Most Expensive Red Carpet Looks in History

Red carpet events are a major attraction for luxury fashion lovers all over the world. Fans, fashion bloggers, and style influencers eagerly wait to see the celebrity red carpet outfits—many of which are bold, glamorous, and sometimes over-the-top. These high-profile events, like the Super Bowl of Hollywood fashion, bring together the biggest names in the industry wearing luxury designer dresses that cost a fortune.

Famous award shows like the Golden Globes and Oscars are no longer just about honoring the best movies—they are now global stages for the most talked-about celebrity fashion trends. These events shine a spotlight on high-end couture gowns, sparkling jewels, and one-of-a-kind designs, often worth tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

From Beyoncé Knowles to Elizabeth Taylor and Nicole Kidman, many celebrities have stunned the world with their million-dollar looks. These expensive red carpet gowns are often made with rare fabrics, hand-sewn crystals, and custom detailing, showing just how important fashion and celebrity net worth have become in these star-studded moments.

Beyoncé – $300,000

If there’s one rule for fashion at the Met Gala, it’s this: go big or go home. In 2016, the theme was “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology,” and Beyoncé followed it perfectly.

Her custom Givenchy dress was made from organic Talalay latex, a rare material in fashion. The gown was fully decorated with real pearls, with each pearl costing about $8,000. When combined, this luxury outfit reached a total value of $300,000, making it one of the most expensive red carpet dresses in Hollywood history.

Jennifer Lawrence – $80,000

Jennifer Lawrence didn’t take home the Oscar for her role in American Hustle, but she definitely won in the celebrity fashion category at the 2014 Oscars.

She wore a stunning red Christian Dior haute couture gown with a fitted top and a stylish peplum waist. According to Vogue, the dress cost around $80,000. This elegant yet simple look was a favorite on fashion blogs and proved that high-end fashion doesn’t need to be complicated to turn heads.

Julia Roberts – $95,000

At the 2001 Academy Awards, Julia Roberts accepted her Best Actress Oscar for Erin Brockovich in a truly iconic look. She wore a black and white Valentino gown, reportedly worth $95,000.

In a 2017 interview with People, Roberts revealed that the gown is carefully stored under her bed, in a box, waiting to be passed on to her daughter. This adds sentimental value to an already priceless piece of Hollywood fashion history.

Rooney Mara – $100,000

At the 2016 Oscars, even though Rooney Mara didn’t win for her role in Carol, she certainly made a lasting impression in a Givenchy couture gown.

This dress had a gothic style, delicate lace, dramatic cut-outs, and a thigh-high slit. According to Harper’s Bazaar, this elegant gown cost about $100,000, making her one of the most talked-about stars in red carpet style news that year.

Cate Blanchett – $100,000

Cate Blanchett wowed everyone at the Oscars when she won for her role in Blue Jasmine. She wore an Armani Privé gown, decorated with detailed embellishments and soft-colored tulle.

The New York Times reported that this gown cost around $100,000. It was the perfect choice for a winning moment, combining celebrity elegance with luxury fashion.

Charlize Theron, again – $100,000

During the 2013 Academy Awards, Charlize Theron shared the stage with Dustin Hoffman to present an award—but she looked like a winner herself.

She wore a white Dior gown featuring a deep V-neck, a peplum waist, and a floor-sweeping train. According to Marie Claire, the gown had a price tag of $100,000, proving once again that Hollywood red carpet fashion is worth every dollar.

Kate Winslet – $100,000

In 2007, when Kate Winslet was nominated for her role in Little Children, she appeared in a mint green silk Valentino gown, chosen with help from her daughter, Mia.

Winslet mentioned she plans to keep the dress so Mia can one day play dress-up with it. But with a value of $100,000, that’s one very expensive celebrity fashion moment to play with.

Audrey Hepburn – $131,292

Audrey Hepburn’s floral Givenchy dress worn at the 1954 Oscars is a timeless piece of vintage celebrity fashion. With a boat neckline and a white belt, it was both elegant and classic.

She won an Oscar that night for Roman Holiday, and later, in 2011, the dress was sold to a private collector for $131,292. It’s not just a dress—it’s a valuable piece of Hollywood fashion history and collectible designer couture.

Lupita Nyong’o – $150,000

After winning an Oscar in 2014 for 12 Years a Slave, Lupita Nyong’o returned to the red carpet in 2015 as a presenter. She wore a stunning Calvin Klein gown covered with 6,000 pearls.

Nyong’o described the dress as priceless, timeless, and a piece of art. But shortly after the event, TMZ reported that the dress, estimated at $150,000, was stolen. Luckily, it was returned when the thieves found out the pearls were fake. Still, the dress became one of the most famous in celebrity red carpet fashion history.

