The Absolute Worst-Dressed Stars At The 2025 Emmys

From Jenna Ortega dripping in jewels while wearing a Givenchy by Sarah Burton number, to Selena Gomez's Louis Vuitton red dress moment, to Quinta Brunson's deep plunging black ensemble by the same designer, there was some seriously stunning fashion at the 2025 Emmy Awards. But, unfortunately, as we've seen over the past five years of the Emmys, this red carpet is prone to some total fashion disasters. And this year was no different.

The TV event is one of the most formal on the calendar, with even those working the event asked to dress their best ("Dress is Formal. No Exceptions. Black tie or dark suit and tie for men; cocktail dress, long gown or dressy pantsuit for women," the 2024 media logistics read). But we still see many celebrities using the event to make a statement — fashion or otherwise — while taking a risk in a way they may not at similar awards shows like the Oscars. But this year's worst-dressed stars prove those risks don't always pay off.

We appreciated "Hacks" star Megan Stalter taking a stand on the red carpet via her "Cease fire!" bag, but the rest of her outfit was totally inappropriate for the Emmys. Her casual, white tee, baggy jeans, flat shoes, and dark sunglasses were the total opposite of the formal dress code. "Wow ! A Supermarket look for the #Emmys !" one X user even sarcastically tweeted of her drastically underdressed aesthetic. Though it's important to feel comfortable, being underdressed is a serious fashion mistake that suggests you don't care.

Though we loved the eye-catching, intricate beading on "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" star Bronwyn Newport's dress, it was the fabric that let it down. The shade was too close to her skin tone without matching it and the material would've been more flattering in a totally different color (like white) or as a sheer mesh. The garment also needed to be cinched in at the waist to create a cleaner silhouette. As it wasn't quite tailored properly, it looked wrinkled over her bodice, which distracted from her glam aesthetic.

The multiple strips of white fabric on Michelle Williams' one-shoulder Chanel dress added unflattering bulk to her silhouette, and the uneven lengths and random placement of pearls around her shins appeared untidy and unfinished. Unfortunately, she looked more like she'd been playing a round of toilet paper wedding dress at a bridal shower than walking the red carpet at one of the most prestigious awards shows on the calendar. This look was particularly disappointing considering fashion-forward Williams has so much potential and has gotten it right many times.

Parker Posey hit the red carpet in a light mauve, long-sleeved gown with a tiered skirt, complete with white lace edges, a silk trim over her chest, and a sheer cape over her shoulders — complete with feathers. She even added totally bedazzled, pointed-toe shoes. Though we loved seeing her have fun, the custom Valentino look washed her out, was too busy, and gave us Edwardian-inspired lingerie vibes. The other problem? It wasn't practical. At HBO Max's Post-Emmy Reception, she dragged leaves across the floor that were stuck to her lace.

Actor Sharon Horgan wore a sultry, sheer black dress with torso cut-outs that wasn't her best look. The multiple layers (including the frill over her hips) added bulk to her silhouette, and the thin band around her torso was a little too high. Had it been an inch or two lower, it would have been a lot more flattering on her stunning figure. Equally, the materials clashed. Almost every section featured a different style of mesh or lace (some with patterns) that didn't complement each other.

As much as it pains us to put Sarah Paulson on a worst dressed list, it had to be done. Her brown Marc Jacobs feather-filled gown swamped her frame and the exaggerated silhouette around her hips didn't create a flattering shape. The garment would have been more complimentary with a structured bodice to highlight her enviable figure. We weren't the only ones not feeling this look, either. "Sarah Paulson's dress looks like dyed chicken feathers sewed together to be a dress," one X user wrote.

Charlotte Le Bon Emmy look proved how important the right shoe is. She wore a modern, high-neck, silver maxi dress, that finished just higher than her ankle, but she covered every inch of her body by adding square-toed, nude sock boots. Granted, sock boots are a big heel trend in fall 2025, but Le Bon (or her stylist) didn't take note that block heels were the modern way to wear them. Regardless, the boot didn't work with her formal gown and a simple, nude pump would have been far chicer.

Lainey Wilson showed us the importance of dressing for the right event. Her white, cropped, halterneck top with a long train coupled with her sheer, bedazzled pants and white cowboy hat would have slayed at the rhinestone-filled CMA Awards. However, it missed the mark amid the chic, black-tie oufits worn by the other stars on the red carpet. If we were styling the country star, we'd have suggested tailored pants in the same material as her top to make the ensemble appear more cohesive and sophisticated.

Wendie Malick tried something different at the Emmys, but it didn't quite work. She wore a balloon sleeve, sheer, white shirt, under a long, black skirt with suspenders and two strings of pearls. Puff sleeves are back, so we understand that choice, but the long pearls felt outdated and the skirt length looked dangerous. Though Malick's animal print clutch could have elevated the ensemble, it didn't. Bold leopard print is a major fall 2025 fashion trend, but her bag was cheetah, so felt like a missed opportunity to modernize a classic aesthetic.