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50 of the most incredible celebrity style transformations on the Emmys red carpet

Anneta Konstantinides   

50 of the most incredible celebrity style transformations on the Emmys red carpet
Julia Louis-Dreyfus at the 1992 and 2019 Emmys.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images/David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
  • Many stars have undergone complete style transformations through their decades on the Emmys red carpet.
  • Many 1990s stars like Julia Louis-Dreyfus have swapped their simple black dresses for the glamorous glittering gowns that have become en vogue today.
  • Kim Kardashian West's style has gotten edgier, while Kristen Bell is now opting for fashion with a conscience.
  • While the 2020 Emmys will look very different without a traditional red carpet, it's fun to look back at how celebrities' awards-show style has changed.
  • While the 2020 Emmys will look very different without a traditional red carpet, it's fun to look back at how celebrities' awards-show style has changed.
  • While the 2020 Emmys will look very different without a traditional red carpet, it's fun to look back at how celebrities' awards-show style has changed.

A lot has changed in the 71-year history of the Primetime Emmy Awards, which has seen breakthrough TV actors turn into movie stars — and more than a few celebrities turn into fashion icons.

As we prepare for a very different 2020 Emmys — this year's ceremony is going virtual without a traditional red carpet — we dug into the archives to see how celebrities' fashion has changed from their first Emmys to last year's show.

Here are 50 of our favorite style transformations.

A 21-year-old James Van Der Beek sported a baggy suit while attending the 1998 Emmys with his "Dawson's Creek" costar Katie Holmes.

A 21-year-old James Van Der Beek sported a baggy suit while attending the 1998 Emmys with his "Dawson
Katie Holmes and James Van Der Beek at the 1998 Emmys.      Ke.Mazur/WireImage

Van Der Beek is now no stranger to red carpets. He sported one of the boldest suits at the 2019 Emmys, opting for a velvet pink jacket and matching bow tie.

Van Der Beek is now no stranger to red carpets. He sported one of the boldest suits at the 2019 Emmys, opting for a velvet pink jacket and matching bow tie.
James Van Der Beek attends the 2019 Emmys.      VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images

Fellow "Dawson's Creek" star Michelle Williams made her first Emmys red carpet appearance in 1999, where she sported the era's popular spaghetti-strap dress.

Fellow "Dawson
Michelle Williams at the 1999 Emmys in Los Angeles.      Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Williams has become a red carpet icon in the last two decades – opting for daring colors and prints that always stand out.

Williams has become a red carpet icon in the last two decades – opting for daring colors and prints that always stand out.
Michelle Williams attends the 2019 Emmys.      Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Amy Poehler made her debut on the Emmys red carpet in 2006. The "Saturday Night Live" star chose a simple navy halter dress for the show.

Amy Poehler made her debut on the Emmys red carpet in 2006. The "Saturday Night Live" star chose a simple navy halter dress for the show.
Amy Poehler at the 2006 Emmys.      Dan MacMedan/WireImage

Poehler has amped up her red carpet style in the decades since. At the 2019 Emmys she rocked a metallic gold pantsuit, complete with pockets.

Poehler has amped up her red carpet style in the decades since. At the 2019 Emmys she rocked a metallic gold pantsuit, complete with pockets.
Amy Poehler at the 2019 Emmys.      David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Julia Louis-Dreyfus chose a simple black cotton dress for her first Emmys in 1992, when she was nominated in the outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series category for "Seinfeld."

Julia Louis-Dreyfus chose a simple black cotton dress for her first Emmys in 1992, when she was nominated in the outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series category for "Seinfeld."
Julia Louis-Dreyfus at the 1992 Emmys.      Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Louis-Dreyfus has gone on to win 11 Emmys, including six consecutive trophies for "Veep." She glittered like a trophy at the Emmys in 2019, sporting a glamorous gold gown with a plunging neckline.

Louis-Dreyfus has gone on to win 11 Emmys, including six consecutive trophies for "Veep." She glittered like a trophy at the Emmys in 2019, sporting a glamorous gold gown with a plunging neckline.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus attends the 2019 Emmys.      David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Kim Kardashian looked angelic in a simple white one-shoulder gown at her first Emmys in 2009, two years after "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" premiered.

