In Honor Of The Emmys, We Decided To Rank The 40 Best Emmy Looks From The Last Decade

    Zendaya's outfit is flawless. Every. Single. Year.

    by
    Natasha Jokic
    by Natasha Jokic

    BuzzFeed Staff

    ,
    Hannah Marder
    by Hannah Marder

    BuzzFeed Staff

    Hi! I'm Natasha, and I'm a firm believer that red carpets are the best part of awards shows.

    TV Land

    So, ahead of the Emmys this Sunday, I enlisted my glorious friend and coworker — Hannah Marder — to help rank our fave Emmys looks from the last 10 years. Here's what we came up with:

    40. Kendall Jenner in Richard Quinn, 2019:

    Latex turtleneck top with a strapless sweetheart neckline dress with a flared mermaid train and large floral print
    Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images

    NJ: I get the feeling that this might be a divisive one, but I absolutely love the contrast of fabrics here. Also, the fit is impeccable. I shudder to think how sweaty I would get under that latex.

    HM: I'm forcing Tash to rank this last because I dislike it. It looks like a Betsey Johnson–themed Project Runway challenge. I'm sorry. 

    39. Emily Blunt in Elie Saab Couture, 2011:

    Plunging neckline sleeveless tulle dress with sheer-isn fabric and spurts of layered tulle and jewels and a thin belt
    C Flanigan / FilmMagic via Getty Images

    HM: The plunging neckline, the jewels, the little tulle spurts...so pretty. My one complaint is the belt. It feels like one embellishment too many.

    NJ: Hannah, I am surprised that you included this. Yes, the belt is too much — but so is like half the dress.

    38. Heidi Klum in Atelier Versace, 2015:

    Leg-exposing slit on a long, multicolored, flowing chiffon skirt worn with a short, spaghetti-strap, corseted minidress
    JB Lacroix / WireImage via Getty Images

    HM: I really love dresses that mix multiple styles, so I love the way this dress mixes a soft, romantic floral gown with a tight, ribbed minidress. The best of both worlds!

    NJ: Hannah, are you okay? This print reminds me of a scarf I had in 2008, and I don't mean that in a fun throwback way. 

    HM: :(

    37. Tina Fey in Vivienne Westwood, 2012:

    Long, tight strapless dress with slightly ruched waist and a peek of a dark embroidered structured piece at the top that goes up to points on both sides
    Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

    HM: Normally I'm kind of "eh" on maroon, but this almost-plum shade really works for me. The folding on the top, the neckline, and the tiny peek of embellishment is just so ornate and gorgeous. My only complaint is her tan line, but we've all been there.

    NJ: It's the clash between the purple and the black behind the embellishment that's a no from me — if it had other colors, I'd be a bigger fan. Also, sweet 2010s quiff there, Tina. 

    36. Danielle Brooks in Christian Siriano, 2015:

    Colorblock, one-sleeved dress with three lines of color and a sheer skirt overlay that moves when walking
    Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / FilmMagic via Getty Images

    HM: I mean, she obviously looks stunning (I love the mix of the satin and the chiffon materials), but what really makes this dress beautiful is the way it moves on the carpet.

    NJ: Agreed on the note of movement. I'm less keen on the mix of materials and the SJP Collection Fawn pumps.

    35. Gwen Stefani in Versace, 2014:

    Glitter T-shirt with a cutout at down the chest with ladder pieces going down it, and then a matching long skirt with a slit in the top connected with a metallic mini belt
    Kevork Djansezian / NBC / NBCUniversal via Getty Images

    HM: Love the skirt (that little belt thing makes it), hate the top. It looks like something you could've bought at Charlotte Russe in 2012 but, like, in expensive glitter.

    NJ: I hate that you pointed that out, because now I can't unsee it. I stand by this pick, though, especially the buckle on the skirt. 

