In many ways, Orange Is The New Black has been the show to trump all shows these last two years. Be it through feminist messages, inherent body positivism and size inclusivity, visibility for LGBTQ individuals, or normalization of non heteronormative sex, OITNB has broken barriers and helped a lot of people feel just a little bit less marginalized. At the 2015 Emmys, the cast of Orange Is The New Black, however, has shown its skills in another category: Fashion. Although I personally think OITNB should win the (fictional) Emmy for Most Body Positive Series, it's nominated at the Sept. 19 awards show for Outstanding Drama Series.
We don't often get to see the characters of Orange Is The New Black truly express their sartorial interests on screen (other than through those beloved flashback scenes), but the women who play our cherished, radical felons never fail to rock it IRL. On tonight's red carpet, they've brought out all the stops. From glitter to monochrome to sartorial rule breaking at its core to the minimalist trend, each OITNB cast member has amped up their individuality in red carpet-ready style. What's so great is that each gal manages to look incredibly unique on her own whilst still blending in effortlessly with her fellow cast members. But I guess that perfect balance of individualism and girl-power-group is what makes the show so special to begin with.
Lauren Lapkus
Only minutes into the Emmys red carpet, Lauren Lapkus (aka Susan Fischer) slayed in a floor length gown with embroidered floral detailing and a wine red hue that screams fall.
Laura Prepon
OITNB's Alex Vause slayed in a gown that's giving me all the feels. The Game Of Thrones-esque shawl meets bolero detailing atop is fairytale-like and undoubtedly fit for a red carpet. But it's the curve-hugging bodice and mermaid meets royalty-like train that seal the deal.
Laverne Cox
In the words of Caitlyn Jenner, Laverne Cox is simply "iconic." Her teal, floor-length gown is curve-hugging and unapologetically yet subtly bold. She's the picture of glamour.
Danielle Brooks
When Danielle Brooks graced the red carpet, I was personally ready to call it a night. No one human in the universe's future will ever be able to top the wacky yet elegant, weird yet totally cute gown that Danielle Brooks rocked tonight. When a plus size woman goes totally bold, body positive, and rule-breaking like this, it always feels pretty magic.
Dascha Polanco
Dascha Polanco's color-blocked gown is so trendy yet classic. I love the sheer-ness of the train paired with the bandeau-like upper half. The actress' sleeked hair is also everything.
Natasha Lyonne
Natasha Lyonne just wouldn't be the IRL counterpart of Nicky Nichols if she wasn't all about the black on black. There's something almost flapper-esque about the lower half of her gown, with grown-up Lydia Deetz vibes radiating from top to bottom. Her makeup, however, is natural and understated. So Nicky, no?
Uzo Aduba
Can we all take a moment to reflect on how much Uzo Aduba looks like everything you've ever wanted from a Disney princess? This gown, with its halter neck cut and wide skirt, is totally fit for a castle.
Taryn Manning
Oh, Tiffany "Pennsatucky" Doggett: The OITNB character we never quite know whether to love or hate. One thing is for certain: Taryn Manning wore something totally unique, bold, and fierce on the Emmys red carpet. The bat wing detailing is evocative of a young Stevie Nicks while the open back keeps things glamorously unapologetic.
Taylor Schilling
Taylor Schilling (literally) shone on the red carpet in a yellow gown not unlike one Belle would wear. Her bob is very evocative of '20s glam, which combined with the red lip made the whole look gorgeously retro.
Kate Mulgrew
Kate Mulgrew followed the black tie dress code in totally elegant fashion. Her embellished neckline added just a bit of quirk to an otherwise simple LBD.
Samira Wiley
On the 2015 carpet, Samira Wiley most definitely stole my heart. The hot pink hue of her gown is Barbie-esque in the chicest of ways, while the cape and drape detailing is on trend but also quintessentially glamorous.
Yael Stone
Well, I think it's safe to say that Yael Stone deserves the Princess At The Emmy Award for this gown and her storybook-like twirl. Lorna would be so proud.
Selenis Leyva
Selenis Leyva ruled the red carpet in a gown that Cersei Lannister would be proud of (which is, when you think about it, an utmost sartorial compliment).
Matt McGorry
When you compare him to the plethora of Orange Is The New Black gals who ruled the red carpet, Matt McGorry's simple tux seems pretty meh. However, he kept things classic — and that's certainly a good policy for a black tie event.
Here's hoping OITNB takes home the Body Positive Emmy, as well as Best Dressed On The Red Carpet — awards that only exist in my mind, but that I feel are relevant nonetheless.
Images: Getty Images