Kim Kardashian looked angelic in a simple white one-shoulder gown at her first Emmys in 2009, two years after "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" premiered.
Kim Kardashian attends the 2009 Emmys in Los Angeles.      Jeff Vespa/WireImage

The reality TV star rocked a far edgier look at the 2019 Emmys. Kardashian has frequently credited husband Kanye West, who she married in 2014, for being her biggest fashion inspiration.

The reality TV star rocked a far edgier look at the 2019 Emmys. Kardashian has frequently credited husband Kanye West, who she married in 2014, for being her biggest fashion inspiration.
Kim Kardashian attends the 2019 Emmys in Los Angeles.      FOX Image Collection via Getty Images

Padma Lakshmi first appeared on the Emmys red carpet in 2007, shortly after she began working on "Top Chef." She opted for a simple white silk ensemble for her debut.

Padma Lakshmi first appeared on the Emmys red carpet in 2007, shortly after she began working on "Top Chef." She opted for a simple white silk ensemble for her debut.
Padma Lakshmi at the 2007 Emmys.      Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Lakshmi, who still hosts the beloved cooking competition, rocked an elegant white dress at the 2019 Emmys.

Lakshmi, who still hosts the beloved cooking competition, rocked an elegant white dress at the 2019 Emmys.
Padma Lakshmi attends the 2019 Emmys.      John Shearer/Getty Images

Milo Ventimiglia attended his first Emmys in 2007 after "Heroes" became a breakout hit, sporting a classic black suit.

Milo Ventimiglia attended his first Emmys in 2007 after "Heroes" became a breakout hit, sporting a classic black suit.
Milo Ventimiglia at the 2007 Emmys.      Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Ventimiglia was back at the Emmys in 2019 after he was nominated for outstanding lead actor in a drama series for his work in "This Is Us," but mixed things up with a grey suit jacket.

Ventimiglia was back at the Emmys in 2019 after he was nominated for outstanding lead actor in a drama series for his work in "This Is Us," but mixed things up with a grey suit jacket.
Milo Ventimiglia attends the 2019 Emmys.      Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Catherine O'Hara and Eugene Levy (both circled) made their Emmys debut in 1982, when they won for their work on Second City Television. Like their costars, they opted for a classic black suit and dress.

Catherine O
Catherine O'Hara and Eugene Levy with the cast and crew of Second City Television in 1982.      George Long /Walt Disney Television via Getty Images

The pair were reunited at the Emmys in 2019 after they were both nominated for their work on "Schitt's Creek." O'Levy wore an on-trend navy blue suit, while O'Hara sported a chic black-and-white dress that would have made her character Moira Rose proud.

The pair were reunited at the Emmys in 2019 after they were both nominated for their work on "Schitt
Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara at the 2019 Emmys in Los Angeles.      Dan MacMedan/WireImage

Patricia Arquette looked straight out of a 1940s film with retro curls at her first Emmys, where she won the award for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for her work on "Medium" in 2005.

Patricia Arquette looked straight out of a 1940s film with retro curls at her first Emmys, where she won the award for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for her work on "Medium" in 2005.
Patricia Arquette after winning outstanding lead actress in a drama series at the 2005 Emmys.      Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Arquette showed off a modern fringe at the 2019 Emmys, where she won the award for outstanding supporting actress in a limited series and gave a passionate speech about transgender rights.

Arquette showed off a modern fringe at the 2019 Emmys, where she won the award for outstanding supporting actress in a limited series and gave a passionate speech about transgender rights.
Patricia Arquette poses with her 2019 Emmy for outstanding supporting actress in a limited series.      Steve Granitz/WireImage

Kerry Washington channeled red hot Hollywood glamour when she made her red carpet debut on the heels of "Scandal" in 2011.