    34. Gwendoline Christie in Gucci, 2019:

    Religious looking garment with long flow sleeves and skirt, a long neckline at the collarbone, a slight cinch at the waist, and a kimono-style draped fabric piece
    Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

    NJ: Why not go to the Emmys dressed as Jesus Lannister? 

    HM: I don't love this look, but I do love how bold it is.

    33. Emmanuelle Vaugier in Mark Zunino, 2019:

    Satin sleeveless dress with cape/cowl back and long slit and slight train, with a peek of a jeweled bra underneath the top part
    Dan MacMedan / WireImage via Getty Images

    HM: The cape back of this is so unique, and the color is gorgeous. But what I really love is the jeweled bra top — sounds tacky, but it's so elegant.

    NJ: I also love the jeweled bodice, but something about that loop...I can't quite put my finger on it, but it makes me uncomfortable. 

    32. Lizzy Caplan in Donna Karan Atelier, 2014:

    Halter dress with cutout waist and a different-colored back of the flared skirt with a train
    Jon Kopaloff / FilmMagic via Getty Images

    HM: I like the Cruella de Vil vibes, but this one's a bit boring to me, tbh.

    NJ: I think that the white train and the cutouts on the waist make it a worthy twist on a black red-carpet gown. 

    31. Kristen Bell in Dior, 2019:

    Sleeveless halter gown with lines of glitter going down it, a belt, and a tulle flared skirt with lines of glitter, and two cutouts at the waist
    Kevin Mazur / Getty Images

    NJ: I think this skirt is so fun, but the combination with the top — that has embellishment AND cutouts AND tassels — is a bit much for me. 

    HM: [Marge Simpson voice] I just think it's neat.

    30. Sarah Hyland in Zac Posen, 2015:

    Off-the-shoulder strapless long dress with slight mermaid cut, cut at the waist with the off-the-shoulder part combining with the top to make a slight curve
    Jason Merritt / Getty Images

    NJ: I think this is a perfectly nice gown for a young woman growing out of the teen actor demographic, as Sarah was doing at the time. I just wish it fit a little better around her hips.

    HM: I don't like this one. It's boring. Sorry, Tash (and Sarah).

    29. Julianne Moore in Christian Dior Haute Couture, 2012:

    High-neck, empire waist neon dress with long-sleeved, flared skirt
    Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

    HM: I would like this 90% more if it were a mermaid cut. As is, it's kind of eh, but the color is fun.

    NJ: Hard disagree — the sleeves are what make this gown for me. Let's not forget that this was in 2012, a criminal year for fashion!

    28. Kerry Washington in Marchesa, 2013:

    Sleeveless spaghetti ribbon strap dress with tulle skirt with train and embroidered 3D flowers, and a ribbon wrapped around the waist and chest
    Jeffrey Mayer / WireImage via Getty Images

    HM: She looks like an angel, or a goddess of spring. The skirt is flawless; I kind of wish the top were just a strapless continuation of the skirt.

    NJ: I truly think that the white ribbons around the bodice and the straps are a crime. I can't take my eyes off of them. 

    27. Indya Moore in custom Louis Vuitton, 2019:

    Satin strapless dress with a corset style top with a circle zipper on it and a skirt starting from the waist down with a long cutout on either side
    Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

    HM: I want to like this one, I do. I love the idea of it, just not the execution. Tash will be mad at me for saying this, but the top part looks like it's from Bebe.

    NJ: You say that like it's a bad thing! C'mon, look at those thigh slits!

    26. Sophie Turner in Louis Vuitton, 2019:

    Satin dress with sweetheart top, then tiny straps coming up the sides, a princess cut, a belt, and a structured, layered, long, straight skirt
    Valerie Macon / AFP via Getty Images

    HM: I'm a sucker for some structured satin, but it's the belt with the skirt tucked in that really makes this look for me. It feels like an updated, fancier version of something Barbie or Regina George would wear.