Anne Hathaway – $80,000

At the 2011 Oscars, Anne Hathaway not only hosted the show but also wore eight different outfits. Styled by celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe, her looks were all stylish and expensive.

Among them, the red carpet Valentino gown was the most costly. This elegant designer piece cost around $80,000, as reported by Vogue, making it a top moment in luxury celebrity fashion.

Cate Blanchett, again – $200,000

In 2007, Cate Blanchett arrived at the Academy Awards wearing a dramatic gunmetal Armani Privé gown. Though she didn’t win for Notes on a Scandal, her dress made her look like an award herself.

The one-shoulder gown, covered in Swarovski crystals, was valued at $200,000, according to Harper’s Bazaar. This was a show-stopping example of high-end red carpet couture.

Cameron Diaz – $62,500

During the 2010 Oscars, Cameron Diaz wore a strapless Oscar de la Renta gown featuring champagne tulle and gold embroidery.

The gown had a price tag of $62,500, reported by The Richest. Diaz’s look proved that celebrity style and confidence can truly shine on the red carpet.

Alicia Vikander – $80,000

Alicia Vikander had a huge moment at the 2016 Oscars, winning Best Supporting Actress for The Danish Girl. Her outfit matched the occasion perfectly.

She wore a bright yellow Louis Vuitton gown, which was valued at $80,000, according to Forbes. This stylish look added her name to the list of red carpet fashion icons.

Princess Diana – $302,000

Princess Diana wore a velvet, off-shoulder gown to a White House dinner in 1995, where she famously danced with John Travolta. This look became one of the most memorable royal fashion moments.

The dress first sold for £100,000 in 1997, and again in 2013 for £240,000—about $302,000. It’s a priceless piece of royal celebrity fashion history.

Marilyn Monroe – $5.6 million

Marilyn Monroe’s white pleated dress from The Seven Year Itch (1955) is one of the most iconic movie outfits ever.

Designed by William Travilla, the dress was sold at auction in 2011 for a stunning $4.6 million. After fees, the total value reached $5.6 million, making it the most expensive celebrity dress ever sold.

Grace Kelly – $4,000

At the 1955 Oscars, Grace Kelly wore a beautiful ice blue gown by Edith Head. She won the award for Best Actress for her role in The Country Girl.

The gown was made from French satin and cost $4,000, which was the most expensive dress at that time. It also came with a matching evening coat—a timeless piece in classic Hollywood fashion.

Kristen Stewart — $7,500

At the Hollywood premiere of Breaking Dawn: Part 2 in 2012, Kristen Stewart stunned everyone in a Zuhair Murad strapless gown.

The dress, with a corseted bodice, was worth $7,500, and she later auctioned it for charity, as reported by Entertainment Weekly. It was a daring look that showed her evolving fashion image.

Rachel McAdams – $30,000

At the 2016 Oscars, Rachel McAdams looked stunning in a green August Getty Atelier gown. She was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Spotlight.

With a bold slit, a flowing train, and minimalist style, the dress cost about $30,000. McAdams completed her look with natural makeup and a classy updo, turning heads in affordable celebrity elegance.

Brie Larson – $50,000

Brie Larson emerged as a fashion icon in 2016. At the Golden Globes, she wore a dazzling gold Calvin Klein gown, but her Oscars look truly stood out.

Wearing a Gucci gown worth $50,000, Larson showed that she could master both award-winning acting and high-end fashion with ease.

Charlotte Rampling – $125,000

At age 69, Charlotte Rampling stunned the crowd at the 2016 Oscars in a blue-and-white long-sleeve Armani Privé gown. She was nominated for Best Actress for her role in 45 Years.

The elegant dress cost about $125,000, showing that timeless fashion and confidence can shine at any age on the red carpet.

Olivia Wilde – $10,000

The 2013 Met Gala had a bold theme: “Punk: Chaos to Couture.” Fashion lovers from around the world waited eagerly to see how designers would bring this edgy idea to life.

Olivia Wilde wore a daring white Calvin Klein outfit with a bare midriff. The outfit was modern, clean, and cost around $10,000. She completed her red carpet look with Fred Leighton jewelry, adding just the right amount of sparkle to her luxury fashion appearance.

Kate Bosworth – $26,000

Known as one of the most important nights in high-end fashion, the Met Gala gives designers a chance to show their creativity through celebrity outfits.

In 2013, Kate Bosworth wore a detailed, long-sleeved Balmain top as a dress, which was a unique fashion moment. She styled it with a gold belt and Ferragamo heels, with the full look estimated to cost around $26,000—a great example of luxury red carpet fashion.

Princess Diana, again – $137,000

One of Princess Diana’s most loved outfits was a powder blue evening gown by Catherine Walker. She wore it at several events including a 1987 Cannes Film Festival appearance and a photoshoot with Terrence Donovan.

