Top 12 Best-Dressed at the 2026 Emmy Awards!

The 2026 Emmy Awards brought us some seriously unforgettable red carpet fashion, from dreamy lavender gowns and shimmering silver looks to dramatic black silhouettes and head-to-toe sparkle. And honestly, there were so many beautiful looks that choosing just 12 was not easy. But after going through all the outfits, details, styling, hair, makeup, and those little fashion moments that made each look stand out, I finally picked my top 12 favorites. So, from number 12 all the way to the look I loved the most, let's take a look at the 12 best-dressed stars of the 2026 Emmy Awards. Sarah Pidgeon Starting my list with Sarah Pidgeon feels absolutely right because I genuinely think this was one of the most beautiful looks of the night. For her first ever Emmys, and as a first-time nominee for Love Story, Sarah chose a custom lilac Chanel silk gown that gave me that perfect 90s feeling without looking like she was trying too hard to recreate Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. I loved the sleek slip dress shape and the asymmetric bias cut because the whole gown moved so softly around her. And then, when you look closer, you notice the pearl and crystal embellishments around the neckline and bodice, which add just enough glamour to this otherwise very clean silhouette. What I especially loved was the way Sarah carried the Chanel look from head to toe. She added Chanel high jewelry, including diamond necklaces and those gorgeous chameleon flower-shaped rings, while the delicate purple sandals kept everything in the same soft color palette. Even the back of the gown had beautiful embellishment, so the dress looked interesting from every angle. And I think that balance is what made this work so well for me. It was feminine and glamorous, but it never became overwhelming. And of course, I can't talk about this look without mentioning Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. Since Sarah played CBK in Love Story, that 90s minimalist influence was always going to be part of the conversation. But what I really appreciate is that Sarah didn't simply copy Carolyn's wardrobe. She took that clean slip dress idea and made it her own with the soft lilac color and much more delicate embellishment. For me, that's exactly why Sarah belongs on this list. She understood the reference, but she still looked completely like herself. Mariska Hargitay. Those were one of those red carpet moments that immediately caught my attention. She arrived at the 2026 Emmys in a custom fire engine red Monce gown by Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia. And honestly, I think the story behind this dress makes it even more beautiful. The gown was a tribute to her late mother, Hollywood icon Jane Mansfield, who famously wore a sparkling red look in the 1956 film, The Girl Can't Help It. I love that Mariska didn't simply recreate her mother's dress, but brought the idea into the present with a plunging mermaid silhouette completely covered in red sequins, a structured bustier bodice, and an asymmetric off-the-shoulder strap. The skirt then opened dramatically from the knees into a sweeping train with spiky feather-like detailing, giving the whole look that incredible old Hollywood glamour while still feeling very modern. For me, the styling was just as impressive, because Mariska allowed that red gown to do most of the talking. She wore sky-high red platform sandals that continued the monochromatic look, along with delicate diamond jewelry, including a sparkling bracelet. Nothing felt unnecessarily added, and I think that was the right decision because the dress already had so much going on. I also really loved her new hairstyle. Mariska stepped away from her familiar bob and appeared with a longer, fuller lob styled in soft, natural-looking waves. With her glowing skin and soft, rosy makeup, the beauty look felt polished but still incredibly fresh. Florence Pugh made her Emmys debut as a presenter, and I have to say, this was such a beautiful way to arrive. She stepped onto the carpet in a custom shimmering lilac Vivienne Westwood gown, and I immediately loved how soft and romantic the whole look felt. The fitted silhouette beautifully followed her figure, while the off-the-shoulder draped sleeves gave it that almost goddess-like quality. The gown was covered in delicate sparkle, and then came that long, sheer train flowing behind her, which made the look feel even more dramatic without taking away from its elegance. I also really liked how she styled it. Florence added sparkling Bulgari jewelry, including a statement necklace and delicate earrings, and finished the look with platform heels. But for me, the hair was what made everything feel a little more effortless. Instead of wearing her blonde hair completely down, she swept it into a soft, slightly undone updo, with loose pieces framing her face. Paired with her glowing skin, defined eyes, strong brows, and glossy soft lip, the beauty look complemented the dreamy lavender gown rather than competing with it. And honestly, I think Florence got the balance exactly right here. The dress had sparkle, the train had drama, and the jewelry brought in that extra touch of luxury, but nothing felt too heavy. I love when a red carpet look manages to feel glamorous and romantic at the same time, and this one definitely did that for me. Julia Garner Julia Garner was another look that immediately caught my eye because I absolutely loved how clean and striking this silver moment was. She arrived in a custom floor-length Loewe gown designed by Jonathan Anderson, and the shimmering fabric hugged her figure beautifully without making the dress feel overly complicated. I especially liked the halter neckline with that simple knot detail at the front because it gave the gown an architectural touch, while the completely open back and side slit added just enough edge. For me, it was one of those dresses that looks simple when