When it comes to red carpets we can't wait to watch, the Screen Actors Guild Awards isn't typically at the top of our list. It's never as hyped up as the more mainstream Golden Globes or the holy grail of film accolades, the Academy Awards — despite the fact that the same stylish faces frequent the step-and-repeat at all three. But from the first 30 minutes alone, the SAG Awards proved that it's the most underrated style spectacle of awards season.
Maybe it's because the pressure isn't as high, but the celebrities in attendance weren't afraid to give a little more oomph to the same old (albeit gorgeous) gowns we're used to seeing. Here, we saw cooler, unexpected designers like Erdem, Christopher Kane, and Peter Pilotto reign supreme; the typical neutral palette replaced with inventive colors; and some killer prints, to boot. In other words, the SAG Awards brought it. Consider our award show excitement at an all-time high.
Kiernan Shipka
We fell in love with Kiernan Shipka's purple Erdem bustier gown at first glance. But half of the magic is in the details: Stylist duo Jill Lincoln and Jordan Johnson teased the actress' look on Instagram before it made its red-carpet debut with dreamy accessories like an iridescent turquoise clutch, strappy Charlotte Olympia pumps, and Dana Rebecca Designs earrings.
Photo: Jeff Vespa/WireImage.
Brie Larson
Brie Larson's day-of, totally jet-lagged decision to wear a light blue Atelier Versace gown with a thigh-high slit definitely paid off. If only we could all look this good on a whim.
Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images.
Viola Davis
There's something about the sheen, shape, and indisputable glamour of a Zac Posen gown that's not only instantly recognizable, but also never fails to stop us in our tracks — and the designer does it once again with Viola Davis' taupe dress. The off-the-shoulder neckline, with its sharp, layered plunge and wrap-around sleeves, delivers that dose of Old Hollywood glamour we always long for at today's award shows. (The Buccellati jewels don't hurt, either.)
Photo: Todd Williamson/Getty Images.
Emilia Clarke
Magenta is a pretty bold choice when you're walking a carpet that's literally red. But that's no challenge for Khaleesi: Emilia Clarke wears her plunging Dior gown with gusto — and we're definitely fans.
Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images.
Samira Wiley
Any woman knows: It's daring to wear all white, especially to a party. But Samira Wiley breaks all the style rules in her custom Christian Siriano gown. Here's hoping she avoids any spills.
Photo: REX/Shutterstock.
Ellie Kemper
Now this is something you don't see everyday (or, at least, on your average red carpet). Sure, the strapless silhouette is a bit expected, but our eyes went directly to the dizzying blue, green, and white mosaic pattern on Ellie Kemper's Peter Pilotto dress. Can we get a coat in this print, please?
Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images.
Rooney & Kate Mara
Great minds think alike pick Valentino dresses to wear to the SAG Awards. Though sisters Rooney and Kate Mara accidentally picked numbers from the same designer, they couldn't be more different: The former selected a sleek black with a removable cape, while the latter opted for nude chiffon with bold mid-section straps (and Forevermark Diamonds).
Kristen Wiig
There's really nothing better than seeing a star roll up to a red carpet in something that's not heavily embellished and all tulle. Kristen Wiig's two-part Roland Mouret jumpsuit (read: party on the top, business on the bottom) hit all the right notes. Plus, we're all about any look that's both stylish and practical.
Photo: Jeff Vespa/WireImage.
Alicia Vikander
An allover sequined column gown? We've never seen that before — but leave it to Louis Vuitton and Alicia Vikander make this textbook red-carpet move feel totally fresh with a graphic grid of black, silver, and golden embellishment.
Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images.
Laverne Cox
Laverne Cox kicked off the SAG Awards red carpet on a high note with a one-shouldered crimson gown from Atelier Prabal Gurung and a Nathalie Trad clutch. The hand-draped chiffon — complete with a high slit and sash — is very Grecian-inspired.
Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images.
Gwendoline Christie
Through Gwendoline Christie's ice blue number got mixed reviews on social media, the little things (the ruffled detail, exposed stitching, and super-thin belt) had us falling head over heels.
Photo: Jeff Vespa/WireImage.
Uzo Aduba
She now has a statuette to prove it, but Uzo Aduba arrived to the SAG Awards looking like a winner in her emerald Zac Posen gown. The striped sequin pattern (and her glistening Marina B earrings and Kwiat ring) shined with every step she took.
Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage.
Naomi Watts
Florals on the red carpet may not be groundbreaking, but Naomi Watts' unexpected Burberry number — with its thick lace and bold blue hue and matching Bulgari jewelry — gives fleur-covered gowns a cool new meaning.
Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage.
Saoirse Ronan
Nothing feels more refreshing at the tail end of a chilly January than a light pink, lacy gown, and Saiorse Ronan's long-sleeved Michael Kors dress and sparkly Forevermark Diamonds has us dreaming of springtime. Now let's bring those warm thoughts to Brooklyn, shall we?
Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images.
Nicole Kidman
The cartoon-ish details from the new Gucci collection makes this dress primed for the red carpet: It's guaranteed to make a statement, it photographs beautifully, and it makes fashion editors lose. their. minds. (and geek out a bit) when they can actually identify a piece right off the bat. So, thank you, Nicole Kidman, for making us squeal (and for giving us some serious 13 Going on 30 vibes.)
Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images.
Sarah Paulson
What could have been your plain ol' black dress becomes a statement-maker with a feathered, pink-and-blue top. Sarah Paulson, nailed delivering the unexpected in a delightfully fluffy way.
Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images.
Gaby Hoffman
How a Brooklyn girl does a Hollywood red carpet: A custom dress by Rachel Comey and turquoise grandma heels. Thank you, Gaby Hoffmann, for always staying true to your roots.
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
Christina Ricci
Wednesday Addams, is that you? Christina Ricci ditched her typical all-black get-up for a pastel Christopher Kane gown that featured a fitted lace bodice up top and contrasting pleated skirt below.
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