Later, the silk gown and scarf were sold at auction for $137,000. But given Diana’s impact on royal fashion and celebrity style, the dress is considered worth far more in historical value.

Audrey Hepburn, again – $923,000

When Audrey Hepburn played Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), she changed fashion forever with her little black dress.

The Givenchy gown became a fashion icon and a must-have look for decades. In 2006, the original dress was sold at auction for $923,000, making it one of the most valuable movie costumes and a true luxury fashion collectible.

Constance Jablonski – $35,610

The 2013 Met Gala theme, Punk: Chaos to Couture, gave designers space to be bold and creative with fashion.

Model Constance Jablonski wore a leather harness and gown outfit by Wes Gordon. The daring look stood out among others at the Costume Institute Benefit, with a price tag of $35,610. It showed how far designers go to impress at the Met Gala, known as the Super Bowl of fashion.

Keira Knightly – $39,000

At the 2006 Oscars, actress Keira Knightley walked the red carpet in a stunning maroon taffeta gown by Vera Wang.

This one-shoulder dress was praised as one of the most beautiful in red carpet history. Later, she donated it to Oxfam, and it sold at auction for $39,000—a meaningful blend of celebrity style and charity.

Jennifer Lawrence, again – $100,000

Jennifer Lawrence is known not just for her acting, but also for her memorable red carpet moments—including her famous fall at the 2013 Oscars.

In 2016, she arrived late to the Academy Awards, missing the red carpet walk. But when she finally appeared, it was worth the wait. She wore a lacy Dior gown, estimated at $100,000, which instantly earned praise. Her late arrival turned into a powerful fashion statement in celebrity style news.

Angelina Jolie – $10,000

One of the most unforgettable red carpet moments in Hollywood history came when Angelina Jolie arrived at the 2013 Oscars in a stunning black Atelier Versace velvet dress.

The gown itself cost over $10,000, but it became famous because of Angelina’s bold pose showing off her leg through the thigh-high slit. The photos went viral and made this dress one of the most talked-about looks in celebrity fashion history.

Saoirse Ronan – $60,000

At the 2016 Oscars, Saoirse Ronan was nominated for Best Actress for her role in Brooklyn. While she didn’t win the award, she made a huge impact with her style.

She wore a beautiful emerald green Calvin Klein gown designed by Francisco Costa, worth around $60,000, as reported by Forbes. The green color was chosen to honor her Irish heritage, making it a meaningful and elegant moment in red carpet fashion.

Jessica Biel – $100,000

During the 2014 Academy Awards, actress Jessica Biel took the stage to present alongside Jamie Foxx. She wore a silver Chanel gown that looked simple but very expensive.

The sleek design featured metallic shine and delicate details. According to Vogue, the gown cost around $100,000, placing it among the top looks in luxury celebrity fashion.

Heidi Klum – $1 million

Heidi Klum always stuns on the red carpet, but at the 2014 Golden Globes, her full look was actually worth about $1 million.

Her outfit was accessorized by Lorraine Schwartz jewelry, including a 200-carat black diamond necklace with a 10-carat center stone, plus black diamond earrings and a ring. It was the ultimate showcase of celebrity jewelry and red carpet luxury.

Charlize Theron – $90,000

In 2014, Charlize Theron showed up to the Oscars as a presenter in a dramatic Christian Dior couture gown.

The black satin and organza dress featured sheer straps, a deep neckline, and a fitted silhouette that flared into a structured train. StyleCaster reported the value to be $90,000, and it’s now seen as one of her best red carpet fashion moments.

Nicole Kidman – $2 million

At the 1997 Oscars, Nicole Kidman wore a bold chartreuse Dior gown by John Galliano. She was there to support then-husband Tom Cruise, but the spotlight was all hers.

The dress was so exclusive that Kidman was reportedly paid $2 million to wear it, according to The New York Post. It became a defining moment in both Hollywood red carpet history and fashion endorsement deals.

Elizabeth Taylor – $167,500

In 1970, Elizabeth Taylor wore a periwinkle chiffon gown with a plunging neckline when she presented the Best Picture award at the Oscars.

Designed by the legendary Edith Head, the gown later sold at auction for $167,500 in 1999. Taylor considered it one of her favorite dresses, making it a classic piece of vintage celebrity fashion.

Jennifer Lawrence, again – $4 million

The Dior gown that Jennifer Lawrence wore to the 2013 Oscars was already stunning—but its value skyrocketed when she tripped while walking up the stairs to accept her Best Actress award.

Her fall led to 75 seconds of solo camera time, which would have cost $4 million in ad time. So technically, the dress became one of the most valuable marketing pieces in fashion history.

Lady Gaga – $30,000,000+

Yes, over $30 million. At the 2019 Oscars, Lady Gaga stepped away from her usual bold outfits and wore a timeless black gown by Alexander McQueen.

