The Best Emmys Dresses to Ever Hit the Red Carpet: From Extreme Cut-Outs to Tuxedo Gowns

See who has brought the glitz and glamour over the years

By Alyssa Morin Sep 19, 2019 11:00 AMTags
Watch: 2019 Emmys: By The Numbers

Tulle, trains and tuxedos galore!

With the 2019 Emmy Awards right around the corner (aka in just three short days), pop culture lovers can expect to see over-the-top fabulous gowns and statement-making suits at this year's affair. But before the awards ceremony kicks off on Sunday night at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, we're taking a walk down memory lane.

That's right, we're eyeing all of the jaw-dropping pieces that have graced the Emmys red carpet over the years.

From Issa Rae's mesmerizing baby blue Vera Wang jumpsuit that made her look like a modern-day Cinderella to Angelina Jolie's curve-hugging blush number at the 1998 event, we're soaking it all up. And who could forget Dynasty star Joan Collins' dramatic entrance at the 1987 ceremony, as she sashayed onto the red carpet with a crimson-colored off-the-shoulder dress.

It's safe to say celebrities always bring the glitz, the glamour and more to the Emmys!

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Flashback: Relive the 2009 Emmys

To see the best dresses to ever hit the red carpet at the star-studded ceremony, keep scrolling through our gallery below.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Hello yellow! The Queen's Gambit actress glowed in her bright Dior dress with Tiffany & Co. jewelry at the 2021 award show. 

Zendaya

The Euphoria star took the red carpet by storm for the 2019 ceremony. From the vibrant emerald green hue to the sheer corset bodice, her custom Vera Wang dress was one to remember.

Reese Witherspoon

The Big Little Lies star shined bright at the 2022 ceremony in a glitzy blue strapless gown.

Angelina Jolie

A total stunner! The actress made a grand entrance at the 1998 star-studded ceremony with this body-hugging blush gown.

Susan Kelechi Watson

The This Is Us actress shined as bright as the cameras in this shimmery off-the-shoulder gown.

Joan Collins

Known for her ~extra~ glamorous fashion sense, the Dynasty star brought the drama to the 1987 awards ceremony with this red-hot gown.

Tracee Ellis Ross

The Black-ish star showed up and showed out in this hot pink Valentino Haute Couture gown.

Quinta Brunson

The Abbott Elementary star lit up the red carpet in a glitzy metallic bronze getup.

Ellen Pompeo

Who says you have to wear a dress? The Grey's Anatomy star switched things up in 2021 by wearing an Elie Saab black velvet jumpsuit with crystal embroidery. 

Priyanka Chopra

The actress was a vision in white as she graced the red carpet in a dreamy custom-made Balmain gown.

Viola Davis

Orange you glad the legendary star added a pop of color to the 2017 Emmys? The answer is yes.

Michelle Dockery

The 2018 Emmy winner brought whimsy and magic to the star-studded ceremony with a baby blue number by Carolina Herrera.

Keri Russell

The Hollywood star sizzled in a sexy feathered black dress at the 2018 Emmys.

January Jones

This figure-flattering Versace peplum stole the show at the 2009 Emmys. While the dress had a futuristic feel, it still has classic details that make it timeless. 

Claire Foy

Sometimes less is more. And in this case, it worked with Claire's ultra-chic black jumpsuit by Oscar de la Renta.

Rue McClanahan

All that glitters is gold and Rue proved it with a glitzy design at the 1990 Emmys.

Elle Fanning

Elle most certainly brought old-Hollywood glamour to the 2022 event.

Regina King

King lit up the 2018 awards show with her highlighter-green Christian Siriano gown.

Kim Cattrall

The Sex and the City star sparkled in a daring and dazzling cut-out dress at the 2003 event.

Nina Dobrev

Talk about red-hot. The Vampire Diaries alum knocked 'em dead with a fiery strapless Donna Karan number in 2011.

Taraji P. Henson

The Empire star made a statement in a custom yellow Vera Wang dress at the 2016 Emmys.

Issa Rae

Looking like a modern-day Cinderella, the Insecure star turned heads in a bedazzled baby blue jumpsuit by Vera Wang. "There are 3,000 crystals on my dress right now. I was like, are you serious right now," she told E! News

Mandy Moore

The This Is Us star dropped jaws with her wildly colorful Brandon Maxwell design.

Ava DuVernay

The director glistened and glimmered on the red carpet in her Reem Acra gown at the 2019 Emmys.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

The actress wore a  show-stopping design to the 1995 awards ceremony with this little (daring) black dress, which featured a plunging neckline and spaghetti straps.

Jennie Garth

The Beverly Hills, 90210 actress brought all the drama to the 1995 Emmys with her audacious black design, which she perfectly paired with long satin gloves and strappy heels.

Zendaya

The actress, who made history at the 2020 Emmys, oozed with glamour in an Armani creation that was reminiscent of the Swinging Sixties.

Kim Kardashian

The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star graced the red carpet in a regal black dress that she paired with a statement-making necklace.

Allison Janney

Purple is rarely seen on the red carpet, but the award-winning actress made it looks oh-so-good.

Jessica Biel

The Sinner star looked angelic in a white Ralph & Russo creation at the 2018 awards ceremony.

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View More Photos From Best Dressed Stars Ever at the Emmys

To see what your favorite celebrities wear at the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday night, keeping checking back to E! for all of the latest updates. Additionally, you can catch the stars hit the red carpet in real time on E!'s Live From the Red Carpet from 6 p.m. ET until showtime.

The show starts at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.

Watch E! News tonight at 7 p.m. for a recap of the biggest moments from the 2019 Emmy Awards!