The Emmy Awards always bring together television's biggest stars, and the red carpet is just as exciting as the ceremony itself. From glamorous couture gowns to surprisingly simple beauty choices, these women delivered some of the night's most memorable fashion moments.
Our countdown features 16 standout looks from the Emmys, showcasing stars of different ages and styles. Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum, Sophie Turner, Ariel Winter, Viola Davis, Sarah Paulson, Emilia Clarke and Kirsten Dunst are among the celebrities who made a lasting impression.
Beyond the dresses, there were plenty of entertaining red-carpet details too. Some stars shared unexpected beauty secrets, while others revealed amusing stories about getting ready for television's biggest night.
Whether you're interested in television, celebrity fashion or simply enjoy seeing spectacular red-carpet gowns, these Emmy looks are worth revisiting. Which celebrity had your favorite outfit?
16. Sofia Vergara
Sofia Vergara has never appeared intimidated by the pressure of dressing for a major red-carpet event. At the Emmys, she embraced the occasion in a spectacular Atelier Versace gown paired with jewelry from Lorraine Schwartz.
For Vergara, getting ready for an awards show has always been part of the fun. She has spoken about enjoying everything from choosing her dress and colors to collaborating with designers and selecting the perfect accessories.
Her glamorous approach once again made her one of the celebrities attracting plenty of attention from photographers on the red carpet.
15. Heidi Klum
Heidi Klum brought classic supermodel glamour to the Emmy Awards in a striking Michael Kors creation. Her confident appearance and polished styling made the look particularly memorable.
Klum has long been associated with fashion and reality television. Her series Project Runway was competing for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program, while she was also keeping busy as a judge on America's Got Talent.
With her years of experience in fashion, it came as little surprise that Klum knew exactly how to make an awards-show entrance.
14. Tatiana Maslany
Tatiana Maslany celebrated a huge career milestone while looking elegant in a beautiful red Alexander Wang dress. The Orphan Black star took home the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
After being nominated the previous year without winning, Maslany finally received her moment on the Emmy stage. Her excitement was obvious, and she even had to rely on her phone for part of her acceptance speech because she had not printed it beforehand.
Maslany attended the ceremony with fellow actor Tom Cullen, and the combination of her award-winning performance and eye-catching red gown made the evening especially memorable.
13. Sophie Turner
Sophie Turner kept her Emmy Awards appearance sophisticated and understated in a sleek black Valentino gown. The Game of Thrones actress was styled by Rebecca Corbin-Murray, who chose a design intended to emphasize Turner's natural beauty.
The simple silhouette gave Turner a refined, elegant appearance rather than overwhelming her with elaborate details. At just 20 years old at the time, she already demonstrated a strong sense of red-carpet style.
Game of Thrones enjoyed a major night at the Emmys, including a win for Outstanding Drama Series, making Turner's appearance even more special.
12. Felicity Huffman
Felicity Huffman proved that elegant red-carpet fashion does not require an overly revealing design. She arrived in a sophisticated Tony Ward gown and looked every bit the Hollywood star.
Huffman and her husband, William H. Macy, also shared a playful moment in front of photographers. The couple, who had been married for many years, appeared relaxed and affectionate throughout the evening.
Both actors were Emmy nominees that night, with Huffman recognized for American Crime and Macy nominated for Shameless. Although neither won, their red-carpet appearance remained one of the evening's memorable moments.
11. Ariel Winter
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Ariel Winter turned heads in a sparkling Yousef Al-Jasmi gown at the Emmys. The dress had already attracted attention after Kylie Jenner was spotted wearing a remarkably similar design earlier that month.
Winter said the decision was simple once she tried it on. The shimmering finish immediately appealed to her, and she felt comfortable and confident in the glamorous look.
The sparkling gown proved to be an excellent choice for the young Modern Family star, helping her stand out among a crowded field of celebrity fashion moments.
10. Viola Davis
Viola Davis brought bold color and sophisticated glamour to the Emmy red carpet in a bright pink Marchesa gown. She completed the look with Harry Winston jewelry, Stuart Weitzman shoes and a bag by Alexandra Ellis.
Although Davis did not win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series that evening, she certainly commanded attention with her confident styling.
Her polished ensemble showed why Davis consistently ranks among television's most memorable red-carpet personalities.
9. Sarah Paulson
Sarah Paulson delivered one of the most talked-about looks of the night in a striking green gown. Her appearance was particularly meaningful because she went on to win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie.
Paulson earned the award for her acclaimed performance as Marcia Clark in The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story. Clark herself attended the ceremony, making the victory even more emotional.
