Red dresses have long been a tradition on the red carpet. A colour known to inspire confidence and romance, the red dress has proved itself time and time again to be a failsafe choice that can be dressed up or dressed down and accessorised in an endless number of ways.
From poppy red to deep burgundy, there’s a red hue to suit every skin tone and hair colour – and the style options are endless, too. One of this year’s big colors fashion trends, the key to wearing red is picking the color and cut that works for you.
To show our appreciation, we’ve rounded up 32 of the best red dresses we’ve spotted on the red carpet, from Bardot dresses to feathered frocks and ball gowns.
32 of the best red dresses ever worn on the red carpet
Angela Bassett in Alberta Ferretti
Angela Bassett gives us so much drama in this unforgettable red carpet dress. Worn to the 2021 Academy Awards, she turned heads in this red gown that features truly dramatic bow-style sleeves that turn into a marvellous poofy trail, a relaxed v-neck and leg split. Continuing with the theme of all-out glamour and luxurious dressing, Angela wears jaw-dropping jewellery supplied by Chopard and a fun clutch bag resembling a pair of red lips. A classic smokey eye adds depth to this eccentric look.
The best red dresses to buy today
Florere Fluted Cuff Dress
This classic red dress has a beautiful and flattering silhouette, with a form-fitting cut and fluted sleeves. Perfect for wedding receptions or red carpet events (should you attend any), it’s also a great race day dress.
M&S Puff Sleeve Midi Waisted Dress
With gorgeous puffed sleeves and a flattering belted waist, this red midi dress can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Wear with statement jewellery and embellished shoes for a dramatic look, or team with pared-down accessories for a classic outfit.
Whistles Red Cape Sleeve Dress
We can always rely on Whistles when it comes to feminine day-to-night dresses. With gorgeous draped sleeves and a crew neckline, this bright red number is fun yet sophisticated.
Jennifer Aniston in Haute Couture Valentino
Strapless dresses are always spotted on the red carpet and are a super flattering choice for formal events. Wearing Valentino at the 2013 Oscars, Jennifer Aniston’s simple yet timeless red gown is one of our firm favourites. The Friends star brought touches of glamour with a gold reflective clutch, bangle jewelry and on trend colored milk nude nails
Priyanka Chopra Jonas in Vivienne Westwood
Snapped here at the Citadel movie premiere in London in 2023, Priyanka Chopra Jonas brings the drama in this Vivienne Westwood dress that features the late designer’s signature corseted bodice and romantic draped shoulders. Its red-orange hue is the perfect twist on a classic red dress and is tastefully complemented with a matching Matt lipstick of the same color priyanka keeps accessories minimal, ensuring this timeless dress stays the focus of the look while her collarbone-length hair is styled in a very loose wave.
Dita Von Teese in Lena Hoschek
Dita Von Teese oozes old Hollywood glam in this marvellous gown, pictured here at the 2019 Life Ball in Vienna, Austria. The deep, pointed neckline of the dress and artfully draped fabric featuring a huge ruched bow detailing is a clear nod to Von Teese’s burlesque dancing roots, while the small yet luxurious train at the back of the dress gives the dress a truly red carpet feel. Her signature jet-black 1920s finger wave hairstyle gives this look a perfect vintage glamour feel. We also love her classic red lip.