    NJ: See, I love everything about this look EXCEPT the belt. Belts on dresses, to me, are as capes are to Edna Mode. 

    25. Laverne Cox in Naeem Khan, 2016:

    Metallic embroidered sleeveless sheer dress with V neck and a short train
    Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images

    HM: Laverne always kills it, and this year was no exception. I love the intricate embroidery of the gold and the mermaid skirt.

    NJ: My god, this gold color looks amazing on her. The dress is actually sheer, which I love. 

    24. Emilia Clarke in Versace, 2016:

    Tank top, cowl-neck tight, long dress with tiny pieces of glitter and sheer-ish fabric at the sides of the waist
    Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / FilmMagic via Getty Images

    HM: This is so simple yet gorgeous. It fits SO well, and I love the cowl neck, invisible straps, and slightly sheer cutouts at the top.

    NJ: HELLO, naked dress.

    23. Julia Garner in Cong Tri, 2019:

    Bright, one-shoulder dress with a cutout at the waist, a sheer skirt, a slight train, and a flowy sheer sleeve on one side that ends in a tight cuff
    Valerie Macon / AFP via Getty Images

    HM: Honestly, I am just obsessed with this color. But I also love the train, the sheer shirt, and the cutout. I do kind of wish there were either zero or two sleeves, but otherwise, this dress is so bold and fun to me.

    NJ: "Would the cutout look too random if there were only one sleeve?" Is a question I'll be asking myself from now until eternity. 

    22. Olivia Culpo in Zac Posen, 2016:

    Structured mesh tea-length strapless dress with tiny dots that get less close together at the top and bottom, and a waist that juts out on both sides
    Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / FilmMagic via Getty Images

    HM: Normally, I hate tea-length dresses at the Emmys, but this one just works. I love the material, and the structure of the hips is really cool.

    NJ: Sorry, Hannah, but this just doesn't feel like a red carpet dress. I actually prefer the floor-length runway version.

    21. Sarah Paulson in Prada, 2016:

    Deep V-neck, three-quarter sleeve, long, flowy dress with lots of jeweled embellishments
    Jon Kopaloff / FilmMagic / Getty Images

    NJ: Now, this dress earned Sarah a spot on some worst-dressed lists — but like a tacky magpie, I love it. I think the color looks great on her, and the texture from all the different embellishments is magnificent. 

    HM: I agree that this dress did NOT deserve to be on a worst-dressed list. It's not my favorite ever, but it reminds me of a magical rainforest, and I love the deep V of the neck.

    20. Jessica Biel in Ralph & Russo, 2018:

    Strapless straight-neckline long dress with train and scalloped embellishments throughout, with another skirt overlay that is cut asymmetrically and layers over the underskirt
    Kevin Mazur / Getty Images

    HM: A literal angel. She also looks like a pastry, but in the best possible way.

    NJ: Honestly? Meh. I feel meh about this dress. I know I shouldn't, but the heart wants what it wants, Han. 

    19. Sarah Silverman in custom Galia Lahav, 2017:

    Tulle strapless dress with cinched waist with shiny belt and flared layered skirt and top
    Kevin Mazur / Getty Images

    HM: Gothic princess vibes. I love cinched dresses with a bunch of big textures going on and a big ball gown skirt.

    NJ: You might hate me for saying this, Hannah, but the original look on the red carpet was lime green and had a thigh slit — and I prefer it!!! I'm just nitpicking, though; it's a cool look. 

    18. Evan Rachel Wood in Moschino, 2017:

    Suit with long, flowy pants, cropped jacket, and a vest that has a train down to almost the backs of the knees
    Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / FilmMagic via Getty Images

    HM: I love how vintage this feels. The cropped jacket with the vest that has a back flap, along with the wide-legged pants, just mixes together a bunch of different styles and eras, but the white monochrome keeps it feeling neat and classic.

    NJ: Look, I love the tailcoat and the tailoring. It just feels like this outfit is at an 8 and I want it dialed up to 11 — put some color in there! Some drama!