In a touching gesture, Paulson invited Clark to the Emmy engraving area and had Clark's name added to the trophy. It was one of the night's most memorable moments both on and off the red carpet.
8. America Ferrera
America Ferrera looked elegant and confident at the Emmys, offering another reminder that her style extends far beyond her famous Ugly Betty character.
Ferrera was not personally nominated that year, but her series Superstore was building momentum and attracting positive attention. She also showed off her athletic side shortly before the ceremony by sharing photos from a triathlon.
Her polished red-carpet appearance complemented the energetic personality that fans had come to know from her television work.
7. Niecy Nash
Niecy Nash may not have won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, but she certainly made a strong impression on the red carpet.
Nash wore a glamorous Christian Siriano gown with Charlotte Olympia shoes and statement jewelry. She explained that the dress was based on a design she had created years earlier and was delighted with the finished result.
Her playful personality was also on full display during interviews, proving that Nash could bring just as much entertainment to the red carpet as she did to television.
6. Padma Lakshmi
Padma Lakshmi demonstrated that a full-length gown can make an equally powerful statement on the Emmy red carpet. The Top Chef host looked elegant in a sophisticated Naeem Khan creation.
Her appearance was polished from head to toe, and her playful personality came through during red-carpet interviews. She even revealed that her date had thoughtfully hidden snacks in his suit in case she became hungry during the evening.
It was a charming detail that added some humor to an otherwise glamorous awards-show appearance.
5. Laverne Cox
Laverne Cox was one of the evening's most glamorous stars in a beautiful gold Naeem Khan gown. The shimmering ensemble helped her stand out immediately among the many memorable looks on the red carpet.
Before the ceremony, Cox was particularly excited about the possibility of Beyoncé winning an Emmy for Lemonade. Although Beyoncé did not win that night, Cox still received plenty of attention for her own sophisticated fashion choice.
Her golden gown, complemented by carefully selected jewelry, made her one of the standout style stars of the evening.
4. Abigail Spencer
Abigail Spencer arrived at the Emmys ready for her moment in a stunning Jenny Packham gown. She completed the ensemble with a Judith Leiber clutch and jewelry from Irene Neuwirth.
Spencer had plenty to celebrate, as she was attending the ceremony to present an award. Her television résumé already included appearances in Suits, Rectify and True Detective, while she was also working on the series Timeless.
Her glamorous styling made the occasion feel every bit as special as she had hoped.
3. Kristen Bell
Kristen Bell brought a fairytale quality to the Emmy red carpet with an elegant gown that looked perfectly suited to the star of Frozen. Her glamorous appearance attracted plenty of attention, but one of her beauty secrets was surprisingly affordable.
Bell revealed that rather than relying on an expensive designer fragrance, she wore amber oil purchased from Whole Foods. Her simple beauty choice reportedly cost only a few dollars.
At the same time, Bell was preparing to introduce audiences to her new comedy series, The Good Place, which also featured television veteran Ted Danson.
2. Emilia Clarke
Emilia Clarke looked effortlessly elegant in an Atelier Versace gown that immediately caught the attention of the cameras. Despite the elaborate appearance of the finished look, Clarke suggested that choosing it was surprisingly straightforward.
She explained that the dress fit beautifully and that the people around her immediately approved of the choice. Her friends' reaction helped make the final decision an easy one.
Clarke also reminded fans that celebrity red-carpet appearances involve considerable preparation behind the scenes. Her polished Emmy look was the result of plenty of work before she ever stepped in front of the cameras.
1. Kirsten Dunst
Kirsten Dunst takes the top spot thanks to a sophisticated Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci Haute Couture creation. The actress brought a distinctive fashion perspective to the Emmy red carpet and easily stood apart from the crowd.
Dunst had plenty of reason to celebrate after earning recognition for her performance in Fargo. Although Sarah Paulson ultimately took home the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie, Dunst still made an impressive impression with her fashion choice.
The gown featured an unusual silhouette that may not have been universally loved, but its individuality made it memorable. For us, that uniqueness is exactly what earns Kirsten Dunst the No. 1 spot on this list.
Which Emmy Red Carpet Look Was Your Favorite?
From Sofia Vergara's Atelier Versace glamour to Kirsten Dunst's distinctive Givenchy couture, this Emmy red carpet featured an impressive mix of styles. Some celebrities chose classic elegance, while others experimented with bold colors, sparkling fabrics and dramatic silhouettes.
Which celebrity had the best Emmy Awards outfit in your opinion? Was Kirsten Dunst your favorite, or would you give the top spot to Emilia Clarke, Sarah Paulson, Sofia Vergara or another star?
Share your favorite look and let us know which Emmy red-carpet style you would most want to recreate.