54 Times Women Wowed With Outfits That Weren't Dresses

    Sometimes, you just wanna see what else the designers have got up their sleeves...

    Rhianna Campbell
    by Rhianna Campbell

    BuzzFeed Contributor

    Here's my round up of some of the times women have slayed on the red carpet in an outfit that's not a dress!

    Marilyn Monroe poses over a grate which blows her dress up. The scene is from the movie "The Seven Year Itch"
    United Archives / FilmPublicityArchive/United Archives via Getty Images

    Marilyn Monroe moment? Not today!

    1. Uma Thurman

    Uma Thurman attends the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California. She wears a white shirt tucked into a black, silky fitted skirt which flows to the floor
    David Livingston / Getty Images

    Dresses are pretty common on the red carpet, but skirts aren't seen so much. I love the simplicity and elegance of Uma's ensemble here - classic and timeless, but a bit different to another ballgown.

    Many saw Uma's outfit as a way of paying homage to one of her most iconic roles — Mia Wallace in Pulp Fiction.

    Miramax / Via tenor.com

    2. Kristen Stewart

    Kristen Stewart attends the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California.  She wears a black suit with shorts and a white shirt unbuttoned to the waist.
    David Livingston / Getty Images

    There's so much going on with this outfit! The plunging neckline, the short shorts, the bold necklace...combined with voluminous hair and simple heels, Kristen's look was one that certainly caught people's eyes at the 94th Annual Academy Awards.

    3. Dylan Meyer

    Dylan Meyer, Kristen Stewart arrives on the red carpet outside the Dolby Theater for the 94th Academy Awards in Los Angeles, USA.
    Future Publishing / Future Publishing via Getty Images

    Kristen's screenwriter fiancée also said no to the dress, opting for a sleek, dark brown patterned suit. She and Kristen must have coordinated the button usage on their shirts — Kristen's buttoned the bottom and Dylan's gone for the top!

    4. Ariana DeBose

    Ariana DeBose poses in the press room at the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California. She wears a red pantsuit with a vest top and swooping red cape.
    David Livingston / Getty Images

    Ariana ran with red for the Oscars. She wore palazzo pants coupled with a cropped top, and accentuated the simple but eye-catching combo with a dramatic cape and jewelry by De Beers.

    “Pants at the Oscars is lit, hunnyyyy,” she told Vogue. “That’s a four-hour telecast — comfy and chic? Werk!”  

    5. Miley Cyrus

    Miley Cyrus attends WCRF's "An Unforgettable Evening" at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on February 28, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. She wears a black fitted suit with baby pink lapels, a double breasted blazer and pointy-toed high heels.
    Michael Kovac / Getty Images for WCRF

    I'm obsessed with this suit of Miley's. It's super simple yet flattering, and the splash of baby pink on the lapels gives it a bit of personality.

    6. Mary J. Blige

    Mary J. Blige attends the EE British Academy Film Awards at Royal Albert Hall on February 10, 2019 in London, England.
    Karwai Tang / WireImage

    Just look at this ensemble! I love the split design of the jacket, the tailored fit, and those beautiful glittery heels. It takes a stereotypically masculine outfit and combines it with a feminine flowing train, creating a stunning look that really shows Mary's individual style.

    7. Brandi Carlile

    Brandi Carlile at the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards. She wears a long suit jacket to her knees, which is embellished with silver beaded designs. This continues down the side of her trousers, which she wears with a white shirt, black bow tie and black boots.
    Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images

    Brandi is certainly no stranger to a suit, but this is one of my personal favorites. It's the sleek silhouette, bold contrasting colors, and those beautiful silver embellishments. Plus, she's topped it off with a bow tie which — excuse the pun — really ties the whole look together!

