Top 6 red carpet looks of Selena Gomez that stole the show

97th Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty
97th Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty

It's impossible to drop the topic, especially when it is about how Selena Gomez did so well in various corners of show business—be it with her songs being on top, her acting getting praised, or her fashion on the go. The camera became one of her closest friends back in 2002 when she participated in Barney & Friends; hence, it was no wonder for people that years have only strengthened her career.

The fact that she was only at the beginning of her 30s in 2022 and managed to accomplish about two decades in the industry and to be known as a multi-talented person is an extraordinary feat. She has grown a lot over the years, and the list of her iconic red carpet walks reflects her step-by-step image transformation and the increasing impact on pop culture.

In starting her career at the age of 10, there were quite a few missteps: some questionable wardrobe choices, something most of us are likely to be grateful never hit a public stage during our middle school angst years. However, Selena Gomez's fashion evolution through the whirlwind of adolescence has been nothing short of incredible.

Even with inevitable highs and lows, she never fails to emit poise and charm, easily rocking a multitude of styles with confidence and grace. With Only Murders in the Building, Selena Gomez has given us endless iconic red carpet moments, but there are a few standouts that mesmerize and bring on the nostalgia among fans and fashionistas alike.

From the time Selena Gomez entered the entertainment industry up to now, she has never been known to miss the red carpet. These appearances show how she is capable of transforming her senses to match the occasion. Her style is unique, as she can effortlessly mix traditional fashion with modern ones, choosing to stand out by sticking to what works for her rather than by following popular trends.

Her decision on what to wear may range from sober designer long dresses to lively colorful prints. Thus, she not only maintains her fashion sense but also exposes her creative side and stands in good stead even if she sometimes breaks some boundaries, which have made her an apple in the eyes of both critics and fans. With time, her red carpet appearances have not only mirrored her style development but also her personality, confidence, and self-assuredness.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Reader discretion is advised!


Here are the top 6 red carpet looks of Selena Gomez of all time

Take a look at the 6 best choices of Selena Gomez's red carpet dresses that show us the foremost moments of her growth from a teenage idol to a global fashion icon. These dramatic dresses prove that she is flexible, as she can be both a fashion leader with a strong sense of fashion and show off very delicate looks.

Every single look is a significant step as she becomes a style leader with her Hollywood charm or tries out modern tribal, brightly colored, and most playful designs, whichever is the case; there is evidence of her evolving character and improving taste.

1) Selena Gomez at the American Music Awards 2016

Selena Gomez certainly caught everyone's attention at the 2016 American Music Awards when she showed up in a lavish but humble red Prada dress that screamed quietly. She avoided the use of over-the-top decorations or grandiose cuts, selecting a pure form of beauty, simple lines, a deep crimson hue that looked good on her, and a figure that smoothly moved with her steps.

2016 American Music Awards - Roaming Show - Source: Getty
2016 American Music Awards - Roaming Show - Source: Getty

The whole look was perfectly harmonious and well-rounded: the dress was bold in color, yet it was so simple that Selena’s natural beauty was still the focus. Moreover, the small features were also as impactful as the dress. From her softly glowing makeup to the sleek, center-parted ponytail that gave her face a look mixed with a kind of compact poise, all was elegance.

2016 American Music Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty
2016 American Music Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty

The last piece of the puzzle was the Cartier diamond earrings that gently moved on her ears, and it was just enough to give the dress the needed bright point without stealing the attention of the crowd.

2016 American Music Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty
2016 American Music Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty

Not simply a fashion statement, it was a re-entry into the world of fashion. Having kept herself away from the public gaze to take care of her health, Selena Gomez’s commendable and confident comeback on the red carpet was akin to a quiet but powerful reclaiming of her position: she was again the head, stronger and more brilliant than ever.

