Hollywood’s red carpets have given us some seriously unforgettable fashion moments over the years. From jaw-dropping gowns to boundary-pushing ensembles, celebrities have created looks that live on in our collective memory long after the cameras stop flashing. The good news? You don’t need a stylist team or designer connections to capture some of that star-powered magic in your own wardrobe.
1. Zendaya’s Old Hollywood Glamour
Zendaya stunned everyone at the 2021 Oscars in a vibrant yellow Valentino gown that channeled pure Cher energy. The midriff-baring dress with its flowing skirt created an instant classic moment.
For your own version, pair a bright maxi skirt with a matching crop top or bandeau. The key is finding that perfect sunshine yellow that complements your skin tone. Add loose, flowing hair and minimal jewelry.
Finish with a subtle glow highlighter on your collarbones and shoulders. This look proves that sometimes simplicity with a bold color choice creates the most memorable fashion statements.
2. Lady Gaga’s Met Gala Statement
Remember Lady Gaga’s entrance at the 2019 Met Gala? She delivered a 16-minute performance art piece involving four costume changes, starting with a voluminous pink Brandon Maxwell gown and ending in sparkly lingerie.
Create your own dramatic transformation with layered pieces at home. Start with an oversized pink coat or cape over a simple black dress. The magic happens with accessories – oversized sunglasses, statement jewelry, and perhaps a handheld prop like a vintage telephone.
The home version celebrates Gaga’s theatrical spirit without requiring four outfits. Focus on one dramatic element – whether an exaggerated silhouette, bold makeup, or unexpected accessory.
3. Lupita Nyong’o’s Bold Color Choices
Lupita’s 2014 Oscars appearance in that ethereal pale blue Prada gown remains etched in fashion history. The flowing pleated skirt and deep V-neckline created a princess moment that perfectly complemented her radiant complexion.
Recreating this look starts with finding your perfect “wow” color – one that makes your skin glow. A pleated maxi dress or skirt in a pastel shade captures the essence without the designer price tag.
Add a simple headband or delicate hair accessory that catches the light. The magic of Lupita’s style lies in her fearless embrace of color – something we can all incorporate into our wardrobes with a bit of experimentation.
4. Harry Styles’ Gender-Fluid Chic
Harry Styles shattered expectations in his 2019 Met Gala appearance wearing a sheer black Gucci blouse with ruffles, high-waisted pants, and a single pearl earring. This look cemented his status as a fashion risk-taker who gleefully ignores gender norms.
You can channel this vibe with a semi-sheer black button-up with romantic details like ruffles or a pussy bow. The key is balancing masculine and feminine elements – perhaps pairing that blouse with tailored trousers or a flowing skirt with a structured blazer.
A single statement earring adds that perfect Styles-inspired asymmetrical touch. What makes this look special is its playful approach to traditional fashion rules.
5. Blake Lively’s Goddess Energy
Blake’s 2022 Met Gala transformation was pure magic – her Versace gown changed from copper to turquoise as attendants unfurled a massive bow, revealing a completely different look. The Statue of Liberty-inspired ensemble proved why she’s a red carpet queen.
For an at-home version, embrace color-changing elements like iridescent fabrics that shift in different lighting. A copper or bronze dress with teal accessories creates a similar color story.
Focus on draping techniques – even a simple dress can feel goddess-like when styled with an artfully arranged scarf or shawl. Blake’s confidence sells her looks as much as the designs themselves – stand tall and own your homemade interpretation!
6. Rihanna’s Maternity Couture
Rihanna turned heads at the Fenty Beauty launch in Los Angeles when she walked the red carpet in a custom shimmering two-piece set: a sequined bandeau top paired with a matching floor-length skirt that perfectly showcased her baby bump. What made the look unforgettable was her refusal to hide her pregnancy—she highlighted it with sparkle and confidence. You can channel this at home with a sequin crop top and a long skirt or even high-waisted pants. Don’t worry about a designer label; the shine is what counts. Add minimal jewelry and let the outfit (and your confidence) do the talking. The secret to Rihanna’s style is her fearless embrace of glamour, proving maternity wear can be just as bold and fashion-forward as any other red-carpet look.
7. Timothée Chalamet’s Effortless Cool
Timothée broke the internet with his 2021 Met Gala ensemble – a white Haider Ackermann satin tuxedo jacket paired with sweatpants and Converse sneakers. This high-low mix perfectly encapsulated Gen Z’s approach to fashion: comfort meets luxury with a dash of rebellion.
Recreate this vibe by pairing your most formal piece (like a blazer or silk shirt) with deliberately casual items. White Chuck Taylors are essential – they’re Chalamet’s signature footwear for even his most formal appearances.
The secret ingredient is that perfectly tousled hair and minimal accessories. This look works because it appears effortless while being carefully considered – the ultimate cool-kid paradox that Timothée has mastered.
8. Janelle Monáe’s Shimmering Sci-Fi Elegance
Janelle Monáe dazzled at the 2020 Oscars in a silver, crystal-covered gown complete with a dramatic hood, blending futuristic fantasy with timeless glamour. The look stood out not only for its sparkle but also for its daring silhouette, proving that red-carpet fashion can be both bold and elegant. To recreate this at home, reach for a metallic maxi dress or even a sequined jumpsuit — anything with a sleek, eye-catching shine. If you want to echo the drama of her hood, try a cape, high-neck detail, or even a statement jacket. Keep accessories minimal so the outfit does the talking: simple hoops, stacked rings, or a bold cuff. The essence of Monáe’s style lies in turning shine into strength, making every step feel like a moment of modern-day royalty.
9. Cate Blanchett’s Sustainable Elegance
Cate made headlines by rewearing her 2014 Golden Globes Armani Privé lace gown to the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, championing sustainability in fashion. The black lace overlay with floral details proved that true elegance never goes out of style.
Channel this conscious approach by giving your special occasion pieces multiple lives. A black lace dress can be transformed with different accessories, hairstyles, and makeup looks.
Focus on timeless silhouettes rather than trend-driven pieces when investing in special occasion wear. Cate’s example shows that sustainability and glamour aren’t mutually exclusive – in fact, a well-chosen piece that’s reworn becomes part of your personal style narrative.
10. Billy Porter’s Red Carpet Drama
Billy Porter’s 2019 Oscars tuxedo gown by Christian Siriano broke the internet and shattered gender norms on Hollywood’s biggest night. The velvet top and full satin skirt created a silhouette that was both powerful and graceful.
Create your own boundary-pushing look by combining traditionally masculine and feminine elements. A structured blazer over a flowing skirt creates a similar juxtaposition without requiring a custom designer piece.
Porter’s confidence is the real accessory here – he owns every look with theatrical flair. The home version of this iconic moment isn’t about exact replication but about embracing the spirit of fashion as self-expression and personal freedom.