    8. Michelle Obama

    Former First Lady Michelle Obama attends 'Becoming: An Intimate Conversation with Michelle Obama'. She wears a purple suit, belted at the waist with a gold buckle, with a black glittery tube top underneath.
    Paras Griffin / Getty Images

    Look at this outfit!! Ugh, I just love it. I was kinda spoilt for choice with Michelle and her suits, but finally settled on this one because the color really pops, the shape is super flattering, and she just looks so happy wearing it. I also love the playful element the black glittery tube top adds.

    9. Sarina Potgieter

    Roger Taylor and Sarina Potgieter attend the EE British Academy Film Awards. Sarina wears a frilly black blouse, a black blazer with military style badges in red and gold, baggy trousers and golden platform heels.
    Dave J Hogan / Dave J Hogan / Getty Images

    The more I look at this outfit, the more I see. The blouse has that unique frill pattern which gives it some movement, then the asymmetrical blazer gives a nod to military-style. The baggy trousers that tailor in at the ankles really draw the eye to those bold golden platform heels, too. A super unique look — I love it!

    10. Emily Hampshire

    Emily at the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar party. She wears a white pussybow blouse under a silver sequinned blazer buttoned at the waist, with matching silver sequinned shorts, glittered pantyhose and chunky black patent lace up shoes.
    George Pimentel / Getty Images

    Emily is another person who spoilt me for choice, and I'm gonna have to include two of her looks because I reeeeally couldn't pick! I just love this look on Emily. I love all the little details that bring it together, like the black cravat, glittery pantyhose, and chunky black patent pumps.

    11. Emily Hampshire (again)

    Emily Hampshire attends the WrapWomen's Power Women Summit & The Changemakers Of 2021. She wears a black suit with brown plaid pattern, with a white crop top underneath and chunky black boots.
    Gregg Deguire / WireImage

    Do you see why I had to let Emily on the list twice? This look gives me major Clueless vibes, and I just love its playful twist on the traditional suit.

    12. Sandy Powell

    Sandy wears a suit in bright pink and neon yellow plaid, which curves out at the waist. She wears baggy flared trousers in the same pattern.
    Matthias Nareyek / Getty Images

    Sandy has SO many outfits I just wanna nick right out of her wardrobe. This one is a great example of her quirky style. That print, the shape, the chunky shoes — so Sandy, so good!

    13. Victoria Magrath

    Victoria Magrath at the UK Premiere Of "House of Gucci". She wears a baby pink suit with white, red and black pinstripe details, a white Gucci belt at the waist and a small boxy handbag. The trousers are very baggy and flared.
    Tristan Fewings / Getty Images for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Universal Pictures

    *Chandler Bing voice* Could I BE any more obsessed with this look? Guys, I just love it. The soft pastel colors, the cinched-in waist paired with the baggy trousers, that cute little boxy bag...just perfection. I also love the blown-out hair Victoria has combined the look with, completing that vintage vibe.

    14. Irina Shayk

    Irina Shayk attends the The Daily Front Row 8th Annual Fashion Media Awards. She wears a gold sequinned cape style jacket with a turtleneck, sand coloured trousers with a cut out at the ankle, and nude strappy heels.
    Jennifer Graylock / Getty Images for The Daily Front Row

    The small details can really change an outfit, right? The turtleneck finish and cape-like shape of the cropped jacket give the look a totally different silhouette. I love the cut-out detail at the ankles, too.

    15. Tracee Ellis Ross

    LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 06: Tracee Ellis Ross attends the 10th Annual LACMA ART+FILM GALA presented by Gucci. She wears a blue sequinned suit with a golden brown feathered jacket.
    Kevin Winter / Getty Images

    Tracee is another one who caused me trouble. She has too many great outfits! I particularly like this one as the jacket and the suit shouldn't go together...but somehow, they just work!

    16. Katie Piper

    Katie Piper attends the GQ Men of the Year awards at the Tate Modern, She wears a full body orange sequinned suit with a high waist.
    Stuart C. Wilson / Getty Images

    Orange isn't the most common colour at formal events, is it? After seeing Katie's outfit at the GQ Men of the Year Awards, I think it should be more prevalent!

