The 2025 Emmy Awards delivered more than just golden trophies and tearful speeches — the red carpet was a star-studded showcase of glitz, unexpected denim, bold fashion risks, and dramatic statements.
Hollywood’s biggest names arrived in style (and some in puzzling choices), making the 77th Emmy Awards one of the most fashion-forward and controversial nights of the year.
Whether it was old-Hollywood glamour, experimental couture, or shock-value ensembles, every look told a story. In this article, we break down the best-dressed celebrities, the most daring fashion moments, and the worst fashion fails that had the internet buzzing.
Red Carpet Recap: A Night of Fashion Statements
The 2025 Emmy red carpet at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles was a feast of texture, color, and personality. Against a backdrop of floral arrangements and digital light walls, celebrities strutted in everything from vintage Versace to avant-garde Balenciaga.
What stood out this year was a rebellious twist: the return of denim in formalwear and a surprising amount of 90s-inspired silhouettes.
Fashion insiders hinted that this year’s red carpet would blur the line between formalwear and streetwear — and the stars delivered.
From embellished gowns to gender-fluid ensembles and even an homage to Jessica Rabbit, the Emmys proved once again why awards season is also fashion’s Super Bowl.
Best Dressed Celebrities at the 2025 Emmys
1. Zendaya in Custom Valentino
Zendaya solidified her fashion icon status yet again with a custom Valentino gown dripping in crystals. The dramatic train and plunging neckline brought red carpet glamor to a whole new level. Her stylist, Law Roach, described the look as “celestial elegance meets Hollywood regency.”
2. Pedro Pascal in Thom Browne
Pedro Pascal turned heads in a perfectly tailored Thom Browne suit with an asymmetrical cut and layered textures. The crisp lines and minimalist palette gave a modern twist to a classic silhouette — making him one of the best-dressed men of the evening.
3. Angela Bassett in Elie Saab
Angela Bassett wowed in a deep emerald green Elie Saab gown that accentuated her regal presence. With subtle sequins and sheer paneling, the look was sophisticated and age-defying.
4. Jenna Ortega in Vintage Dior
Jenna Ortega took the vintage route in an archival 1990s Dior piece with gothic lace and a high neckline. A subtle nod to her Wednesday character, the look was high fashion with a moody twist.
5. John Boyega in Louis Vuitton
Breaking away from the typical tux, John Boyega’s embroidered Louis Vuitton suit featured subtle African motifs. His fashion-forward approach earned praise for cultural relevance and creative styling.
Denim on the Red Carpet: A Bold Comeback?
The real shock of the night? Denim made a surprising appearance — and not just once. A nod to early 2000s nostalgia and streetwear rebellion, several A-listers incorporated denim into their red carpet looks.
Florence Pugh’s Denim Couture Moment
Florence Pugh arrived in a custom Alexander McQueen denim gown complete with a corseted bodice, train, and crystal embellishments. It was equal parts rugged and regal — and it sparked debates across fashion Twitter.
Lil Nas X in Jean-on-Jean Glam
Lil Nas X took the double denim trend to the extreme in a Balmain denim suit, complete with a long trench coat and cowboy boots. The look was camp, couture, and cowboy all rolled into one — proving that risk pays off for the bold.
Hailee Steinfeld’s Denim Jumpsuit
Hailee kept it sleek and edgy in a dark-wash denim jumpsuit paired with diamond accessories. This minimal but bold choice bridged the gap between glam and grunge.
The Most Daring and Risky Looks
Doja Cat’s Jessica Rabbit Tribute
One of the most talked-about outfits came from Doja Cat, who wore a latex red gown with a hip-high slit and exaggerated bustline in a nod to Jessica Rabbit. Paired with fire-engine red gloves and a platinum wig, she owned the carpet with cosplay-inspired drama.
Billy Porter’s Feathered Fantasy
Billy Porter is no stranger to fashion risks, and this year he arrived in a gravity-defying feathered ensemble by Iris van Herpen. Sculptural and surreal, the outfit blurred the lines between fashion and performance art.
Tilda Swinton in Futuristic Couture
Always one to push the envelope, Tilda Swinton wore a structured metallic ensemble by Schiaparelli that looked straight out of a sci-fi film. The sharp lines and minimal color palette made it one of the most avant-garde looks of the evening.
Worst Dressed Stars: Fashion Misses of the Night
Not everyone nailed the assignment. While red carpet risks are encouraged, a few celebrities missed the mark with ill-fitting designs, confusing themes, or just plain bizarre fashion choices.