you first see it, but becomes much more interesting the longer you look at it. I also think Julia made a very smart decision with the accessories. Styled by Elizabeth Saltzman, she kept the jewelry minimal and let the silver gown remain the star, adding statement silver earrings for just a little extra sparkle. And then those metallic Betsabe Alessandra Mirror platform sandals brought even more shine to the look. I loved that she didn't add a clutch or pylon jewelry because with a dress this reflective, adding too much would have taken away from its clean effect, and honestly, the beauty look worked perfectly for me too. Julia kept her makeup soft and neutral, while her platinum pixie cut gave the whole look a very polished, modern finish. I think that short hairstyle was especially effective with the open back and high neckline because it allowed us to actually see the shape of the gown instead of covering it with hair. Nicole Kidman. After nine years away from the Emmy's red carpet, she came back in a custom white Chanel dress styled by Jason Bolden, and I absolutely loved how different it felt from the usual floor-length awards show gown. The tea-length pencil silhouette stopped just above her ankles, while the exaggerated hips and dramatic thigh-high slit gave the otherwise clean white dress a really unexpected shape. But what really caught my eye was that beautiful off-the-shoulder neckline, covered with layers of delicate flowers made from silk crepe, silk organza, and textured raffia. It almost looked like feathers from a distance, which made the whole dress feel incredibly sculptural. I also love how Nicole styled it because she didn't try to compete with all that detail. She went with classic black pointed-toe Chanel pumps, which created this really sharp contrast against the white dress, and added diamond drop earrings along with a few understated pieces of jewelry. Her blonde hair was swept back into a loose bun, leaving the neckline completely visible, and the relaxed hairstyle actually made the structured dress feel softer. For me, that contrast between the architectural dress and the effortless beauty look was one of the best parts of the outfit. And honestly, I think this was such a smart Emmy comeback for Nicole. She could have gone for a traditional glamorous gown after being away from this carpet for so long, but instead she chose something that felt artistic and very fashion-forward. Chase Infinity. Chase Infinity made her Emmy Awards debut, and I have to say, this was one of those looks that immediately made me look twice. As a first-time Emmy nominee for The Testaments, she arrived in a custom Louis Vuitton mermaid gown, covered in hundreds of tiny copper-colored beads and spheres, and I absolutely loved how unusual the texture was. The strapless sweetheart neckline kept the top of the dress clean, while the fitted silhouette followed her body before dramatically flaring out around the knees. And that rich copper tone was such a beautiful choice. I love that Chase had wanted this particular color because it made the entire look feel warm, luxurious, and completely different from the usual silver or gold awards show gowns. I also think the styling was very smart. Chase worked with Wayman and Micah and Louis Vuitton on the custom look, and instead of adding a lot of competing jewelry, they allowed all those tiny beads to become the statement. Her hair was worn down in soft voluminous waves, which gave the structured mermaid shape a more romantic feel, while her makeup stayed radiant and understated. For me, that balance really worked. The dress already had so much texture and shine that keeping everything else relatively simple made the gown stand out even more. And honestly, I think what I like most about this look is that Chase didn't play it safe for her first Emmys. She could have chosen a classic black or glittering silver gown, but instead she went for this sculptural copper creation that felt much more artistic. Haley Khalil Haley Khalil brought a completely different kind of glamour to the Emmy red carpet, and honestly, I really liked the simplicity of it. She stepped out in a classic black dress with a fitted corset style bodice that hugged her figure before opening into this incredibly full, billowing skirt. For me, that contrast was what made the look work. The top felt structured and sexy, while the dramatic skirt gave it that elegant, almost fairytale quality. There was no complicated color combination or unnecessary print, just black, a beautiful silhouette, and a lot of presence. What I especially loved was how the dress created such a strong shape around her. The fitted bodice gave the look definition, while the oversized skirt added movement and drama as she walked. I think black can sometimes be the easiest choice on a red carpet, but when the silhouette is this striking, you really don't need much else. Haley's look felt polished and glamorous without trying to follow every trend at once, and for me, that made it surprisingly memorable. And honestly, this is exactly the kind of look I enjoy putting on a best dress list. I don't always need a dress to be covered in crystals or have a complicated design to make me love it. Sometimes, a great black dress with the right proportions can do so much more. Jessica Williams brought one of the prettiest lavender moments of the night, and I honestly couldn't take my eyes off this dress. She arrived in this gorgeous lavender honor gown with a structured corset-style bodice and an incredibly full, ruffled skirt. I really loved the way the dress played with volume. The fitted top gave her shape, while the dramatic layers of lace and tulle opened out around her hips and continued into that beautiful, almost princess-like skirt. The little bow detail at the center of the bodice added an extra feminine touch, and for me, the soft lavender color made the whole look feel romantic without becoming too sweet. I also loved how Jessica