    17. Wanda Sykes

    Wanda sits on some black steps wearing an all-white suit with white sneakers and a silver necklace.
    Art Streiber / ABC via Getty Images

    It's the SHOES. They just give this look a whole different vibe! The elegant silver jewelry at the top combined with the white sneakers at the bottom give it a chic but cool air — plus, it looks comfy!

    18. Zendaya

    Zendaya attends the Valentino Womenswear Fall/Winter 2022/2023. She wears a bright fuchsia suit with matching tall platform heels and a matching ankle-length trenchcoat. The trousers have textured floral details.
    Arnold Jerocki / Getty Images

    Guys, this is too hard. I'm putting Zendaya on this list twice, too. She has rocked up at so many events with outfits that make jaws drop, whether in a dress or not. Here's one of her looks that I love. A full body bold color outfit never fails to draw the eye, and she's teamed it with mega platform heels and textured trousers. Plus, a high waist with a long jacket always looks great!

    19. Zendaya (again — sorry, not sorry)

    Zendaya attends the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood. She wears a cropped white blouse which exposes her tummy, with a long silver sequinned floor length skirt with a train. She wears silver bangles up her arms.
    Kevin Mazur / WireImage,

    You see why I couldn't exclude this, right? I love the cool color theme, the sparkles, the jewelry, the cropped blouse — it's so simple, yet at the same time, there's actually a lot going on. Love. It!

    20. Marlee Matlin

    Marlee Matlin attends the 2022 Film Independent Spirit Awards on March 06, 2022. She wears a pale pink satin suit with wide flared trousers and a fitted suit jacket with glitter details in darker pink around the edges.
    Axelle / FilmMagic

    The shine on the suit, the glittery details, and the contrast between the fitted blazer and the wide leg of the trousers — ugh, so good. Plus, it's a gorgeous shade of pink! I need this suit in my life.

    21. Jodie Comer

    Jodie Comer attends New York Comic Con in support of "Free Guy". She wears a black blazer and slim black trousers with a silver satin blouse tucked in at the waist and accessorised with a gold buckle belt and black military boots with red laces.
    Ilya S. Savenok / Getty Images for Twentieth Century Fox

    This look means business! I love how everything she wears here has a subtle shine — the satin look to the blazer and trousers, the silver blouse, and the patent boots. The stompy boots really give this look a badass edge!

    22. Charli XCX

    Singer Charli XCX arrives at the 57th GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center. She wears a white tuxedo with frilled chest detail, a pink bow tie, pink peeptoe heels and a white furry coat.
    Jon Kopaloff / FilmMagic

    Get a tux, but make it Charli. Obsessed with that neon pink bow tie and those glittery pink peeptoe shoes! 

    I really like the frilled shirt and the fact she's gone all out with the three-piece suit. (Although it's all white, so I'd be terrified to eat, drink, or generally exist while wearing it!)

    23. Emma Stone

    Emma Stone attends The 2019 Met Gala. She wears a metallic, silver, sequinned jumpsuit with a plunging neckline and a black asymmetrical lapel on one side. She teams it with gold pointy toed shoes and a gold buckled belt.
    Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

    I love a good jumpsuit! Loving the asymmetrical lapel detail and the combo of silver and gold Emma is showcasing here, too. The gold accents go so well with her hair color, too!

    24. Emma Watson

    Emma Watson attends the British Vogue and Tiffany & Co. Fashion and Film Party 2022. She wears a black suit with the sleeves rolled up, with a black lace top underneath and really chunky black boots.
    David M. Benett / Dave Benett / Getty Images

    The boots change the WHOLE look of this outfit, am I right?! At first glance, it looks like an elegant black suit with lace accents and dainty jewellery. But then you clock those mega chunky boots and it becomes a stunning hybrid of tough military and delicate formal.

