From jaw-dropping to downright bewildering, the Emmy red carpet has seen its fair share of fashion statements that left us either awe-struck or scratching our heads.
Get ready for a wild ride as we take a look at some of the most over-the-top outfits in Emmy history that have entertained and amused audiences over the years.
#1 Sarah Paulson
Sarah Paulson brought goth fantasy to life at the 2014 Emmys with a dress that certainly had a flair of originality. The Armani Privé outfit was all about frothy volume, looking like an overflow of black netting with floating red dots.
Image credits: Djansezia /Getty
#2 Millie Bobby Brown
At just 13, Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown looked like she wanted to exude grown-up glamour at the 2017 Emmys. Her ivory crepe and tulle gown, with its full skirt and tea length, channeled 1960s icons like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly with a splash of Gen-Z.
Image credits: Gregg DeGuire/Getty
#3 Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper brought her trademark eccentricity to the 1995 Emmys, rocking a black bodice, red ruffled mini skirt, and furry heels. If that wasn't enough, her fluorescent yellow hair ensured she could be spotted from a mile away.
Image credits: Ron Galella/Getty
#4 Gwendoline Christie
If Gwendoline Christie was aiming for an outfit that made her look like a fashion deity descending from the heavens, then she certainly succeeded.
The Game of Thrones actress wore a Gucci robe made of a majestic-looking, billowy fabric, making her look like she borrowed an outfit from a religious figure’s wardrobe.
Image credits: FOX /Getty
#5 Chyna
In 1999, Chyna took the red carpet by storm with a leather ensemble that looked like it was inspired by her own professional wrestling outfits. The unforgettable look showcased her muscular physique with a series of daring cutouts on the top and a revealing skirt.
Image credits: Ron Galella/Getty
#6 Billy Porter
Billy Porter showed up to the 2019 Emmys with a fashionable dose of drama. His black-and-white pinstripe Michael Kors Couture suit was adorned with 100,000 crystals. And let’s not forget the cherry on top: an over-the-top, asymmetrical Stephen Jones hat and a hip-length tie. Because why settle for understated when you can be a walking, glittering spectacle?
Image credits: FOX /Getty
#7 Heidi Klum
Heidi Klum threw us all a curveball at the 2015 Emmys with a hybrid dress that defied explanation. Known for her classic red carpet style, this wild and outlandish choice was a surprising departure for the model, leaving everyone scratching their heads and talking.
Image credits: E. Rodriguez/Getty
#8 Sharon Stone
Sharon Stone turned heads at the 2004 Emmys with a slinky silver gown with a slit plunging to her belly button—because why not? Who needs a practical reason for a slit that low?
The audacious ensemble, combined with sparkly accessories and shoes, came with some barely-there drama and over-the-top glitz.
Image credits: SGranitz/Getty
#9 Victoria Rowell
Victoria Rowell chose to make a bold political statement at the 2009 Emmys with a gown featuring Barack Obama's face all over it. The couture dress turned heads and sparked conversations, proving there's no better publicity than having a well-loved politician's face as a red carpet print.
Image credits: Frazer Harrison/Getty
#10 Naomi Grossman
At the 2015 Emmys, Naomi Grossman caught the spotlight in a body-hugging dress that redefined the nude illusion trend. While some might see the optical illusion design as a blend of fashion and modern art, others might just find it downright weird.
Image credits: Steve Granitz//Getty
#11 Taraji P. Henson
Taraji P. Henson fluttered onto the Emmy Awards red carpet in 2018 looking almost like one of the glamorous birds of paradise.
Looking like a floral queen, she brought a splash of flamboyant drama to the event with her over-the-top gown.
Image credits: Bank/
#12 Jonathan Van Ness
Jonathan Van Ness, known for always bringing his A-game with stunning outfits to the red carpet, seemed to take a more relaxed approach in 2024. This year, he looked like he fashioned a gown out of a curtain and then raided his backyard for a headpiece.
Image credits: Harrison/Getty
#13 Phoebe Price
Phoebe Price’s 2008 Emmy look was a red lace extravaganza from headband to toe. Her gown, with a transparent split and matching red underwear paired with a coordinating tiara, nearly made her blend in with the red carpet.
Image credits: Jon Kopaloff/Getty
#14 Barbra Streisand
In 2004, Barbra Streisand decided to grace the Emmys in a head-to-toe pink velvet spectacle. Because nothing says “California in late September” like a full-on velvet cape and dress combo. But hey, when you're a legend, you can wear whatever you want—even if it makes you a walking, talking pink sofa.
Image credits: J. Shearer/Getty
#15 Tess Smith
Tess Smith showed up to the Emmys in 2005 looking like she had hastily fashioned a sheet into a costume for a last-minute party. With a barely-there, yellow ensemble that left little to the imagination, the screenwriter and former Playboy model certainly made an impression on the red carpet.
Image credits: L. Cohen/Getty
#16 Zoë Kravitz
Zoë Kravitz brought a burst of color to the 2017 Emmys in a vibrant Dior ensemble, paired with Tiffany jewelry. Her gown's fiery feathers in shades of orange, red, and yellow at the front transitioned into a stunning mix of black, blue, gray, and green at the back—because why stick to one color when you can wear them all?
Image credits: Rich Polk/Getty
