The roots of the red carpet stretch way back to Greek mythology, but it’s now become synonymous with celebrity glamour.
So if you’re struggling for inspiration for an elegant evening dress for your own event here’s a star-studded highlight reel from the world’s top five red carpet events.
Outstanding Oscar outfits
Audrey Hepburn boosted Hubert Givenchy into the style stratosphere when she sported his delicate belted floral dress while picking up her Best Actress Oscar for Roman Holiday in 1954.
If you’re attending an evening event in a Californian climate, this type of design keeps you looking cool and composed for the paparazzi.
Stay cool in Cannes
The Cannes film festival might be the most stylish film festival in the world and Elle Fanning’s 2017 unicorn print dress is the proof in the pudding.
But Veronica Heilbrunner wasn’t to be outdone – the front of her dress was sleek and sober, but the back revealed a wild print of orangutan Clyde from Every Which Way But Loose flipping the middle finger to startled onlookers.
Met Gala madness
When you want avant-garde inspiration look no further than the Met Gala.
Over the years the wildest night in fashion has brought us Madonna’s buttocks in see-through black lace, Katy Perry with a black beehive and bleached eyebrows in an elaborate black velvet gown, and Daphne Guinness in a structured frock that appeared to be made from recycled seagull feathers.
Emmys elegance
The Emmys red carpet has also played host to some of the world’s most talked about dresses. Jennifer Aniston’s cream and gold 2004 number was the epitome of understated elegance. But perhaps Halle Berry’s blue sarong style had more lasting impact?
Great Grammys gowns
If you’re more inspired by music than movies then the Grammys always showcases some sleek and sexy outfits. Stars who chose to flash flesh in recent years include Ciara in a barely-there black dress with silver brocade and Taylor Swift in a red and pink crop top and high-split dress.
But when it comes to iconic Grammy dresses, J Lo’s infamous palm print dress takes the crown. If you’re copying this style be sure to buy a heavy duty waist buckle to avoid an eye-popping wardrobe malfunction!
And you don’t need a blockbuster budget to recreate some of these looks for your own special event. Consider the dress code carefully to sift through appropriate styles and shop online for affordable alternatives.
You can push the golden envelope just far enough to steal the show by adding unique touches to these classic designs. Because, despite the examples above, star quality doesn’t have to cost you the earth.
Hopefully this highlight reel from red carpet history gets your style synapses sizzling. Why don’t you share stories of your own show-stopping dress in the comments below?
