What does it mean to truly own the red carpet? It means showing out the way that stars have at the biggest events on the planet for generations now: In the swankiest, swerviest, most spotlight-stealing fashion possible.
Maybe that’s stunting in a disco-tinged jumpsuit like Lakeith Stanfield at the 2021 Oscars, suiting up in sumptuous red velvet like Gwenyth Paltrow in 1999, or keeping things simmeringly subtle like Frank Ocean’s Prada look at the 2019 Met Gala. Whatever your interpretation, the best red-carpet looks need to feel unexpected, look unforgettable, and radiate confidence.
To help jumpstart your own legendary party ensembles, here are 68 of the greatest red-carpet moments ever—and what you can learn from each.
