10 Times Celebs Wore Retail Outfits on the Red Carpet
Jenifer Lewis
“70th Primetime Emmy Awards” (2018)
With just one look, she perfectly combined comfort and activism. Jenifer Lewis turned heads when she arrived at the 2018 Primetime Emmy Awards in head-to-toe Nike apparel. She wanted to show support for the sportswear brand after they did the same for Colin Kaepernick, who’d been receiving backlash for protesting the National Anthem. To show her appreciation for their solidarity, Lewis opted for a sweatshirt— with a bedazzled version of their logo, of course— leggings, and a pair of sneakers. Her outfit sent a powerful message and ensured she wouldn’t spend a single moment of the ceremony in discomfort. She was even able to pull off a stunt on the red carpet, proving that you don’t have to prioritize glamor to create an iconic moment.
Amanda Seyfried
“Gringo” Premiere (2018)
She’s proven time and time again that retail frocks can be just as chic as their glam counterparts. Amanda Seyfried is no stranger to H&M, with her metallic blue two-piece set becoming a standout during the U.K. premiere of “In Time.” Several years later, she showed her love for the high street brand again during the 2018 premiere of “Gringo.” She opted for a piece from H&M’s Conscious Exclusive line, namely a sheer, lacy black dress over a black bodysuit. It created the ultimate vampy look for the red carpet. The garment was made entirely from Econyl, a recycled material created from discarded fabric waste. Therefore, she was able to look amazing and help the Earth all at once.
Bryce Dallas Howard
“73rd Golden Globes” (2016)
Affordability isn’t the only upside to wearing retail on the red carpet. Bryce Dallas Howard proved that when she donned a gorgeous long-sleeved blue gown from Neiman Marcus to the 2016 Golden Globes. Not only did she opt for the department store, she even chose the piece herself rather than consult a stylist. When asked, she explained that she wanted to have plenty of size 6 choices to select from, rather than be given whatever was available from a high-end designer. Howard continued her affordable streak at that years’ Critics’ Choice Awards, where she stunned in a bright yellow gown from TopShop. Both looked incredible on her, proving that you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg in order to shine.
Olivia Palermo
Paris Fashion Week (2011)
She may be a socialite, but that doesn’t mean she’s always decked out in designer clothes. Although Olivia Palermo has worked with plenty of luxury brands during her career, she’s repped plenty of retail ones as well. At Paris Fashion Week in 2011, she headed to a runway show in an adorable floral dress from Zara. Despite only costing about $70 at the time, she looked like a million bucks as she arrived. The garment was perfect enough on its own for the summer runway, but she elevated it even further with a pair of purple heels and a collection of perfectly curated accessories. The event itself may have been full of couture pieces, but her affordable garment stood out in the best way possible.
Gabourey Sidibe
“62nd Cannes Film Festival” (2009)
Bryce Dallas Howard isn’t the only one who’s noted a lack of size diversity amongst designers. Actress Gabourey Sidibe has been vocal about brands refusing to work with her and other plus-sized celebrities. The snubs date back to her first red carpet appearance at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, where her debut film “Precious” was set to premiere. Designers made it clear they didn’t want to dress her for the event, which forced her to take the matter into her own hands. She arrived in a stunning, ruched black gown from Torrid, which proved a garment could be size-inclusive and stylish all at once. The piece looked fabulous on her, and the experience highlighted just how cruel and fatphobic the industry could be.
Zendaya
“Tinkerbell and the Great Fairy Rescue” Premiere (2010)
Every fashion icon has to start somewhere! Although Zendaya has repped plenty of luxury brands at the Met Gala and beyond, her very first industry event was another story entirely. The then-child star attended the 2010 premiere of "Tinkerbell and the Great Fairy Rescue” in an outfit consisting of several pieces from Target. She paired an adorable tan dress with a jean jacket and boots, creating a look that any girl her age could’ve pulled from their closets themselves. Despite her humble beginnings, Zendaya has never looked back on the night with shame. She mentioned that she felt cool back then and implied that it set the stage for the haute couture garments she’d wear as an adult.
Lana Del Rey
“5th Variety Hitmakers Awards” (2021)
You don’t always have to pull out all the stops while walking the red carpet— even if you are one of the night’s biggest honorees. Lana Del Rey proved that in 2021 when she accepted the Decade Award at the Hitmaker Awards in a revealing marbled green mini-dress, knee-high boots, and a simple black jacket. Fans set out to find out where she bought it, and deduced that it was either from SHEIN or Girl Fairy, two online fast fashion brands. Regardless of who made it, the outfit caused an immediate stir once she arrived. While there were several posts lambasting its supposed lack of cohesion, her choice made it clear that she prioritized her own comfort and sense of style over a designer garment.
Selena Gomez
2011 Stars Gala (2011)
When styled right, any off-the-rack outfit can seem like it was made by an elite designer. Selena Gomez proved that when she attended the Stars Gala in 2011. As soon as she arrived, she revealed a stunning silver cocktail dress from Forever 21. Though she had bought it from a mall retailer, you’d never be able to tell, thanks to her pairing it with stilettos and makeup that highlighted her natural beauty. The garment was elevated thanks to a single sleeve and a cheeky cut-out on the torso, helping her look cute yet mature for the red carpet. The seemingly simple frock was perfect, allowing her to turn heads while not taking away from the importance of the event.
Sandra Bullock
“The Heat” Berlin Photocall (2013)
She may be a Hollywood veteran, but that doesn’t mean she’s always dressed to the nines in haute couture fashion. Sandra Bullock proved her style versatility while attending a photo call in Berlin for the 2013 comedy “The Heat.” The actress was perfectly chic in a black button down, strappy heels, and a midi leather skirt— the latter of which was purchased from the online retailer ASOS. Not only did she look effortlessly beautiful, the skirt helped create a professional yet fashion-forward look. Her off-the-rack inclusion proved that flashy garments weren’t necessarily needed to make a statement on the red carpet. It also highlighted the importance of having classic pieces that could be dressed up or down depending on the event.
Sharon Stone
“68th Academy Awards” (1996)
Retail to the rescue! Sharon Stone originally intended to wear a designer garment to 68th Academy Awards in 1996. It was the first time she’d been nominated, and as such, she was eager to make a good impression. However, due to both of her options falling through, she was forced to pivot. She and costume designer Ellen Mirojnick raided her closet, where they pulled out a black t-shirt from Gap. They then paired it with a high-end skirt and jacket, a flower from Stone’s garden. Her mother then quickly mended a small hole, and from there it was red carpet ready. Thanks to the t-shirt, what started out as a fashion emergency ended in one of the most memorable looks in the awards shows’ history.
Which of these off-the-rack looks is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
