When it comes to fashion, consider it handled.
Kerry Washington made a name for herself playing Olivia Pope on the hit ABC show Scandal, where she was known just as much for her incredible acting skills as her impeccable fashion sense. (OK that and her bowl of popcorn paired with a glass of red wine. But we digress.) In real life, Kerry and her character Olivia have a lot in common when it comes to style..
Over the years, the superstar actress has walked (and slayed) countless red carpets events, always showing up in a show-stopping number that has us wanting to raid her closet.
Don't believe us? Take a look for yourself because we've rounded up her absolute best, most glamorous looks in honor of her 45th birthday January 31. It's just a sampling of some of the greatest looks she's rocked over her luxurious career as one of the most sought after actresses in Hollywood.
Scroll through the below and see for yourself why Kerry is a fashion force to be reckoned with.
The actress attended the Met Gala wearing a bright red tassled outfit to match her fierce red carpet pose.
The annual Vanity Fair Oscar party is the hottest ticket in Holllywood, and Washington didn't disappoint in her gold detailed gown.
If there is one thing Washington knows how to do, its rock a patterned dress on a red carpet. It just might be her super power.
Washington arrived to the premiere of her project American Son looking ready to take on the world. Or at least another huge film!
The pantsuit is an underrated staple on red carpets, but Washington proved with a bold lip and a pointy toe, anything is possible.
The Met Gala is all about the bold looks and daring ensembles, and during the "Camp" theme, Washington aced the test.
Not just anyone can pull off leather pants, but then again, Kerry Washington isn't just anyone.
No shirt? No problem! Sometimes you got to risk a little to get the reward.
This look took old school to a whole new level. She changed up her hair and put on a little smolder for a perfect red carpet appearance.
Animal print is what fashion designers dreams are made of. Washington was a sight to behold in this bold coat.
At the Television Academy's 25th Hall of Fame Ceremony Washington showed up looking like a vision straight out of Scotland.
The star arrived to the Met Gala shimmering in gold. Washington wore a sequined, long-sleeved Ralph Lauren gown with a beautiful Afro and golden hair accessories to match.
What's better than two shades of green? Four! Kerry slays in this flowing, pleated, multicolored Missoni dress paired with aqua heels.
This actress knows her way around a pattern. Washington rocks this fab polka-dot dress by Kate Spade paired with taupe heels.
In the streets of NYC the starlet shows up extra stylish and urban in this Johanna Ortiz hunter green coat, paired with a white fitted dress and red pumps for a color accent.
Look as darling as ever, Kerry sports a classic stripped Oscar de la Renta dress with a chic afro hairstyle and some gorgeous pointed pumps.
Washington serves major spring looks in this gorgeous, flowing, sheer-floral dress by Dolce and Gabbana.
The Scandal star made it a point to make her mark at the 2018 Golden Globes when she arrived in this shimmering Prabal Gurung dress and striking Roger Vivier mesh heels.
The star looks like a total doll in this Giambattista Valli floral print mini dress.
The actress has got it all shaped out in this form fitting floral metallic dress by Dolce & Gabbana.
Fitted, patterned and sexy. What more could the starlet want out of this striking Ulyana Sergreenko dress.
A bright coral and lavender was a daring and sophisticated choice for the Women's Summit in LA
Wearing a gorgeous cape dress by Maxwell, the starlet attends the HBO special screening of Confirmation.
As delicate a rose, Kerry stuns in this floral Dolce & Gabbana gown. The textured bag paired with strappy heels made the actress' dress stand out more than ever.
This boss wore a black off the shoulder gown by Boss and couldn't have looked more fabulous.
Miss Olivia Pope looks like a complete star in this dashing Versace gown. The dress hugs the actress' body just right, and the yellow accent straps make her skin pop to perfection.
Kerry looks like a true work of art in this black and white Atelier Versace gown. The star went for a classical look, having her hair pulled back, a daring leg slit and pointed heels to complete the look.
The actress shows off her glowing skin in this sleek, white, Victoria Beckham dress paired with a black clutch.
Looking super sexy in this black bustier style Marchesa dress, Washington poses with a vengeance and pairs this showstopper with black heels.
This gorgeous Giambattista Valli gown made the actress look like a beautiful princess. The pops of florals around the dress gave the look an extra chic feel.
This story was originally published on Sunday, Sept. 31, 2020 at 6 a.m.