Fashion

Emma Stone and Lorde Wore Pants to the 2015 Golden Globes — So Here Are 15 Iconic Moments of Women Wearing Suits on the Red Carpet

For decades, women wearing pants on the red carpet proved utterly taboo... a fashion decision — or rather, mistake — that guaranteed a slot on the worst dressed list. Most women attending awards shows or other glamorous occasions, therefore, seemed to strictly adhere to the notion that dresses were the only acceptable silhouette for the females. As if instead of limousines, they rode side-saddle to each appearance. With all of these events, there certainly comes an idea of fairytale inevitably accompanied by images of designer dresses that sparkle and flow — to live out such a dream if one gets the chance can hardly be something deserving of critique. But sometimes, it gets a little boring.

Enter the pantsuit and its mischievous friend, the jumpsuit. Together, these two ensembles provide a much-needed respite from the monotony of gown after gown. Sure, Diane Keaton has been stunting in her suits for years, but a notable uptick in the amount of pantsuits and jumpsuits spotted on red carpets hadn’t really occurred until the past five years or so. Suddenly, everyone from Emma Watson to Solange to (most recently) Emma Stone and Lorde, have sported the trend, proving that long gowns and sequins aren’t necessarily the only possible prerequisites to a captivating carpet look.

by Melissa L. Haney

Emma Stone, 2015 Golden Globe Awards

From the flapper-esque strapless top to the silk bow at the waist, Stone stole the show in this Lanvin jumpsuit. Accessorizing with little more than a bold lip and a dramatic smokey eye, the Birdman actress achieves the perfect only-with-a-jumpsuit balance of feminine and fun.

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Lorde, 2015 Golden Globe Awards

Always a fashion risk-taker, Lorde stuns in this all-black Narciso Rodriguez ensemble. Adding a few of her signature touches (see: strong lip, crop top) along with some sparkling Neil Lane jewels, Lorde makes what could be a somewhat ordinary pantsuit distinctly her own.

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Kendall Jenner, 2014 British Fashion Awards

It’s official: Kendall Jenner can keep up with the Kardashians. Giving her older sisters a run for their money, Jenner makes a memorable red carpet statement in this Emilio Pucci jumpsuit, stunning in its black-and-white color blocking and elongating silhouette.

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Zendaya, 2014 American Music Awards

Zendaya may be new to the scene, but this look is pure retro. Channelling her inner Donna Summer, the singer/actress shimmers with this Georgine number, unique from a typical pantsuit in not just its golden glow, but its oversized fit.

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Jessie J, 2014 MOBO Awards

Jumpsuits certainly have a distinctly 70s vibe, one that Jessie J fully embraces with this Emilio Pucci studded jumpsuit straight from Studio 54. With the plunging neckline and signature jet-black hair, however, the British songstress adds her own touches that give the look an undeniably modern feel.

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Gwen Stefani, 2014 MTV Video Music Awards

When it comes to fashion, Gwen Stefani certainly does not adhere to any predetermined rules — her daring red carpet looks prove almost legendary as her long-lasting career in entertainment. Here, Stefani stuns in L.A.M.B. Couture, making a bold statement with a structured two-piece ensemble color-blocked in a bright fuchsia and black combination.

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Cara Delevigne, 2014 Met Gala

If anyone could pull off pants at the Met Gala, it’s Cara Delevigne. The free-spirited British supermodel absolutely kills it in this black and white Stella McCartney number made all the more stunning by some expert, fits-like-a-glove tailoring on each piece.

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Anna Farris, 2014 People's Choice Awards

Along with being absolutely hilarious in everything that she does, Anna Farris also consistently turns out on the red carpet. With this nude embellished Naeem Khan outfit, Farris opts for a softer take on the coordinating separates look, keeping an overall feel of formality without making it too serious.

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Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 2013 British Fashion Awards

In an electic red blazer and tri-colored pants that trick the eye, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley puts a vibrant twist on a classic shape in this Antonio Berardi pantsuit. Extra points to the British supermodel/actress for her sleek, slicked-back hair.

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Janelle Monae, 2013 Grammy Awards

Janelle Monae knows how to wear a suit. She can almost always be seen waking down the red carpet in a constantly unique yet still classically tailored blazer and pants, but it’s this three-piece embroidered Moschino suit with tails (!) that really puts Monae at the top of the menswear game, redefining what it means to be a woman on the red carpet.

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Emma Watson, 2014 Golden Globe Awards

The evolution of the brilliant and talented Emma Watson into fashion ingénue has been a rapid one. So, it comes as no surprise that Watson nails this unique Christian Dior ensemble, mixing fitted black trousers with an elongated red blouse of sorts to make a remarkable red carpet moment.

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Miley Cyrus, 2013 American Music Awards

Ironically, sometimes a pantsuit can be the most daring choice, especially for someone so accustomed to taking fashion to its absurdist — high-waisted cat bikini — extreme. Case and point: Miley Cyrus, pictured here in all-white Versace Versus.

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Diane Keaton, 2014 Golden Globes

What would a lady suit roundup be without Diane Keaton? The authority on women in menswear, Keaton consistenly shatters red carpet stereotypes by dressing in looks — like this Ralph Lauren number — that Annie Hall would be proud of.

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Solange, 2014 'Girls' Season 2 Premiere

They don’t come much cooler than Solange. And for anyone who mistakenly thinks otherwise, Solange more than pulls off this Just Cavalli blazer and pants combo in a colorfully coordinated print.

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Taylor Swift, 2012 MTV Video Music Awards

As of 2014, it’s safe to say that Taylor Swift has become a bonafide fashion stunner, taking red carpet risks and totally owning street style. Arguably, her transformation into pop superstar began with this all white J. Mendel pantsuit in 2012, a stark contrast from her hitherto strict uniform of sparkling evening gowns.

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