Emmy red-carpet looks provide inspiration for race day fashion

The White Lotus star Alexandra Daddario topped Best Dressed lists wearing a nude-toned Christian Dior gown with a slick bob hairstyle and knockout red lipstick, while actress Jean Smart wore a custom Christian Siriano white gown complete with shawl-collared neckline, long sleeves and a tied side knot for an avant-garde diversion.   

Actress Laura Linney (nominated for Best Actress for her role in Netflix’s hit drama show Ozark) also shined, in a peplum turtleneck Christian Siriano black-and-white gown, paired with a low bun and silver accessories – a contender for Derby Day perhaps? 

Our nostalgia for the 90s is ever present thanks to Yellowstone star Christina Ricci, who wore a sparkling brown-and-silver Fendi gown with matching bag that raised a toast to old Hollywood glam.  

Squid Game’s HoYeon Jung perfectly captured the 90s in a Louis Vuitton geometric patterned dress that was a stunning mix of sparkling lavender, peach, sage and black.  

Hot pink was a popular colour choice. Pam & Tommy producer Ali Krug donned a tiered pink chiffon gown; Mare Winningham of Dopesick wore a hot-pink long sleeved tea-length gown with contrasting accessories; and Molly Shannon also opted for a long sleeve V-neck gown with a side knot.  

Actress Julia Garner pulled off a high-fashion runway look in a Gucci sheath velvet dress. The Best Supporting Actress winner for her role in Ozark proved that cut-out details are still de rigueur. Matched with messy curls and nude platform heels, the focus was on the silver crystal floral embroidery detail in the dress. 

Shades of yellow found their sunshine moment at the Emmys, too. Geena Davis wore a yellow Grecian-inspired gown with plunging neckline and gathered waist details, while Mariam Wang went fluro-yellow in her avant-garde angular silhouette. Angela Bassett chose a sunshine yellow gown with bodice corset and draped one-shoulder detailing, and Liv Hewson also opted for sunny golden-yellow vibes. Colman Domingo proved all that glitters is gold in a two-piece suit for the lads.  

Hollywood wow was truly embraced with the red-carpet looks of Elle Fanning in a black-and-peach custom-made Sharon Long gown, and Zendaya in an elegant Valentino strapless black ball gown with bow detail, matched with sparkling jewels. Kerry Washington stunned in her Elie Saab mini dress with elaborate flower detail on the shoulder and waist. She paired this with Louboutin black stilettos and black stockings.  

Shades of purple and lilac was also a strong trend on the night. Sandra Oh rocked a purple jumpsuit with a plunging silk blouse, while Amanda Seyfried looked gorgeous in her Armani Privé lilac sequin hourglass gown. Woke actress Sasheer Zamata wore Tarik Ediz for her purple power moment. 

The men who turned the most heads included RuPaul who wore a leopard-print suit, Emmy nominee Himesh Patel in a black-and-white mosaic print dinner jacket for a point of difference, and actor Nicholas Braun, who opted for monochrome cool in all white, matched with an art deco diamond brooch. Andrew Garfield went all-white, while Ted Lasso star Toheeb Jimoh wore a pale blue suit with wrap-style waist, for a fun twist on a classic.