Red Carpet Icons: The Defining Looks of the 2025 Emmys

From ethereal gowns to daring gothic statements, the night was a masterclass in fashion storytelling.
The stars didn’t just dress for the cameras — they set the tone for an entire season of style.

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The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards weren’t only a celebration of television’s finest performances; they were also a dazzling showcase of fashion. Held at LA’s Peacock Theater, the red carpet became a stage where risk, reinvention, and elegance collided. From cropped tuxedos to sheer gowns and a full spectrum of pink, the evening offered a preview of the season’s most influential trends.

More than just an accessory to the ceremony, the red carpet provided its own spectacle — a parade of artistry that will ripple through upcoming award shows, including the Oscars. The message was clear: expect pink in all its shades, new interpretations of sheer dressing, and an embrace of old Hollywood glamour reinvented with a modern twist.

The 2025 Emmys red carpet wasn’t just about beauty — it was about shaping the direction of fashion in the months ahead. From Ortega’s theatrical gothic look to Lisa’s artistic burst of color, from Sweeney’s polished restraint to Gomez’s modern elegance and Blanchett’s timeless authority, the night offered a spectrum of style at its finest.

As television continues to redefine entertainment, the red carpet redefines fashion. The Emmys proved once again that the two are inseparable, each elevating the other. The gowns and tuxedos may have graced the carpet for only a few hours, but their influence will linger long into the season — and beyond.

Among the standout moments were daring gothic drama, playful explosions of color, and timeless refinement. Whether channeling theatrical fantasy or understated chic, this year’s attendees made one thing certain: the Emmys are as much about fashion as they are about television.

Jenna Ortega Redefines Gothic Glam

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The “naked” dress remains a red-carpet staple, but Jenna Ortega reimagined it with a brooding edge. Dressed in Givenchy, Ortega leaned into gothic glamour with a sheer gown that paid homage to Isabella Rossellini’s darkly alluring style in the cult classic Death Becomes Her (1992).

Strategic draping and delicate transparency created intrigue, showing just enough while leaving the rest to the imagination. Already embracing goth-chic throughout her Wednesday Season 2 press tour, Ortega delivered a performance-worthy fashion moment. Her look captured nostalgia while feeling refreshingly modern, cementing her as one of the night’s boldest risk-takers.

Lisa Reigns in Pink

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Pink dominated the carpet, but Lisa — The White Lotus actress and Blackpink star — elevated it to a new level in Lever Couture. Her bubblegum-hued gown, crafted from swirling ribbons of fabric, created an almost kinetic effect, as if the dress itself were alive.

The thigh-high slit and airy train added movement, while Bulgari Serpenti jewels adorned with pink sapphires enhanced the dramatic femininity of the look. Some fans speculated that the serpentine motif was a deliberate nod to The White Lotus’ recurring snake symbolism. Whether intentional or not, Lisa’s striking ensemble instantly became one of the most talked-about moments of the evening.

Sydney Sweeney’s Elegant Restraint

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Known for creating red-carpet buzz, Sydney Sweeney surprised many by opting for timeless elegance over shock value. Her Oscar de la Renta gown shimmered in silver tones just lighter than the carpet itself. The strapless silhouette, complete with a sweetheart neckline and flowing train, proved that simplicity can captivate just as powerfully as bold theatrics.

A striking Lorraine Schwartz necklace provided the finishing touch, while her sleek, center-parted hairstyle tied the look together. In a night filled with experimental fashion, Sweeney’s refined glamour reminded everyone that classic Hollywood allure never goes out of style.

Selena Gomez Radiates in Louis Vuitton

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Selena Gomez delivered polished sophistication in a custom Louis Vuitton gown paired with Tiffany & Co. jewelry. The structured design highlighted her figure without relying on heavy embellishment, striking a balance between modernity and glamour.

Her quiet confidence elevated the look, showing that she doesn’t need theatrics to stand out. Gomez’s appearance was both timeless and contemporary, confirming her place as one of the most consistently elegant figures on the red carpet.

Cate Blanchett’s Enduring Command

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Few stars command the red carpet with the authority of Cate Blanchett, and her appearance at the Emmys proved why. In Giorgio Armani Privé, she embodied the marriage of classic refinement and bold presence. The sculptural gown demonstrated Armani’s ability to transform simplicity into art, relying on impeccable tailoring and clean lines.

Blanchett’s poise elevated the look into something iconic. With her trademark elegance and composure, she reminded audiences that true style doesn’t scream — it resonates. Her gown was less a fashion moment than a statement of permanence, reaffirming her status as one of Hollywood’s most enduring icons.