Chrissy Teigen in Fringe Overload
Chrissy’s fringe-covered dress by a lesser-known designer left fans scratching their heads. Over-accessorized and awkwardly tailored, it was a rare miss for the usually stylish celeb.
Jared Leto’s Confusing Layers
Jared Leto’s love for eccentric fashion backfired in a mismatched ensemble featuring leather pants, a sheer shirt, and a feather boa. The look lacked cohesion and felt more like a music festival outfit than Emmys glam.
Megan Fox’s Gothic Confusion
Attempting to channel a vampire-chic look, Megan Fox’s overly sheer black gown with fake blood accents confused fans and critics alike. It was Halloween in September — and not in a good way.
Emerging Fashion Trends from the 2025 Emmys
The 2025 Emmys red carpet wasn’t just about individual statements — it hinted at emerging fashion trends that we’ll likely see through awards season and beyond:
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Denim Couture: From gowns to tuxedos, denim took on new life in luxe silhouettes.
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Gothic Glam: Dark lace, velvet, and Victorian-inspired cuts signaled a revival of gothic fashion.
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Cosplay-Inspired Looks: Outfits inspired by animated characters or pop culture icons (like Jessica Rabbit) made a noticeable impact.
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Gender-Fluid Fashion: Several stars opted for androgynous or cross-gender styling, continuing the industry’s move toward inclusivity.
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High Shine and Latex: Shiny materials and bodycon silhouettes dominated, replacing the usual tulle and silk.
Celebrity Stylists Who Nailed It
Behind every showstopping look is a stylist who pulls the vision together. Here are a few who dominated the 2025 Emmy red carpet:
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Law Roach – Known for working with Zendaya, his choices consistently redefine red carpet fashion.
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Jason Bolden – Styled Angela Bassett and Michael B. Jordan, delivering both elegance and edge.
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Kollin Carter – Behind Doja Cat’s bold transformations, he proves again why he’s one of the most innovative in the business.
Social Media Reactions and Red Carpet Memes
No red carpet is complete without the Twitterverse (now X) weighing in. From viral memes to fan-created fashion scorecards, here’s how social media reacted:
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#JessicaRabbit trended worldwide within 30 minutes of Doja Cat’s appearance.
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One viral tweet declared, “Denim is the new black — who knew?” following Florence Pugh’s appearance.
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Memes comparing Jared Leto’s look to Pirates of the Caribbean went viral — some brutal, others just hilarious.
Fashion critics were equally divided, with some praising the bold risks and others mourning the loss of traditional red carpet elegance.
Frequently Asked Question
Who was the best dressed at the 2025 Emmy Awards?
Zendaya was widely praised as the best dressed at the 2025 Emmys, wearing a custom crystal-embellished Valentino gown that combined elegance and high fashion effortlessly.
Did celebrities really wear denim on the 2025 Emmy red carpet?
Yes, denim made a bold comeback on the 2025 Emmy red carpet. Stars like Florence Pugh, Lil Nas X, and Hailee Steinfeld incorporated denim into high-fashion looks, signaling a new red carpet trend.
What was the most talked-about outfit at the 2025 Emmys?
Doja Cat’s Jessica Rabbit-inspired red latex gown was the most talked-about outfit, creating viral buzz on social media for its bold, cosplay-inspired aesthetic.
Who had the worst fashion fail at the 2025 Emmys?
Several celebs missed the mark, but Jared Leto was criticized for his mismatched layers and confusing ensemble that lacked cohesion, earning him a spot on many worst-dressed lists.
What fashion trends emerged from the 2025 Emmys?
Key trends included:
- Denim couture
- Gothic glam
- High-shine latex and metallics
- Gender-fluid fashion
- Pop culture cosplay-inspired looks
Which stylists were behind the best Emmy red carpet looks?
Top celebrity stylists this year included:
- Law Roach (Zendaya)
- Kollin Carter (Doja Cat)
- Jason Bolden (Angela Bassett, Michael B. Jordan)
How did social media react to the 2025 Emmy fashion?
Social media exploded with memes and praise, especially for standout looks like Doja Cat’s and Florence Pugh’s. Hashtags like #EmmysFashion, #JessicaRabbit, and #DenimCouture trended globally during and after the event.
Conclusion
The 2025 Emmy red carpet was a night of fashion freedom, genre-bending ensembles, and bold statements. Whether they stunned, shocked, or stumbled, the celebrities of the night made it one for the fashion history books.
Stay tuned as awards season continues — if the Emmys were this bold, we can only imagine what the Oscars have in store.