    25. Julia Roberts

    Sean Penn and Julia Roberts attend the premiere of "Gaslit" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on April 18, 2022. Julia wears a grey tweed, thigh length jacket with a white shirt, grey plaid waistcoat and plaid shorts.
    Dia Dipasupil / WireImage

    I love a good layered outfit with different lengths, and Julia's waistcoat combined with shorts and a thigh-brushing jacket totally runs with this. Paired with simple black heels and accentuated with a silver brooch, the outfit looks breezy and smart-casual. 

    26. Blake Lively

    Blake Lively poses backstage during the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall. She wears a thigh length pale mink blazer with grey accents, high waisted trousers in the same colour with rolled up ankles, and glittery silver brogues.
    Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic

    Blake has such a good collection of suits — honestly, look her up and you'll see how hard it was to pick just one! I settled for this one as I love the soft color combo spliced together with bold glittering shoes which go so well with the sparkly jewelry, plus there are those little details like the rolled-up ankles on the trousers. Truly lovely!

    27. Jillian Mercado

    Jillian Mercado attends The Cinema Society With Synchrony And Avion Host A Screening Of Marvel Studios' "Ant-Man And The Wasp". She wears a black tailored cropped blazer with a long white tulle skirt.
    Paul Bruinooge / Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

    The sharp tailoring of Jillian's jacket is an amazing contrast to the soft, ethereal-looking tulle skirt. The stark difference between the styles and colors gives the outfit such a cool look overall.

    28. Elizabeth Olsen

    Benedict Cumberbatch and Elizabeth Olsen attend the photocall for Marvel Studios' "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
    Gareth Cattermole / Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images for Marvel Studios'

    A black and silver combo always looks great. Concentrating a bold pattern in one place on an outfit always draws the eye, and I love that Lizzie's outfit has short sleeves too, which gives it a different vibe to a traditional long-sleeved blazer/trouser combo.

    29. Millicent Symonds

    Millicent Simmonds attends the EE British Academy Film Awards 2022. Millicent wears high neck silver glittered top with capped sleeves, with high-waisted black flared trousers.
    David M. Benett / Dave Benett / Getty Images

    Millicent just exudes elegance with this look from the BAFTAs. It's super simple, but the high neck/high waist combo looks stunning on her.

    30. Elizabeth Banks

    Actress Elizabeth Banks arrives at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards at Gibson Amphitheatre. She wears a black jumpsuit with mesh cutouts to the belly and down the sleeves with a black swirly pattern.
    Jon Kopaloff / FilmMagic

    I love that cutout/swirling pattern detail! The placement on the arms, hips, and from the chest to the waist really accentuates Elizabeth's shape.

    31. Kelly Rowland

    Recording artist Kelly Rowland attends the Hollywood Reporter's 25th Annual Women In Entertainment Breakfast. She wears a dark green suit with a pink coat over the top.
    Valerie Macon / AFP via Getty Images

    I know I've been singing the praises of high-waisted looks, but Kelly's showing the power of a more flowing, less structured outfit. I also love the combo of dark green and light pink!

    32. Lauren Ridloff

    Lauren Ridloff arrives for the World Premiere of Marvel Studios’ Eternals. She wears a short black playsuit with a large white satin bow over the chest and a chunky black and silver floral necklace.
    Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images for Lexus

    Playsuits are not worn enough! They're so versatile — they can be elegant and formal, or quirky and playful. Lauren's outfit at the Eternals world premiere is a great combo of both.

    33. Lucy Hale

    Lucy Hale attends the 27th Annual ELLE Women in Hollywood Celebration at Dolby Terrace. She wears a black suit with a bold golden pattern with a neon pink turtleneck underneath.
    Amy Sussman / Getty Images

    So. Much. Happening. Here! The bold pattern from head to toe, the big hoops, then that bright pink turtleneck. It shouldn't work, but Lucy pulls it off!

    34. Nicole Kidman

    Nicole Kidman attends the European Premiere "Destroyer" at the 62nd BFI London Film Festival. She wears a black fitted suit with a neon pink shirt and black skinny tie.
    Jeff Spicer / Jeff Spicer / Getty Images for BFI

    This looks so darn svelte! I love the bright pink color, and the subtle accent it gives to the wrists. The color combo elevates what could have been a pretty run-of-the-mill suit to a whole new level.

