Do red-carpet looks by celebrities and influencers live rent-free in your head? Well, you’ve come to the right place as we’re discussing the most iconic red carpet looks and how to pick and style stunning dresses. From Filmfare and Iifa awards to the Met Gala, Oscars, and Cannes Film Festival, we’re obsessed with red carpet dresses seen on celebs across the globe and love the ‘main character’ vibes they deliver.
Whether you prefer bespoke gowns or shimmery minis, you cannot go wrong with celeb-inspired red carpet dresses. The exquisite designs and intricate details on these dresses help the celebs achieve an iconic look. So, let’s dive right in as this guide will help you elevate your style with red carpet-worthy dresses.
. Iconic Red Carpet Dresses
- Alia Bhatt at the Met Gala: What seems to be the most iconic red carpet moment from 2024, Alia Bhatt’s outfit with beaded floral details will surely be recreated by many for special occasions. The fusion saree-gown silhouette is perfect for weddings and special occasions.
- Taylor Swift at Grammys: Right before the release of her new album TTPD (2024), Taylor Swift walked the red carpet in an elegant fitted white gown with black gloves. The outfit embodied the old-world Hollywood glamour and it is perfect for formal occasions.
- Brie Larson at Golden Globes: Red carpet looks are not just about floor-length gowns or bold colours and Brie Larson proved that in a show-stopping midi-length lilac gown. The fit and flare empire cut also adds a feminine touch and flatters your curves.
- Priyanka Chopra at Oscars: Featuring a twist to the classic white gown look, Priyanka Chopra was spotted in a romantic tube neckline lace gown that turned heads like no other look. From the fitted silhouette to the sheer fabric, every little detail accentuated the silhouette, making it perfect for bridal party looks and white tie events.
- Jennifer Lawrence at Cannes Film Festival: Red is a classic colour option for special occasions, and Jennifer Lawrence’s red gown with shoulder straps is the best example of how the colour pops even on a simple straight silhouette. Yes, this is the very dress with which she infamously wore flip-flops on the red carpet – we love a comfy queen.
- Janhvi Kapoor at Style Icons Awards: The black cut-out dress seen on Janhvi Kapoor showed us how you can look sultry and bold while looking elegant and polished. It is great for cocktail nights.
- Aishwarya Rai at Cannes: If you prefer the princess vibe, Aishwarya Rai’s powder blue embroidered ball gown at the Cannes Film Festival should be on your radar. The ball gown silhouette flatters most body types, and the embroidered details are ideal if you like intricate fabrics.
- Britney Spears at AMAs: The matching denim dress outfits worn by Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake in 2001 will go down in history as an iconic fashion moment. This style is now making a strong comeback and it’s your turn to shine in denim. The look has been spotted on many others like Katy Perry and Taylor Swift at the 2024 VMAs.
. How To Choose Red Carpet Inspired Dress:
- Occasion: Pick the fabric, embroidery, and embellishment on your dresses as per the occasion. The dress should not only match the vibe of the occasion but also the theme and dress code. For example, bright colours and metallic designs are ideal for traditional events, while pastels and neutral shades with pleated details are better for formal occasions.
- Body Type: As a general rule – fit and flare style is suited to the pear and apple body shapes, fitted dresses are better for rectangle or inverted triangle body types, and ball gowns suit most body types. Further sleeves can also dictate the silhouette as voluminous bell or balloon sleeves can be used to add volume to the top, while haler and off-the-shoulder styles can be utilised to add a slimming effect.
- Colour: While picking dresses in your favourite colour can be tempting, consider the seasonal colour palettes before making your choice. It is all about picking shades that match your skin tone and undertones for a stunning look.
- Dramatic Effect: Don’t be afraid to add a touch of your style to the look by opting for bold designs, funky prints, embellishments, and over-the-top details like the trendy rosettes. Even if you prefer a simpler style, adding a touch of drama with sleeves or embroidery will help reflect your unique personality.
- Tailored Fit: All red carpet looks are made to fit the model or actor and it’s something you can achieve with ready-to-wear garments with a few simple tricks. First, the sleeves. Ensure that the sleeves fit you just right – there should be space for a finger or two and you should be able to move without the sleeves moving up or down dramatically. Similarly, the seam that joins the arms to the shoulders should line up on your body. To ensure the perfect length use this cheat sheet – minis end at the tight, midi length should end between your knees and calves, maxi length should be just above the knee, and floor-length gowns should end right under the heel of your shoe (not sweeping the ground).
. How To Style:
Accessories can make or break your outfit and finding the right pieces can help you elevate your stunning dresses. If you’re taking inspiration from celebs, take note of what they’re wearing in the images and opt for similar styles. If you want to add a touch of your own style, remember to simply match the colours or pick complimentary shades and metallic details as your dress. Accessories can include bags, footwear, belts, hair pins and clips, and the obvious – jewellery.
Conclusion
Red carpet outfits are all about exuding glamour and flaunting your stylish side. There are several things like occasions, material, and body type that you must consider before choosing your dream dress. If you’re taking inspiration from a celebrity, ensure that you keep a close eye on the jewellery, bag, and other accessories they have carried. Styling with the right accessories will help bring the look together for a cohesive and classy outfit. You should also consider the occasion and dress accordingly – but always remember to add a dramatic flair and pick pieces with eye-catching statement details that will help you turn heads.