Kerry Washington channeled red hot Hollywood glamour when she made her red carpet debut on the heels of "Scandal" in 2011.
Kerry Washington at the 2011 Emmys in Los Angeles.      Steve Granitz/WireImage

But it was at the 2019 Emmys where Washington truly appeared to be channeling her character Olivia Pope — with an extra dose of sparkle, of course.

But it was at the 2019 Emmys where Washington truly appeared to be channeling her character Olivia Pope — with an extra dose of sparkle, of course.
Kerry Washington attends the 2019 Emmys.      Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Kelly and Sharon Osbourne made their Emmys red carpet debut with the whole clan at the 2002 Emmys, channeling the glam rock vibe that made them famous on their MTV show "The Osbournes."

Kelly and Sharon Osbourne made their Emmys red carpet debut with the whole clan at the 2002 Emmys, channeling the glam rock vibe that made them famous on their MTV show "The Osbournes."
Kelly Osbourne with her father Ozzy Osbourne (left), mother Sharon Osbourne (center), friend Robert Marcato (second right), and brother Jack Osbourne (right) at the 2002 Emmys.      SGranitz/WireImage

The mother-daughter duo were back on the purple carpet together in 2019 and stayed true to their gothic style with black dresses and red and purple hair.

The mother-daughter duo were back on the purple carpet together in 2019 and stayed true to their gothic style with black dresses and red and purple hair.
Kelly Osbourne and Sharon Osbourne at the 2019 Emmys.      FOX Image Collection via Getty Images

Sophie Turner rocked simple slacks at her first Emmys red carpet in 2015, four years after "Game of Thrones" premiered on HBO and became an instant sensation.

Sophie Turner rocked simple slacks at her first Emmys red carpet in 2015, four years after "Game of Thrones" premiered on HBO and became an instant sensation.
Sophie Turner attends the 2015 Emmys.      John Shearer/WireImage

Turner was back on the red carpet in 2019, celebrating her first Emmy nomination. She sported an elegant blush Louis Vuitton dress and a necklace made with nearly 1,000 diamonds.

Turner was back on the red carpet in 2019, celebrating her first Emmy nomination. She sported an elegant blush Louis Vuitton dress and a necklace made with nearly 1,000 diamonds.
Sophie Turner at the 2019 Emmys.      David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Source: Vogue

Fellow "Game of Thrones" star Maisie Williams also made her Emmys debut in 2015, sporting an ultra-feminine pink dress and matching feathered heels.

Fellow "Game of Thrones" star Maisie Williams also made her Emmys debut in 2015, sporting an ultra-feminine pink dress and matching feathered heels.
2015      Larry Busacca/Getty Images

Williams' style has gotten edgier in the last five years, as seen in her outfit for the 2019 Emmys, which was co-designed by her boyfriend.

Williams
Maisie Williams attends the 2019 Emmys.      John Shearer/Getty Images

Kit Harington opted for a classic black tuxedo and his signature Jon Snow locks for his first Emmys in 2011.

Kit Harington opted for a classic black tuxedo and his signature Jon Snow locks for his first Emmys in 2011.
Kit Harington attends the 2011 Emmys in Los Angeles.      Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

After "Game of Thrones" wrapped filming, Harington cut off his long curls. He showed off the shorter hairstyle at the 2019 Emmys, where he was nominated for lead actor in a drama series.

After "Game of Thrones" wrapped filming, Harington cut off his long curls. He showed off the shorter hairstyle at the 2019 Emmys, where he was nominated for lead actor in a drama series.
Kit Harington at the 2019 Emmys.      John Shearer/Getty Images

Angela Bassett sported a multi-colored floral dress for her first Emmys in 2002, where she was nominated for outstanding lead actress in a miniseries or movie for her portrayal of Rosa Parks in "The Rosa Parks Story."

Angela Bassett sported a multi-colored floral dress for her first Emmys in 2002, where she was nominated for outstanding lead actress in a miniseries or movie for her portrayal of Rosa Parks in "The Rosa Parks Story."
Angela Bassett at the 2002 Emmys in Los Angeles.      Jean-Paul Aussenard/WireImage

Bassett swapped flowers for this ultra-sleek jumpsuit 17 years later, pairing it with a playful $4,495 lollipop clutch.