    35. Hailee Steinfeld

    Actress/singer Hailee Steinfeld attends STX Entertainment's The State of the Industry: Past, Present and Future at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
    Gabe Ginsberg / WireImage

    Hailey is like a walking fabric swatch board in this outfit! So much is going on all in one ensemble. Lace, leather, ribbed sleeves, ruched waist, long sleeve, no sleeve, high neck, boat neck, asymmetrical waistline, fingerless gloves — whew! I could go on!

    36. Kerry Washington

    Actress Kerry Washington attends the 2017 GLSEN Respect Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel. She wears a full body suit with a bold photographic floral pattern from head to toe.
    Jason Laveris / FilmMagic

    Kerry said, "I'll take all of the pattern, please — oh yes, and all of the colors too." This outfit is a barrage of florals and bright colors, but somehow Kerry makes it look great.

    37. Hailey Bieber

    Host Hailey Bieber of 'Drop the Mic' at the TCA Turner Summer Press Tour 2017 Green Room. She wears camel flared pants with a one-sleeved floaty white blouse, tied on one side.
    John Sciulli / Getty Images for Turner

    A subtle colour combo and a nice mix of fitted and floaty thanks to the tailored waist paired with flared bottoms, and a baggy blouse with flowing side detail.

    38. Cara Delevingne

    Cara Delevingne attends the "Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets"
    Karwai Tang / WireImage

    So sleek! I love the way the neckline embellishment matches the shoe detail, and the suit is given a new silhouette through its plunging neckline. Cara's icy blonde hair with the black ribbon matches so well with the black and silver of her outfit.

    39. Lupita Nyong'o and Rosario Dawson

    Actors Lupita Nyong'o and Rosario Dawson wearing suits - Lupita in a white suit with bold red and black geometric patterns, and Rosario in a denim blue pattern-clash combo.
    Donato Sardella / Getty Images for Belvedere Vodka

    There were actually so many great outfits at the Janelle Monae and Belvedere Vodka's A Beautiful Future Campaign with Fem the Future Brunch, with these two being just a couple of them!

    40. Tessa Thompson

    Actor Tessa Thompson attends Belvedere Vodka kick-off "A Beautiful Future" Campaign. She wears black leather trousers, black suede boots, a white t-shirt that says "Rosarte" on it, and a long feathered jacket in black, yellow and fuchsia.
    Donato Sardella / Getty Images for Belvedere Vodka

    Here's Tessa at the same event — what an outfit, eh?!

    41. Selena Gomez

    Actress / singer Selena Gomez attends the Unlikely Heroes' 3rd Annual Awards Dinner. She wears a white suit with a plunging neckline and no top beneath, with gold fringing on the shoulders, gold buttons and gold pointy-toed shoes
    Vivien Killilea / Via Getty Images

    There's been a fair amount of black and silver in this post, so I'm loving Selena's white and gold combo. I really like the fringe detail on the shoulders.

    42. Halle Berry

    Halle Berry arrives to the 2021 People's Choice Awards. She wears a full body sequinned motorcycle jumpsuit with a belt at the waist and a plunging neckline.
    Rich Polk / NBCUniversal / NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

    Halle Berry rocked up to the 2021 People's Choice Awards in this motorcycle jumpsuit, making her possibly the most glamorous motorcyclist I have ever seen!

    43. H.E.R

    H.E.R. attends the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena. She wears a yellow jumpsuit with sequinned waterfall detail from the bust down one leg, with a burnt yellow floaty bolero with sequinned sun rays that reaches to the floor.
    Axelle / FilmMagic

    Sunshine in an outfit! I love the different shades of yellow coupled with bright sparkles and colored sunglasses.