    17. Thandiwe Newton in Jason Wu, 2017:

    Strapless gown with flared skirt and slight train with jeweled pieces on it
    J. Merritt / Getty Images

    HM: I know this is a simple look, but it's just a gorgeous gown. The sparkles on her skirt look like stars, and the train is just the right length.

    NJ: This look is a bit too simple for me — it's like a step above prom. 

    16. Lady Gaga in Brandon Maxwell, 2015:

    One-shoulder dress with a flowy skirt except for one structured part that juts out at the waist
    Mark Davis / Getty Images

    HM: I feel like what makes this one so great is its simplicity, especially coming from Lady Gaga. It's one step away from boring, but that structured hip really sets it above similar dresses.

    NJ: You can't see in this picture, but the cut around the arms actually shows a lot of Gaga's waist/ribs. But agreed: The hip makes it. 

    15. Christina Hendricks in Johanna Johnson, 2011:

    Embroidered and jeweled cap-sleeve, V-neck dress with slight shoulder pads, a small train, and a long slit
    Gregg Deguire / FilmMagic via Getty Images

    HM: This dress feels so vintage and 1920s. The beading is gorgeous, and I love the tiny shoulder pads of the sleeves.

    NJ: Second the beading! Especially around the hem. 

    14. Lucy Liu in Versace, 2012:

    Straight-cut tight, strapless dress with a slight scallop in the neckline and circular sequins throughout
    Gregg Deguire / WireImage via Getty Images

    HM: Love the cut of the top and the circular sequins. Alexa, play "Mirrorball" by Taylor Swift.

    NJ: I believe this dress has chain mail on it — and it's certainly doing well in this *battle* of the outfits (yeah, sorry, that was awful).

    HM: I thought it was funny.

    13. Tracee Ellis Ross in Valentino Haute Couture, 2018:

    Ball gown with really poufy off-the-shoulder sleeves and the same style on the bust, then a long flared skirt
    Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / FilmMagic via Getty Images

    HM: I like this one a lot, but I wish the sleeves were slightly smaller. I also don't love the fabric — it looks a little tarp-y. However, I love that it's bold and different, and the cut and color are amazing.

    NJ: Now, THIS is some DRAMA. The sleeves are what make it, Han!

    12. Nina Dobrev in Donna Karan, 2011:

    Long,  tight mermaid skirt and train dress with strapless top with a bit of a V and going up to slight points on the sides
    Kevin Winter / Getty Images

    HM: I love a good mermaid cut, and this dress is just tailored to perfection. The cut of the top is also gorgeous. Simple but flawless execution.

    NJ: Simply put, it's a classic.

    11. Claire Danes in Oscar de la Renta, 2011:

    Tight, straight, strapless, straight-top glitter dress with a geometrical pattern
    Donato Sardella / WireImage via Getty Images

    HM: 2011 was kind of a bad year for dresses, IMO, but this one is the exception to the rule. The colors are gorgeous and bold, and I love the pattern. The lack of a big train or any sort of flare or cool neckline balances it out really well, too.

    NJ: Agreed, it's a fun twist on a classic. 

    10. Billy Porter in Michael Kors, 2019:

    Glitter pin-striped suit with long tie and asymmetrical hat with heels
    Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

    HM: Thank you, Billy, for actually wearing something other than a black tux to the Emmys. The pinstripes are classic, but the glitter adds the pizzazz Billy is known for, and the hat is just so unique. 

    NJ: So much to like here: The platform shoes! The scarf! The hat!!!

    9. Zendaya in Armani Privé, 2020:

    Halter jeweled bra top with a disconnected long, flared, big-polka-dot skirt
    ABC via Getty Images

    NJ: Covering the Emmys last year was a bit of a virtual slog. Zendaya's big, poofy skirt and bedazzled bra top was one of the highlights. 

