The Best-Dressed Stars at the 2026 Emmy Awards
Our take
The 2026 Emmy Awards red carpet delivered a refreshing narrative: that true style isn't about spectacle, but about resonance. The article's observation – that the strongest looks were those that felt "unmistakably right" for the women wearing them – speaks to a significant shift in how we perceive celebrity dressing. It’s a move away from the relentless pursuit of the ‘most talked-about’ look and towards a deeper understanding of personal expression and considered curation. We’ve seen echoes of this sensibility before, notably in moments like Zendaya in Valentino’s enormous black ball skirt [Zendaya in Valentino’s enormous black ball skirt], a look that felt both iconic and undeniably *her*. This year’s awards further solidified this trend, proving that authenticity and confidence, rather than sheer extravagance, are the hallmarks of truly memorable red carpet moments. The industry is slowly recognizing that fleeting trends and borrowed aesthetics hold less power than a genuine connection between a woman and what she chooses to wear, a shift that aligns perfectly with the evolving values of a discerning audience.
This quiet revolution in celebrity style isn’t happening in a vacuum. It reflects a broader cultural movement towards understated elegance and a rejection of performative displays of wealth. Consider Keri Russell’s decision to ditch her usual “diplomat” dressing for a strikingly edgy, backless Khaite dress [Keri Russell Ditches 'Diplomat' Dressing for Edgy—and Backless—Khaite Dress at the 2026 Emmys]. That choice – a deliberate departure from her established persona – exemplified the evening's broader theme: a willingness to embrace vulnerability and individuality over predictable glamour. The success of "The Pitt," "Hacks," and "Widow's Bay" at the awards [Every Can't-Miss Moment From the 2026 Emmys] also speaks to this cultural appetite for authentic storytelling and nuanced characters, a sensibility that naturally extends to the way these figures present themselves in the public sphere. It's a move away from manufactured personas and towards a celebration of real women, in all their complexity and beauty. Even Dakota Johnson’s embrace of the “flannel girl fall” trend [Dakota Johnson Starts Flannel Girl Fall With NYFW's Leading Shirt Trend], while seemingly casual, demonstrates a similar prioritization of personal style over fleeting fashion dictates.
The implications of this shift are significant for the fashion industry. It signals a decline in the power of purely aspirational, unattainable luxury and an increased demand for pieces that feel both beautiful and meaningful. Brands are being challenged to move beyond simply creating beautiful clothes and to instead focus on crafting garments that empower women to express their individual identities. The emphasis is no longer on shouting "look at me," but on whispering "this is me." This necessitates a deeper understanding of the women they are dressing and a commitment to creating pieces that resonate with their values and lifestyles. The rise of quiet luxury, a concept that prioritizes quality, craftsmanship, and understated elegance, is a direct result of this evolving consumer mindset. It’s a move away from the conspicuous consumption of the past and towards a more considered and sustainable approach to fashion.
Ultimately, the 2026 Emmy Awards red carpet demonstrated that true style is not about chasing trends, but about cultivating a personal aesthetic that feels authentic and empowering. It’s about choosing pieces that tell a story, not just about looking good. As we move forward, it will be fascinating to observe how this trend continues to evolve and how brands adapt to the growing demand for clothing that reflects a deeper sense of self. Will we see a further blurring of the lines between red carpet glamour and everyday style? And how will this shift impact the future of celebrity influence and the broader fashion landscape?
The best looks often come with a bit of method dressing, telling you something about the road that led people here. Over the years, the Emmys red carpet has given us Zendaya in Valentino’s enormous black ball skirt, Ayo Edebiri in sculptural Louis Vuitton, and, last year, Michelle Williams in archival Chanel.
The 2026 Emmy Awards nominees came with well-versed fashion résumés. Keri Russell, nominated again for The Diplomat, has spent years refining a straightforward approach to eveningwear, including the black Armani Privé she wore to last year’s ceremony. Zendaya, nominated for Euphoria, has spent more than a decade with Law Roach turning red carpet dressing into a sport in itself. Ayo Edebiri can make an awards-show arrival feel like a natural extension of the fashion show circuit.
Also on our radar: the women with less red-carpet history. Chase Infiniti is up against Russell, Zendaya, Carrie Coon, and Rhea Seehorn for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, while A-lister Michelle Pfeiffer joins Hannah Einbinder and Meg Stalter in the comedy supporting actress race. With newer names in the mix, we get to watch an actor figure out what kind of fashion person she wants to be in real time.
After spending the past week at New York Fashion Week thinking about what clothes might matter six months from now, the Emmys offer a bit of instant gratification. We’re not looking for the biggest gown or the most recognizable designer, but clothes that feel specific to the woman wearing them, and to this particular moment in her career.
Below are our picks for the best-dressed stars at the 2026 Emmy Awards.
Grace Gummer Wearing Dior
The Love Story actress wore a strapless Christian Dior by Jonathan Anderson dress that swapped the expected body-skimming silhouette for generous volume, crinkled texture, and floral appliqués. It’s also the latest in a particularly good red carpet run for Gummer, who worked with stylist Nicky Campbell earlier this year on the cerulean Colleen Allen look that cleverly nodded to mom Meryl Streep’s Devil Wears Prada legacy. Dior Beauty kept the makeup glowy and pared-back, leaving her 1920s-inspired diamond choker and the dress’s oversized florals to do most of the talking.
Fiona Dourif Wearing Thomas Hanisch
The Pitt star, who earned her first Emmy nomination this year, chose a deep oxblood-and-black Thomas Hanisch look built around texture and sculptural draping. The fuzzy finish gave the rich red even more depth, while diamond jewelry and a structured black clutch kept the styling minimal—a fitting follow-up to Dourif and her Pitt co-stars' standout Emmy fashion last year. Her blunt micro bangs and graphic black liner only pushed the look further into slightly off-kilter territory—in exactly the right way.
Ayo Edebiri
Ayo Edebiri made a welcome return to the Emmys red carpet after skipping the ceremony last year. Working with longtime stylist Danielle Goldberg, The Bear star arrived in a two-tone gown that played with a fire-and-ice palette: icy blue ruffles cascaded down the front, while fiery orange draping and oversized bows brought the drama from behind. Metallic silver sandals finished the look.
It continued Edebiri's run as one of awards season's most reliable fashion players—and had a high bar to follow. At her last Emmys appearance in 2024, she landed on Marie Claire's best-dressed list in a custom, art-inspired Bottega Veneta gown.
Sarah Pidgeon in Chanel
Sarah Pidgeon has spent much of the year flirting with Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s minimalist fashion playbook, but for her first Emmys red carpet, she let herself have a little more fun. The Love Story star and first-time nominee wore a lilac Chanel slip gown with a low, draped neckline and strands of pearls, crystals, and charms spilling from its straps like jewelry built directly into the dress. It was a more embellished evolution of the ’90s-inspired Chanel slip dresses she’s gravitated toward all year, while still retaining the unfussy ease that has become something of a Pidgeon signature. With stylist Emma Jade Morrison, she’s built a red carpet run that stretches from Chanel to Balenciaga, and this felt like exactly the right moment to switch things up.
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