    44. Storm Reid

    torm Reid attends Sony Pictures' "Spider-Man: No Way Home" Los Angeles Premiere. She wears a camel coloured suit with no sleeves, accentuated by a high neck with swooping details from the neck to the waist, giving it an unusual shape.
    Axelle / FilmMagic

    I love the unusual shape Storm's outfit has! It also has an open back, where those side details kinda open up from, petal-style.

    45. Demi Moore

    Demi Moore attends the Saint-Laurent Womenswear Fall/Winter 2022/2023. She wears a black suit with a plunging neckline and electric blue leather gloves.
    Dominique Charriau / WireImage

    Demi's outfit is pretty simple, but I love the way she's used bright color sparingly to really change it up. The electric blue of her necklace and gloves are so eye-catching!

    46. Sofia Richie

    Sofia Richie attends ASOS celebrates partnership with Life Is Beautiful at No Name. She wears a linen jumpsuit with wide shoulders and a cinched in waist, in an off-white colour.
    Presley Ann / Getty Images

    Sofia's outfit just looks so comfortable! Breathable linen and a light color coupled with her beachy waves give it an effortless summer vibe.

    47. Scarlett Johansson

    Scarlett with Mark Ruffalo. She wears a light brown polka dot jumpsuit with white dots. It has no sleeves, a high neck, flared trousers and a cinched in waist with a circular buckle.
    Steve Granitz / WireImage

    Scarlett brought the vintage vibes to the Avengers cast hand printing event. Honestly, I can see her as a 60s movie star in this outfit!

    48. Gigi and Bella Hadid

    Gigi wears a blue silk jumpsuit with a silk cape going from her neck to cover half her body, while Bella wears a brown leather suit with a tube style top and flared trousers.
    Theo Wargo / Getty Images

    Gigi and Bella both said no to dresses at the Variety Power of Women event. I especially love Gigi's outfit — that stunning blue shade and the contrast between the jumpsuit's sharp silhouette and the flowing cape detail.

    49. Rosie Huntington Whiteley

    Rosie wears a pink boiler-suit style outfit in denim, with short sleeves and patchwork darker pink details. She combines it with black boots with silver details.
    Michael Kovac / Getty Images for Moet & Chandon

    I love how this baggy boiler suit-esque outfit is cinched in at the waist and showcased in a powder pink to give a feminine twist to a traditionally masculine outfit. I really like the color combo, though I'm not sure about the boots with the look — what do you think?

    50. Cate Blanchett

    Cate wears a satin black suit with a pale lemon yellow shirt tucked in, with large silver brooches down one side in the shape of animals/
    Mondadori Portfolio / Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images

    It's the details for me. Look at those stunning brooches! Plus, it's combined with a subtle lemon yellow shirt instead of the traditional crisp white.

    51. Ashley Graham

    Ashley wears a black long sleeved crop top with a highwaisted floaty skirt in green with bold yellow illustrated flowers with black outlines.
    Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for Michael Kors

    Such a nice springtime look! The bright floral pattern is really set off by the simple black crop top it's paired with.

    52. Alexa Demie

    Alexa wears a lilac satin top with puff sleeves and lilac trousers with purple zebra print. She pairs it with white sneakers.
    Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images

    Major nostalgic vibes! The dainty frilly top shouldn't work with the bold zebra print trousers and sneakers, but it really does!

    53. Lady Gaga

    Gaga wears a suit that is super baggy on her in a khaki-grey shade.
    Neilson Barnard / Getty Images for ELLE Magazine

    Arguably one of Gaga's most simple looks, she somehow makes drowning in fabric look mega chic and stylish!

    54. Gemma Chan

    Gemma wears a black, long sleeved crop top with silver sequin details, bejewelled neckline and a hood. Her midriff is visible, with a black belt with a silver buckle above a floaty mesh skirt with a see-through panel and silver beads.
    Gareth Cattermole / Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images for Disney

    I am bloody obsessed with this look! The hood, the midriff cutout, the mesh parts of the skirt — ugh, I just love it!

    Which look is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!