    HM: Zendaya is perfection, and I appreciate that even though she participated remotely, she still came dressed to the nines. This is also just such a fun, unique look.

    8. Julianne Hough in Jenny Packham, 2013:

    Off-the-shoulder sheer gown with jewels throughout, a tight top, and a long, flowy skirt (with underwear shown underneath and layered fabric at the chest)
    Jeffrey Mayer / WireImage via Getty Images

    HM: Julianne always dresses as if she's up for an award. I love a good sheer skirt, and the beading on the skirt is also flawless. However, it's the top that really brings it together for me. The off-the-shoulder sleeves, the cowl layering, the belt...*chef's kiss*.

    NJ: The leotard-and-sheer combination really elevates this look for me. God, we really like sparkles, don't we?

    HM: Yes. Yes, we do.

    7. Zuri Hall in Fouad Sarkis, 2018:

    Long, strapless ball gown with layered flared skirt and layered pieces like giant ribbons on the top
    Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / FilmMagic via Getty Images

    HM: Okay, Cinderella!!! The way this fabric falls is just gorgeous. I love the gold sheen to the pink, and the top layering is really unique.

    NJ: She looks like a flower! A beautiful flower!

    6. Zoë Kravitz in Dior Haute Couture, 2017:

    Deep-V sleeveless dress with flared colorblock skirt and fringed fabric throughout
    Jason Laveris / FilmMagic via Getty Images

    HM: She looks like a peacock, and I mean that as a compliment. I honestly wish the fringe were even longer or pouffier, because the colors and idea of this dress are so fun.

    NJ: I love this dress. We only included one picture, but the colors look magical from every angle. Perhaps a hot take, but I do wish that the rainbow ombré effect continued up the bodice. 

    5. Maisie Williams in JW Anderson, 2019:

    Two dresses in one: tea-length dress with dots on it on one side, and long dress with jeweled half-moon on waist on the other side, both sides sleeveless, with a V neck
    Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic / Getty Images

    NJ: This is another dress designed, in part, by Maisie's boyfriend Reuben Selby — who was also behind Maisie's Met Gala look this year. I know that "I would wear this" isn't a good fashion critique, but my god, I would wear the shit out of this dress. It's two dresses in one!

    HM: I gotta agree with Tash — I'd wear the shit out of this. It's so creative while still feeling really classic.

    4. Gugu Mbatha-Raw in custom-made Hugo Boss, 2017:

    Straight, strapless long dress cut at the waist with a straight neckline, a slit, and beaded/jeweled throughout
    Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / FilmMagic via Getty Images

    HM: I am absolutely obsessed with the beading and color of this dress. It's like an opal.

    NJ: I don't even have any words here; everything about this dress is stunning. 

    3. Tessa Thompson in Rosie Assoulin, 2017:

    Metallic colorblock top-halter dress with cutout waists and then a more ombré flowing, pleated skirt
    Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

    HM: The way this dress reflected light as it moved was gorgeous. The colors blended so perfectly, and I love the colorblock structure of the top.

    NJ: Pleated, metallic rainbow fabric shouldn't work — yet here we are!

    2. Zendaya in Vera Wang, 2019:

    Sheer ribbed/caged corset top with a satin asymmetrical skirt that reaches ups to form a strap on one side
    Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images

    HM: Zendaya kills it every time, but this is still one of her best looks. The matching shoes, the asymmetrical cut, the mesh corset...flawless.

    NJ: This! Is! Art!

    1. Angela Sarafyan in Christian Siriano, 2018:

    Long ball gown with flared skirt, straight-cut neckline, a tight waist, and jewels that look like stars throughout
    Rich Polk / Getty Images for IMDb

    HM: Van Gogh's The Starry Night has NOTHING on this dress. NOTHING.

    NJ: This dress looks as if it's photoshopped on. It's goddamn magical. 

    What were your fave looks? LMK in the comments!