Trend to Try: Rich Jewel Tones
While black and white are forever classics, the 2026 Emmys red carpet was awash in a sea of vibrant, saturated color. Celebrities leaned into deep emerald greens, sapphire blues, and rich cherry reds, proving that bold hues bring instant elegance. Linda
Cardellini was a standout in a vibrant yellow Monique Lhuillier gown that looked like pure sunshine. This trend is one of the easiest to adopt. You don't need a full-length gown; a sapphire blue blazer, an emerald green sweater, or a pop of cherry red in a handbag or shoe can elevate your everyday neutral outfits, making them feel intentional and expensive without requiring a complete style overhaul.
Trend to Try: Modern Metallics
Shimmer and shine were out in full force, but this year’s metallics felt more sophisticated than showy. Leslie Bibb glistened in a champagne gold slip dress that was minimalist in silhouette but maximalist in impact. Ariana Madix also channeled the trend with a blush-toned gown covered in crystal sequins, which she described as a "glamorous mermaid" look. The key to making this work off the carpet is all about balance. Instead of a head-to-toe sequin gown, try a metallic knit top paired with jeans, a simple silver slip skirt for a night out, or even just a pair of gold heels to add a touch of glamour to a classic black dress. It’s all the sparkle with none of the fuss.
Trend to Try: Sharp, Tailored Silhouettes
Power dressing made a statement, with many stars opting for sharp, structured looks over softer, flowing gowns. Karolina Wydra’s sleek black strapless gown featured a dramatic, asymmetric folded neckline that added architectural interest. On the menswear front, Colman Domingo once again proved he is a fashion innovator, pairing a sharp tuxedo jacket with an ornate shirt and cummerbund for a look that was both elegant and full of personality. For your own wardrobe, think blazers with strong shoulders, well-tailored trousers, or dresses with interesting necklines. These pieces provide a structured foundation that always looks polished and put-together.
Trend to Leave on the Carpet: Extreme Textures
While texture adds dimension, some of the evening's looks took it to a dramatic, and frankly impractical, extreme. Emily Bader wore an olive-green sequinned gown with a heavily woven and fringed skirt. While a critic praised the look, another commented that the tangled fringe made the dress look like it was made of seaweed. Similarly, some looks featuring excessive feathers, fringe, or complex fabric manipulations are designed for a 10-foot walk in front of photographers, not for navigating a crowded room or sitting down for dinner. Leave the high-maintenance fabrics to the professionals and opt for more wearable textures like velvet or bouclé instead.
Trend to Leave on the Carpet: The Overly Ornate Waist Sash
Accessorizing can make or break an outfit, and this year, one specific accessory proved divisive. Colman Domingo is a perennial best-dressed contender, but his custom Valentino look, which featured a satin waist sash wrapped over his jacket, drew criticism. Fashion critics noted that the sash, a signature of the designer's maximalist style, did little to enhance the otherwise sharp look. Kingston Rumi Southwick wore a similar style with decorative frog closures that felt slightly more cohesive, but the consensus remains: an external sash is a tricky proposition. It's a high-fashion quirk that adds unnecessary bulk and can easily look out of place away from the curated chaos of the red carpet.
Trend to Leave on the Carpet: High-Concept 'Naked' Dresses
The infamous “naked dress” continues to evolve, but its 2026 iteration remains firmly in the “don’t try this at home” category. While sheer panels and illusion fabrics can be stunning, many of the evening's most daring looks relied on such precise tailoring and strategic embellishment that they border on wearable art. These gowns often require an army of stylists, double-sided tape, and a level of confidence most mortals simply don't possess for a regular Tuesday. The risk of a wardrobe malfunction is sky-high, and the look is so context-specific that it loses all its power once removed from the flashbulb-lit fantasy of the red carpet. It's a trend built for spectacle, not for real life.