Bassett swapped flowers for this ultra-sleek jumpsuit 17 years later, pairing it with a playful $4,495 lollipop clutch.
Angela Bassett attends the 2019 Emmys.      Steve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images

Christina Applegate was just 17 when she made her first Emmys appearance in 1989 for "Married...With Children," opting for a goth-inspired black ensemble with matching black boots.

Christina Applegate was just 17 when she made her first Emmys appearance in 1989 for "Married...With Children," opting for a goth-inspired black ensemble with matching black boots.
Christina Applegate at the 1989 Emmys in Los Angeles.      Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

Applegate embraced softer colors and fabrics for the 2019 Emmys, where she was nominated for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for her work on "Dead to Me."

Applegate embraced softer colors and fabrics for the 2019 Emmys, where she was nominated for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for her work on "Dead to Me."
Christina Applegate attends the 2019 Emmys.      Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Kristen Bell rocked a metallic yellow number for her first red carpet appearance in 2004, months after the premiere of "Veronica Mars."

Kristen Bell rocked a metallic yellow number for her first red carpet appearance in 2004, months after the premiere of "Veronica Mars."
Kristen Bell at the 2004 Emmys.      Carlo Allegri/Getty Images

Fifteen years later, Bell chose a beaded number from Dior's 2020 resort collection, which "featured local artisans" from Marrakech and "encouraged multi-nationalism."

Fifteen years later, Bell chose a beaded number from Dior
Kristen Bell at the 2019 Emmys.      David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Source: InStyle

Laura Linney kept things simple with a classic spaghetti-strap black dress for her first Emmys in 2002, where she won the trophy for outstanding lead actress in a miniseries or movie for "Wild Iris."

Laura Linney kept things simple with a classic spaghetti-strap black dress for her first Emmys in 2002, where she won the trophy for outstanding lead actress in a miniseries or movie for "Wild Iris."
Laura Linney posing with her 2002 Emmy for lead actress in a limited series.      Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

Linney went for a much bolder look in 2019, combining slacks with a one-shoulder silver top that wrapped around her like a dress. The four-time Emmy winner was nominated for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for "Ozark."

Linney went for a much bolder look in 2019, combining slacks with a one-shoulder silver top that wrapped around her like a dress. The four-time Emmy winner was nominated for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for "Ozark."
Laura Linney attends the 2019 Emmys.      Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Ted Danson rocked a classic tuxedo at his first Emmys in 1983, but added a splash of color with a red bow tie and pocket square. Danson was nominated for "Cheers," which finished last in the ratings that year but was a critical darling.

Ted Danson rocked a classic tuxedo at his first Emmys in 1983, but added a splash of color with a red bow tie and pocket square. Danson was nominated for "Cheers," which finished last in the ratings that year but was a critical darling.
Ted Danson at the 1983 Emmys in Los Angeles.      Walt Disney Television via Getty Images

Danson stuck to his classic suit at the 2019 Emmys, where he was nominated for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for "The Good Place." Danson has been rocking glasses on the Emmys red carpet since 2003.

Danson stuck to his classic suit at the 2019 Emmys, where he was nominated for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for "The Good Place." Danson has been rocking glasses on the Emmys red carpet since 2003.
Ted Danson and his wife Mary Steenburgen attend the 2019 Emmys in Los Angeles.      VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images

Viola Davis made her red carpet debut in 2014, shortly after the premiere of "How to Get Away With Murder."

Viola Davis made her red carpet debut in 2014, shortly after the premiere of "How to Get Away With Murder."
Viola Davis attends the 2014 Emmys in Los Angeles.      Jeff Vespa/WireImage

Davis, who was nominated in 2019 for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for her work on the show, has become an outspoken champion for natural hair in the last few years.

Davis, who was nominated in 2019 for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for her work on the show, has become an outspoken champion for natural hair in the last few years.
Viola Davis attends the 2019 Emmys in Los Angeles.      Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Silk dresses were a mainstay of the red carpet in the early aughts, and Patricia Clarkson wore a dark purple one for her first Emmys in 2002, where she was nominated for her work on "Six Feet Under."