kept the accessories delicate instead of competing with all that texture. She added sparkling Jessica McCormack jewelry, including hoops, ear cuffs, and statement rings, along with a Tyler Ellis clutch. But what really made me look twice was her hair. Those bold little baby bangs gave the otherwise ultra-feminine gown a much more modern personality, while the rest of her beauty look stayed soft and romantic with glowing skin and pretty pink tones. I think that contrast was really clever because it stopped the look from feeling like a straightforward princess moment. And honestly, I think Jessica understood exactly how much drama this dress needed. She didn't need a complicated color combination or layers of heavy accessories. The lavender gown was already doing all the talking. Elle Fanning Elle Fanning gave us one of those looks where I immediately thought, this is so different for her, and I love it. She arrived at the 2026 Emmys in a custom jade green Ralph Lauren gown, and instead of her usual princess-like old Hollywood silhouettes, she went for something much more fluid and effortless. The shimmery silk chiffon gown followed her figure beautifully, with a plunging neckline and a completely open back that made the look feel much more modern. I especially loved the way the fabric caught the light because that soft jade color almost seemed to glow every time she moved. And then there was the long train, and that beautiful shoulder detail which added movement without making the dress feel heavy. I also think the styling was incredibly well judged. Elle worked with her longtime stylist Samantha McMillan and finished the look with elegant Cartier drop earrings, keeping the jewelry simple enough that the color and texture of the gown remained the focus. And honestly, this is probably what I loved most about Elle's look. She still had that softness and elegance I always associate with her, but this time she didn't need a huge ball gown or an obvious princess silhouette to create that feeling. The sleek jade color, the delicate shimmer, the open back and that flowing train were enough. Selena Gomez Selena Gomez was honestly one of the first looks that caught my eye on the 2026 Emmys carpet. She arrived in a custom Louis Vuitton gown covered in shimmering gold chainmail, and I love how the entire dress almost made her look like a living Emmy trophy. The strapless silhouette stayed beautifully sleek through the body, while the gold pieces were arranged in a spiral around her waist, creating this gorgeous sculpted effect before opening into a soft mermaid skirt. And then that long train stretched across the carpet behind her, making the whole look feel even more glamorous. For me, the combination of that liquid gold shine and the peacock blue carpet was absolutely perfect. I also really loved the jewelry because Selena didn't simply add more gold to an already golden dress. She chose mixed metal Tiffany & Company pieces from the Bird on a Rock collection, including feather-inspired jewelry combining 18-karat yellow gold with diamond-set platinum, now on hand. She skipped a necklace, which I think was the right choice, and instead let the earrings, rings and bracelet add their sparkle around the neckline and hands. Her hair was worn down in soft romantic waves, while the makeup stayed warm and pretty, with flushed cheeks and a soft berry peach lip. And honestly, I think this look worked so well because Selena didn't overcomplicate it. The dress itself was already the statement, so everything else simply supported it. I love that she went from last year's sleek red Louis Vuitton look to something completely different this time, while still keeping that polished, glamorous feeling. The gold texture, the sculpted waist, the flowing train and those beautiful Tiffany jewels all came together so naturally. Zendaya And honestly, if I had to put someone at number one, I would choose Zendaya without thinking twice. She returned to the Emmys in a custom Prada gown that was basically covered in sparkle from top to bottom, and I absolutely loved the way it looked against the carpet. The gown had a dramatically plunging V-neckline, mirrored at the back, with sheer silver tulle covered in crystals and shimmering beadwork. The fitted silhouette followed her body beautifully before falling into a soft floor-length train. And for me, the entire look had that rare quality where it felt incredibly glamorous without looking heavy. Even her barely-there pink satin Prada pumps were kept almost hidden underneath the gown, so nothing distracted from all that sparkle. Then there was the jewelry. And I think this is where Zendaya and La Roche really understood the assignment. She wore beautiful Mikimoto pearl and diamond pieces, including earrings, a bracelet, and a watch, while also wearing her engagement ring. I love that they didn't cover her in huge gemstones just because the dress was already so dramatic. The pearls actually softened all that silver sparkle and gave the look a much more elegant finish. And then of course, we have the hair. This was Zendaya's red carpet debut with her new pixie cut. And honestly, I think the short haircut made the gown even more striking. Instead of hiding the neckline beneath long hair, she allowed us to see every detail of the dress. For me, Zendaya didn't just look beautiful at the 2026 Emmys. She looked completely in control of the moment. And that's why she's taking the number one spot on my best dressed list. And that's my list of the 12 best dressed stars at the 2026 Emmy Awards. Some looks were romantic, some were bold, some were beautifully simple, and a few definitely gave us those unforgettable red carpet moments. But now I want to know what you think. Which look was your favorite, and who would you have put at number one? Let me know in the comments, and if you enjoyed this fashion countdown, don't forget to like the video and subscribe for more celebrity and red carpet fashion.