Fashion
Kerry Washington's Chic Style Evolution From Scandalously Bad To Seriously Stunning
When it comes to fashion, a certain Scandal star is no pushover. Yes, Kerry Washington approaches red carpet fashion like her Scandal character Olivia Pope approaches crisis management: She assesses her options, determines what will best fit the situation at hand, and confidently walks away from each successful experience knowing that she handled it with aplomb. But style wasn't always second-nature to the star. Read on for a comprehensive look at Kerry Washington's style evolution.
In A Printed Dress, 2001
An extraordinarily youthful Kerry Washington rocked a beige and brown printed sleeveless dress in 2001.
In A Silver Shirt, 2002
The actress rocked a shirt so reflective it could double as a mirror in 2002, but her brilliant smile distracted viewers from the fashion faux pas.
In Grey Satin And Trousers, 2003
The star selected a military-inspired jacket rendered in gunmetal silk for a Revlon event in 2003, though the only battle was over whether the look should be donated or scrapped.
In A Metallic Ball Gown, 2004
A glowing Washington sported this champagne-colored ball gown with a beaded illusion neckline in 2004 to the joy of fashion critics everywhere.
In A Ribboned Column Gown, 2004
The star selected this optical column gown for a 2004 appearance. The illusion? The dress appeared to feature a windowpane pattern, which in reality was fashioned out of several contrasting ribbons against a background of pale satin.
In Ruffled Red Chiffon, 2005
Washington has taught her audience many significant sartorial lessons, one of which being the transfixing quality of wearing ruffled red chiffon on the red carpet.
In A Striped Gown, 2005
The star garnered more than a few glances in this beaded striped statement gown with floral adornment at the waist.
In A Tiered Purple Gown, 2006
The actress selected a regal amethyst-colored tiered gown for a red carpet appearance in 2006.
In Oscar de la Renta, 2007
The late sartorial virtuoso Oscar de la Renta created this stunning printed yellow gown, worn to great applause by Kerry Washington in 2007.
Image: Kevin Winter/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
In Jean Paul Gaultier At Cannes 2007
Cannes wasn’t prepared for a radiant Washington to waft down its red carpet in this grecian Jean Paul Gaultier gown in 2007.
In A Mint And Cream Ensemble, 2008
Olivia Pope would not only approve of this chic, business-ready ensemble, she might even take time out of her busy crisis-managing schedule to ask who designed the look.
At Cannes In A Satin Ball Gown, 2008
The actress struck an authoritative pose in perhaps one of her most memorable red carpet looks of all time: this voluminous, corseted satin ball gown with slight peplum detailing at the waist.
In Zuhair Murad, 2009
The style star’s floral embroidered Zuhair Murad mermaid gown at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival was nothing less than a home run.
In A Lace And Chiffon Gown, 2009
A delicate white lace bodice and layered black chiffon skirt created one unforgettable look in 2009.
At The Metropolitan Opera Opening Night, 2010
Marchesa fashioned a perfectly ethereal gown for Washington’s appearance at the Metropolitan Opera opening night in 2010.
In Zuhair Murad At The 2011 Emmys
After Washington made her grand entrance to the 2011 Emmys in this stunning crimson Zuhair Murad gown, the awards were simply an afterthought.
In Gucci, 2011
The star choose a daring, plunging shift in jewel-toned emerald and indigo for a 2011 Gucci event.
At The 2012 LACMA Gala in Gucci
Washington stole the LACMA show in this fetching clementine-colored, beaded Gucci shift.
At The 2012 Emmys in Vivienne Westwood
The actress glittered in this sequined, curve-hugging Vivienne Westwood gown at the 2012 Emmys.
In Marchesa At The 2013 Emmys
The delicate floral accents, lace underlay, and an empire waist on this Marchesa gown made a statement at the 2013 Emmys.
In Miu Miu At The 2013 Oscars
Washington took on a sophisticated golden beaded bodice with a salmon skirt by Miu Miu for the 2013 Oscars.
In Balenciaga For The 2014 Golden Globes
An expectant Washington chose Balenciaga to drape her best accessory — a burgeoning baby bump — for the 2014 Golden Globes.
In Prada At The 2014 Screen Actors Guild Awards
A neon fuchsia beaded crop top and full pleated skirt by Prada displayed Washington’s baby bump for the world to see at the 2014 Screen Actors Guild Awards.
