Emmy Awards: The Ten Best Dresses of All Time

Though the Emmy’s tend to be a more low-key affair in comparison to the Oscars or Grammys, the stars that do sashay down the red carpet make the most of their moment in the sun.

Fresh off last Sunday’s ceremony, we round up the most noteworthy looks from previous years. The screen may be small, but TV star style is anything but!

Jennifer Aniston (2000)



The ultimate It girl of the new millennium, Aniston’s red Emmys dress and mini purse from 2000 still remains one of the most iconic fashion moments of the early noughties. Taking a rare break from her preferred black, the Best Supporting Actress nominee stunned in this strapless number that hugged her yoga-honed body in all the right places. Having Brad Pitt on her arm certainly didn’t hurt…

Sarah Jessica Parker (2003)



Sarah Jessica Parker’s alter ego, Carrie Bradshaw, may have been known for her outrageous style statements, but the Sex and the City star has certainly had her fair share of big hits. This layered soft pink organza dress by Chanel is every girl’s fairytale come to life.

Blake Lively (2009)



Now, that’s hot! For her Emmys debut, Blake Lively made sure that all eyes stayed on her in this plunging crimson Versace gown and Lorraine Schwartz diamonds. “It was empowering," Lively told Instyle, when asked about the traffic-stopping dress. "I thought about Marilyn Monroe and how she would feel if she were walking out there." Mission accomplished.

Claire Danes (2010)



Now, this is a dress that appeals to our inner magpie! Homeland ‘s Claire Danes picked up the award for Outstanding Lead Actress (Mini-series) in a soft bronze Armani Prive gown encrusted with thousands of Swarovski crystals. This breathtaking creation, featuring a cascading train and mermaid silhouette was reason enough to catch the ceremony on television. Photos didn’t do it justice.

Anna Paquin (2010)





Channeling her inner warrior-princess, Anna Paquin donned a decadent black satin McQueen gown, which she paired with patent YSL Tribute pumps. We love the juxtaposition between the fierce gold beaded bust and her impish face. Stacked gold and black bangles, a McQueen skull clutch and gorge Stephen Moyer complete Anna’s fierce look.

Julianna Marguilles (2012)



Usually one to play it safe on the red carpet, The Good Wife lead stepped out of her comfort zone in printed Giambattista Valli. The perfectly fitted, strapless gown popped on the pale brunette, and was styled with Fred Leighton jewels and eggplant Brian Atwood ‘Karin’ platform sandals.

Emilia Clarke (2013)



You don’t have to be a hard-core Game of Thrones fan to fully appreciate the fashion fabulosity of it’s mother of dragons, Emilia Clarke. Soon after bursting onto the scene, the British actress packed a punch in a peekaboo white Chanel gown, whose purple, Tyrell-style embroidery and full, white skirt lent an instant high-fashion edge.

Kiernan Shipka (2013)



Keirnan Shipka always nails the style game, but this adorable Delpozo frock had us swooning. Her playful cap-sleeve dress featured colourful floral embroidery on the bodice, an A-line waist and full ball skirt with sheer organza overlay and applique embellishment. Her stylist Jill Lincoln praised the precocious teen’s innate sense of style: “It's more about fun. It's fun, it's fashion. It's ultimately what she likes to wear versus what's going to make everyone else happy.”

Allison Williams (2014)

Talk about a princess moment! Girls star Allison Williams dramatic yet understated Giambattista Valli gown is the gift that keeps on giving. From the yellow belt to the beautifully muted pastel shades, the piece features so many points of interest. A simple updo, sophisticated Van Cleef & Arpels jewels and Brian Atwood ‘Tribeca’ sandals completed this classic look.



Lizzy Caplan (2014)





Yes, that’s Janis Eyan! Draped in this fitted monochrome Donna Karan Atelier gown with a long white train and side-cut outs, Lizzy Caplan put all Mean Girls thoughts firmly in the past.