Read More: 8 times Miley Cyrus ruled the red carpet


2) Selena Gomez at the Met Gala 2017

Even prior to strutting her stuff on the Met Gala red carpet in 2017, Selena Gomez was already creating buzz as a Coach ambassador in late 2016. The collaboration was a savvy move for both the brand and Selena Gomez, uniting at a headlining moment during fashion's biggest night.

She accompanied the event arm-in-arm with Coach creative director Stuart Vevers and her then-boyfriend, The Weeknd, in their first public outing as a couple. Vevers designed a custom blush-hued gown for the evening that paid homage to the elegance of the 1930s undergarment period, revamping vintage slip dresses in a contemporary American setting.

"Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between" Costume Institute Gala - Arrivals - Source: Getty
"Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between" Costume Institute Gala - Arrivals - Source: Getty

"There's this retro, American vibe we wanted to access," Vevers said in an interview, adding that the dress wedded the delicacy of old-fashioned lingerie with the signatures of Coach. Sequin star detailing and fringed dainty vintage lace were used to embellish the dress, which also featured a thigh-high center slit and a light-as-air train that lent drama to the outfit.

"Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between" Costume Institute Gala - Source: Getty
"Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between" Costume Institute Gala - Source: Getty

Selena Gomez finished off her look with a sweet Coach mini bag, showy Tiffany & Co. choker, and an electric pink smoky eye that added a playful, trendy touch.

Read More: Top 10 iconic Hollywood friendships of all time


3) Selena Gomez at the SAG Awards 2022

Selena Gomez made a spectacular impression in 2022 with her first-ever SAG Awards appearance, exuding timeless elegance and natural charm. Arriving not just in a conventional way, the star didn't merely come.

28th Screen Actors Guild Awards - Red Carpet - Source: Getty
28th Screen Actors Guild Awards - Red Carpet - Source: Getty

Instead, she immediately captivated everyone's attention, projecting the very heart of the classical Hollywood celebrity but in the most up-to-date style. In a floor-sweeping black velvet gown by Oscar De La Renta, Selena Gomez was the epitome of elegance on a cold February night, reiterating her great sense of fashion.

The creation was carefully designed, its simple, straight-line form magnificently combined with massive, puffed sleeves to create a interesting yet clean and graceful appearance. Her styling choices also supported the look of the dress: a minimalistic makeup idea and well-groomed hair left the dress's features to be the centerpiece of the look without the danger of overshadowing the person wearing it.

28th Screen Actors Guild Awards - Red Carpet - Source: Getty
28th Screen Actors Guild Awards - Red Carpet - Source: Getty

What added the real touch of glamor was the actress's jewels, Bulgari diamonds that whispered luxury rather than shouted it. Moreover, an emerald ring helped the actress in bringing the contrast to the outfit, it was the final, key point of the look that was both daring and appealingly low-key.

Read More: Dakota Johnson’s 6 most talked-about red carpet looks


4) Selena Gomez at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival

Selena Gomez made a memorable first impression at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, where she wore an exclusive Louis Vuitton outfit that not only exuded a timeless style but also an air of luxury. By stepping onto such an event's iconic red carpet for the first time, Selena Gomez lived up to the moment she was in by way of her brave, fashion-forward look that both referenced old Hollywood's charm and showed off her own taste in fashion.

"The Dead Don't Die" & Opening Ceremony Red Carpet - The 72nd Annual Cannes Film Festival - Source: Getty
"The Dead Don't Die" & Opening Ceremony Red Carpet - The 72nd Annual Cannes Film Festival - Source: Getty

The two-piece outfit with clean lines, combined with the daring high slit and a powerful belt, was the most elegant grace. However, it was the perfect Bulgari jewelry that really made the look beautiful and pushed it from stylish to an unforgettable one. Instead of her usual soft makeup choices, Selena Gomez went for a bold cat-eye and a bright red lip, thus adding vivid drama and color to the otherwise classic palette.