Silk dresses were a mainstay of the red carpet in the early aughts, and Patricia Clarkson wore a dark purple one for her first Emmys in 2002, where she was nominated for her work on "Six Feet Under."
Patricia Clarkson at the 2002 Emmys in Los Angeles.      Jean-Paul Aussenard/WireImage

In 2019 it was the carpet that was purple, and Clarkson instead sparkled in a gorgeous off-the-shoulder maroon dress. She was nominated for outstanding supporting actress in a limited series for "Sharp Objects."

In 2019 it was the carpet that was purple, and Clarkson instead sparkled in a gorgeous off-the-shoulder maroon dress. She was nominated for outstanding supporting actress in a limited series for "Sharp Objects."
Patricia Clarkson attends the 2019 Emmys.      John Shearer/Getty Images

Bob Odenkirk wore matching tuxedos and red ribbons with Judd Apatow and Ben Stiller at his first Emmys in 1993, where they won for their writing on "The Ben Stiller Show." The red ribbon is the universal symbol for HIV and AIDS awareness.

Bob Odenkirk wore matching tuxedos and red ribbons with Judd Apatow and Ben Stiller at his first Emmys in 1993, where they won for their writing on "The Ben Stiller Show." The red ribbon is the universal symbol for HIV and AIDS awareness.
Bob Odenkirk with Judd Apatow (left) and Ben Stiller (center) at 1993 Emmys.      Dan Watson /Walt Disney Television via Getty Images

Odenkirk opted for a trendy navy suit at the 2019 Emmys, where he was nominated for outstanding lead actor in a drama series for "Better Call Saul."

Odenkirk opted for a trendy navy suit at the 2019 Emmys, where he was nominated for outstanding lead actor in a drama series for "Better Call Saul."
Bob Odenkirk attends the 2019 Emmys in Los Angeles.      Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Sandra Oh rocked an ultra-feminine dress for her Emmys debut in 2005, shortly after "Grey's Anatomy" became a surprise hit for ABC.

Sandra Oh rocked an ultra-feminine dress for her Emmys debut in 2005, shortly after "Grey
Sandra Oh at the 2005 Emmys in Los Angeles.      SGranitz/WireImage

With eight Emmy nominations under her belt, Oh is a red carpet veteran. She stayed true to her feminine style at the 2019 show, where she was a nominee for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for "Killing Eve."

With eight Emmy nominations under her belt, Oh is a red carpet veteran. She stayed true to her feminine style at the 2019 show, where she was a nominee for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for "Killing Eve."
Sandra Oh attends the 2019 Emmys      VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images

Bob Newhart, pictured here with actor Don Knotts, hosted the 14th Primetime Emmy Awards in 1962. The comedian rocked a classic tuxedo for his hosting duties.

Bob Newhart, pictured here with actor Don Knotts, hosted the 14th Primetime Emmy Awards in 1962. The comedian rocked a classic tuxedo for his hosting duties.
Don Knotts (left) and Bob Newhart (right) at the 1962 Emmys.      NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

Newhart mixed things up with a blue suit jacket and grey slacks to help Bob Stiller present an award at the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards in 2019.

Newhart mixed things up with a blue suit jacket and grey slacks to help Bob Stiller present an award at the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards in 2019.
Bob Newhart and Ben Stiller at the 2019 Emmys in Los Angeles.      Amy Sussman/WireImage

Tony Shalhoub rocked a clean-shaven face for his first Emmy appearance in 2003, when he won outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for "Monk."

Tony Shalhoub rocked a clean-shaven face for his first Emmy appearance in 2003, when he won outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for "Monk."
Tony Shalhoub poses with his 2003 Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series.      Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

But Shaloub decided to rock a beard at this year's Emmys, where he took home his third statue. Shaloub won outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series for "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel."

But Shaloub decided to rock a beard at this year
Tony Shaloub poses with his 2019 Emmy for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series.      Dan MacMedan/WireImage

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