Zoe Saldana wore a dress by Givenchy Haute Couture in 2010. The dress had a bodice embellished with crystals and a ruffled skirt. What a knockout!

Zoe Saldana

Zoe Saldana

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep can survive without more attention, though the critically-acclaimed actress wowed us when she appeared in this golden number by Lanvin.

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep

Bjork

The swan dress worn by Bjork was certainly unforgettable, though at what cost? Bjork deserves kudos for her bravery, though we think she might have been better off wearing something else.

Bjork

Bjork

Julia Roberts

As expected, Julia Roberts managed to look gorgeously timeless for the red carpet. The train in the back is a great detail!

Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts

Penelope Cruz

Penelope Cruz is simply dazzling! We adore the dress that she chose to complement with simple jewelry and an uncomplicated hairstyle.

Penelope Cruz

Penelope Cruz

Salma Hayek

At the previous Academy Awards, Salma Hayek stole the show with the Gucci dress and Harry Winston diamond chain she wore. We simply cannot believe that she is already 52 years old!

Salma Hayek

Salma Hayek

Charlize, Again

Charlize certainly knows how to get her colors right. She was stunning in this red number by Dior.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron

Madonna

Madonna looked a lot like Marilyn Monroe in this getup. We think the queen of pop looks amazing!

Madonna

Madonna

Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston certainly pushed boundaries when she decided to wear this white suit in 1994. We adore her risk and it certainly paid off.

Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston

Mira Sorvino

Mira Sorvino won both on and off the red carpet. The actress looks just like a princess. Of course, let us not neglect the fact that she brought home an award for her work on The Mighty Aphrodite.

Mira Sorvino

Mira Sorvino

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon looks timeless in this vintage dress by Christian Dior. She also walked away with the Best Actress award for Walk The Line.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon

Katy Perry

Katy Perry started a little controversy when she decided to wear this interesting ensemble. Love it or hate it, Katy Perry still managed to make a huge impact when she appeared on the red carpet decked out in this! She definitely challenged everyone’s expectations about how to dress for such an event.

Katy Perry

Katy Perry

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman appeared on the red carpet in this Balenciaga ensemble in 2007. We adore the bow tied around her neck! The dress definitely does wonders for her coloring and figure thanks to the red tone and the sleek cut. Awesome job, Nicole!

Nicole Kidmans 2nd Look

Nicole Kidmans 2nd Look

Cher

We definitely adore Cher. She has become a legend, though divas aren’t immune from wearing some unflattering dresses. Critics have even gone so far as to call the look “unflattering”. Yikes. We’re not too sure about the dress, though we definitely like the wig.

Cher

Cher

Marion Cotillard

Marion Cotillard is simply stunning, period. In 2008, she wore this dress by Jean Paul Gaultier and it looked like it was crafted out of fish scales. It’s not something you see a lot and it looked great on her!

Marion Cotillard

Marion Cotillard

Demi Moore

Demi Moore kind of surprised us when she decided to go with this outfit. She generally opts for more chic wardrobe choices. It doesn’t matter what we think, however, as she looks happy in this interesting ensemble.

Demi Moore

Demi Moore

Jennifer Aniston

You will rarely see Jennifer Aniston in red, though we think she should do it more often! Just look at how gorgeous she is in this crimson gown by Valentino Haute Couture.

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Lopez

The breathtaking singer showed up to the Vanity Fair Oscar Party with a Zuhair Murad Couture high-low dress flashing glitters all over the red carpet. The aquamarine themed dress was definitely one of the night’s top-dresses.

Jennifer Lopez Oscars 2019

Jennifer Lopez Oscars 2019

Zendaya

This lovely young woman conjured a lot of controversy with this outfit. Critics claim that this was an admirable fashion risk, though others felt like it was not one worth taking. Do you personally think this is a fashion faux pas or a fashion win?

Zendaya

Zendaya

Kendall Jenner

Showing off her beautiful long legs her dress featured a long length falling fabric with a silver fringed around her hips.

Kendall Jenner Oscars 2019

Kendall Jenner Oscars 2019

Ronda Rousey

The next one on our list is the overachiever athlete who’s not only a great MMA fighter and wrestler, she is a UFC & WWE champion as well as an Olympic bronze medal holder.
If all of the above doesn’t impress you, you will be surprised to know that in addition to the countless hours she spends training, she finds the time to appear in movies and TV shows as well. In this red carpet, Rousey is at the premiere of The Expendables 3 movie where she played a small roll in and in her golden-black dress she definitely got our attention.

Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey

Alex Morgan

The esteemed US Women’s National Soccer team player who played in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup surely made it to our list! The top scorer of the team scored 6 goals and helped her country to bring home the 4th title. Her appearance at the tournament transformed Morgan to the crowd’s favorite as she was invited to numerous public events such as the MTV Video Music Awards where she wore this beautiful pink dress with the oversized bow falling on her left shoulder.

Alex Morgan

Alex Morgan

Simon Biles

The next talented women on our list is also the most successful American gymnastic of all times, with 25 World Gymnastics Championships medals to this day. As a gymnastic, Simone is used to wear dazzling outfits on a regular basis, but for this red carpet event of the Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards, she looked absolutely adorable.

Simone Biles

Simone Biles