Honestly, thank god we live in the same time as Kerry Washington. The woman is a living legend, with an unmatched repertoire that covers everything from dramatic biopics like Ray, superhero films like Fantastic Four, and of course, her celebrated role as Olivia Pope in the hit Shondaland show, Scandal.
For three decades Washington has been making an impact on the screen and stage, which of course means she’s become a red carpet pro throughout the years as well. But don’t expect demure simplicity from a Washington style moment. The actress loves drama, color, exciting silhouettes, and unexpected accessories. She’s not afraid of ruffles or patterns and has never met a sequin she didn’t like. Because of that, Washington often gravitates toward designers like Dolce & Gabbana and Zuhair Murad, though she loves to mix it up and has worn just as much Ralph Lauren, Brandon Maxwell, and Etro. When it comes to Washington’s style, one should always expect the unexpected, which is what we love about her. Below, we’re looking back at the last 20+ years of Washington’s red carpet moments, tracking the actress’ style journey and her best looks from movie premieres, many Met Galas, and countless award shows.
2025: Golden Globe Awards
At the 2025 Golden Globes, Washington leaned into the opera gloves trend for her red carpet look. She paired her vintage-inspired accessory with a hot pink Balenciaga dress.
2024: Academy Museum Gala
The actress’s high-low Carolina Herrera dress was made all that more special thanks to this graphic black and white print.
2024: Met Gala
Washington channeled the 2024 Met Gala dress code, “Garden of Time,” with this dramatic flower-trimmed dress from Oscar de la Renta.
2023: Met Gala
Washington wore a three piece Michael Kors Collection look to the 2023 Met Gala, likely inspired by Karl Lagerfeld’s love of black lace.
2023: Vanity Fair Oscar Party
The actress grabbed this beautifully gathered dress from the Donna Karan archives.
2023: NAACP Image Awards
2023: Critics’ Choice Awards
The actress brought a bit of whimsy to the 2023 Critics Choice Awards in a colorful, bead-covered Armani Privé fall 2022 gown.
2022: The School For Good And Evil Premiere
Washington was seemingly inspired by Sharon Stone at the 1998 Oscars with her green Ralph Lauren look, which paired a casual, cropped polo on top with a much more dramatic taffeta skirt.
2022: Emmy Awards
The actress added a bit of edge to her Elie Saab spring 2022 haute couture mini dress with a pair of black tights.
2022: Met Gala
Going for a more sultry look at the 2022 Met Gala, Washington attended the event in a sheer Tory Burch dress with a high slit and matching opera gloves.
2022: Screen Actors Guild Awards
Washington went for drama at the 2022 Emmys, standing out in a neon yellow Celia Kritharioti spring 2022 couture gown for all the right reasons.
2021: Emmy Awards
The corset on this lilac Etro gown added both shape and intrigue to an otherwise simple, cowl neck silk dress.
2020: Vanity Fair Oscar Party
The Egyptian-inspired Zuhair Murad spring 2020 couture two-piece Washington wore to the Vanity Fair Oscar party truly is a work of art.
2020: Golden Globes Awards
Washington wasn’t afraid to show a bit of skin at the 2020 Golden Globe Awards, attending the event in a look from Altuzarra pre-fall 2020, featuring a silk skirt, blazer, and body chain.
2019: Emmy Awards
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