"The Dead Don't Die" & Opening Ceremony Red Carpet - The 72nd Annual Cannes Film Festival - Source: Getty
"The Dead Don't Die" & Opening Ceremony Red Carpet - The 72nd Annual Cannes Film Festival - Source: Getty

Her hair, which was tied in a braided bun but still elegant, disheveled look, was the last thing that finished the transformation, changing her into a goddess of the silver screen. Indeed, after such a grand entrance, one simply could not help but think that if that was anything to go by, then the future of Selena Gomez on the red carpet is a bright one to watch.

Read More: Eva Longoria’s 5 best Cannes red carpet moments


5) Selena Gomez at the MTV Video Music Awards 2023

When autumn 2023 came around, Selena Gomez opened a new stage of her fashion adventure by crowning an alliance with a stylist, Erin Walsh, and quickly got them on the front pages of all fashion magazines.

Her stepping out in a brilliant crimson Oscar De La Renta gown was one of their most memorable moments at the beginning of the partnership, and the dress was a special design that brought out the refined taste of Walsh.

2023 MTV Video Music Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty
2023 MTV Video Music Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty

The dress was composed of a corset-style top that was furnished with a skirt-like attire that had a magnificent floral fringe, made of hand-applied flowers, each of which was meticulously bead-embroidered with bugle beads and reflected the light from all sides.

2023 MTV Video Music Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty
2023 MTV Video Music Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty

To give the outfit a perfect finish, she put on Jimmy Choo strappy red sandals in a fierce red shade and Ganby white gold and diamond jewelry, looking like a blossoming garden's neatness and grace. The whole styling not only showcased the changing face of Selena Gomez but also her ingeniously blended glamour with artistry under the expert guidance of Walsh.

Read More: 6 times Juliette Binoche owned the Cannes red carpet


6) Selena Gomez at the Emilia Perez TIFF premiere in 2024

Arriving dramatically alone at the premiere of Emilia Perez during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, Selena Gomez soloed with dramatic poise on September 9, 2024. The actress opted for a stunning black Rodarte ensemble that walked the line of sophistication and rebellion.

2024 Toronto International Film Festival - "Emilia Perez" Premiere - Source: Getty
2024 Toronto International Film Festival - "Emilia Perez" Premiere - Source: Getty

The halter neck of the dress was also glossy, with a flower-like glittering feature placed at the bust, from where it fell to a structured peplum waist before budding out into a sensually hugging, sequin-glinting silhouette that shone under the lights. Sleek Santoni heels and sparkling diamond jewelry from Tiffany & Co., such as earrings and stacked rings, complemented the outfit.

2024 Toronto International Film Festival - 'Emilia Perez' Premiere - Source: Getty
2024 Toronto International Film Festival - 'Emilia Perez' Premiere - Source: Getty

Her nails were plum-hued and high gloss for the added glam. Selena Gomez, in her role as Jessi Del Monte in the critically acclaimed movie, was cool but also polished by providing soft yet glamorous makeup: radiant skin, sculpted brows, fluttering lashes, and a bright red lip.

Her dark brown locks were styled in large, bouncy waves and pulled to the side for a hint of nostalgia. With this red carpet event, Selena Gomez again demonstrated that aside from her acting skills, she also possesses an excellent sense of style.

Read More: 9 best Bella Hadid Cannes looks of all time


Selena Gomez's red carpet journey over the years is a statement of her growth not just as an artist but also as a self-assured, fashion-conscious woman who knows the art of looking good. From cutesy, whimsical outfits to sophisticated high-fashion pieces, she has consistently used clothing as an outlet for her feelings.

When she goes the timeless route or dares to experiment, Selena Gomez still manages to look refined and distinguishable with each appearance. Being styled by the best industry professionals and having a distinct and clear image of herself, she has turned herself into a fashion icon who is up-to-date with the latest trend: not a single misstep, even when it comes to the red carpet.


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Edited by Sangeeta Mathew