If the VMAs are all about bold, flavorful fashion, consider the Emmys its older sister counterpart. You know, the one who manages to have her life together (at least on the outside), carries herself with the utmost class, knows her way around a gown, and isn’t afraid to experiment with a bold number or two.
This year, celebrities upped the ante on the fashion dial, showing up and showing out in a range of gorgeous, glamorous looks. The usual suspects were present: floor-grazing gowns that move with you, skin-tight numbers that hit stars’ curves in all the right places. But we also saw an uptick in cut outs (including one from a very pregnant Kerry Washington), some chest-baring, and a whole lot of color.
The VMAs might have the cool rep but this year’s Emmys fashion proves that, like fine wine, some things get better with time. Click through to check out some of our favorite moments of the night. Continue to keep it classy, ladies and gents.
Emily Ratajowski matched her striking navy Zac Posen dress with a bold blue eye.
Tori Kelly’s black velvet Paule Ka number paired with her classic waves is old-school Hollywood done right.
Sarah Paulson is a sartorial vision in green Prada.
Emilia Clarke brings all of the va-va-voom in Atelier Versace.
Kristen Bell’s whimsical Zuhair Murad couture number is the fairy tale dress of our dreams.
Viola Davis and her Marchesa gown brought a very refreshing pop of color to the red carpet this year.
Tatiana Maslany’s strategically placed cut outs make this Alexander Wang dress a real stand out.
The Stranger Things cast is living up to their star power by showing up looking cooler and more dapper than we ever did at their age.
Tracee Ellis Ross stuns in a white custom Ralph Lauren gown.
Laverne Cox did not come to play tonight, she came to slay—in gold Naeem Khan, at that.
Mandy Moore’s ruffle tiered dress by Prabal Gurung is definitely in our top three favorites of the night. This is how you do a comeback.
If you look very closely, you’ll notice that Hari Nef‘s Gucci dress has sleeping babies printed on it. A little creepy, yes, but stunning nonetheless.
We want to live in Priyanka Chopra’s one-shoulder Jason Wu dress. Bonus points for her matching red lip and gold shimmer eyeshadow.
Kerry Washington manages to make maternity garb look chic in a black floor-length gown by Brandon Maxwell. Can we also just take a minute to appreciate how good this hair is?
Black is usually a bore but the beaded detail, sheer stripes, and impressive cleavage situation from Kirsten Dunst’s dress has all of our attention.
Taraji P. Henson radiates in a fun, yellow, curve-hugging Vera Wang dress.
