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Ugnė Lazauskaitė

16 Celebs Who Brought The Most Outrageous Outfits To The Emmys Red Carpet

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

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