What pushed the look into record-breaking territory was the Tiffany yellow diamond necklace she wore. It’s the largest yellow diamond ever found and was once worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. This look is iconic in luxury fashion and jewelry history.

Giuliana Rancic – $3 million

TV host Giuliana Rancic is known for her red carpet interviews, but she also dresses like a star. At one event, her full look was estimated at $3 million.

The massive cost came from her 10-carat diamond earrings and ring, not the dress itself. Even without knowing the gown’s price, this is one of the most expensive red carpet looks ever worn by a presenter.

Reese Witherspoon – $3.7 million

Reese Witherspoon has come a long way in Hollywood. She’s not just a famous actress, but also a successful producer and business owner. So when it comes to red carpet fashion, she doesn’t need to check the price tag.

At the 2014 Golden Globes, she wore a simple dress but added a lot of value with luxury jewelry. Her look featured 4-carat diamond studs, a 10-carat emerald-cut diamond ring, and three diamond bracelets—bringing the total to $3.7 million. That’s true Hollywood elegance.

Jessica Alba – $5.8 million

Jessica Alba may live a quieter life compared to other celebrities, but when it comes to the red carpet, she knows how to shine.

At the Golden Globe Awards, she wore a stunning peach gown and paired it with a breathtaking $5.8 million diamond necklace. She likely borrowed it, but her glamorous look proves she’s a top name in celebrity luxury fashion.

Jennifer Lawrence, again – over $2.5 million

It’s no surprise that Jennifer Lawrence keeps appearing on this list. At the 2014 Golden Globes, she once again turned heads with both her dress and expensive jewelry.

She wore a custom strapless gown along with accessories by Neil Lane, featuring diamonds, coral, jade, and platinum. Her outfit was worth over $2.5 million, showing her love for high-end celebrity fashion.

Jennifer Lopez – $5 million

Jennifer Lopez continues to defy time and trends. At the 2011 Golden Globes, she wore a romantic Zuhair Murad gown, paired with seriously sparkling accessories.

Her diamond cuff featured 600 diamonds, and she also wore diamond earrings and a brooch. The total value of her look? Around $5 million. She looked like a modern-day princess in designer couture and fine diamonds.

Nicole Kidman, again – $7 million

Nicole Kidman knows how to command attention on the red carpet. At the 2008 Oscars, she wore a classic black dress—but her necklace was the real showstopper.

This unique piece had 7,500 diamonds and took 6,200 hours to create. Priced at $7 million, it remains one of the most expensive red carpet jewelry pieces ever worn.

Sofia Vergara – $4 million

At the 2013 Emmy Awards, Sofia Vergara wowed fans in a bold red mermaid-style gown that highlighted her famous curves.

She matched the dress with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry: Colombian emerald earrings, a stunning ring, and a 21-carat Asscher-cut diamond ring. Her entire look was valued at around $4 million, placing her among the top red carpet style icons.

Carrie Underwood – $31 million

At the 2013 Grammy Awards, Carrie Underwood wore one of the most expensive looks in music history. She paired her elegant black lace dress with a $31 million necklace.

Created by Jonathan Arndt, the necklace featured oval, pear, marquise, and brilliant-cut white diamonds. This look cemented her status as a fashion-forward country superstar.

Amy Adams – $8 million

Amy Adams had a major moment at the 2014 Golden Globes, where she won Best Actress for American Hustle. She wore a soft chiffon Valentino Haute Couture gown with a bold neckline.

She completed her outfit with $8 million worth of jewelry—including 10-carat diamond earrings, a 12-carat rose-cut diamond ring, and a 30-carat Asscher-cut pendant. Talk about red carpet royalty!

Marion Cotillard – $70,000

At the 2008 Oscars, Marion Cotillard won Best Actress for her role in La Vie en Rose. But fans also remember her pearl-white mermaid gown by Jean-Paul Gaultier.

The dress had a delicate, hand-made pattern, and cost around $70,000. It was a perfect example of French haute couture and timeless red carpet elegance.

Cate Blanchet, again – $100,000

Cate Blanchett is no stranger to fairy-tale gowns. At the 2016 Oscars, she wore a magical Armani Privé gown that looked like something from a fantasy film.

The dress alone was estimated at $100,000, and the jewelry likely added millions more. It was a real-life Hollywood fairytale moment, worthy of the elf queen herself.

Jennifer Jason Leigh – $25,000

Jennifer Jason Leigh was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 2016 Oscars for The Hateful Eight. She wore a charming pale pink Rodarte gown, valued at around $25,000.

Although she didn’t win the award, she made a lasting impression with this elegant and classic look. It’s a great example of how understated fashion can still turn heads on the red carpet.

Olivia Wilde – $50,000

One of the most stunning red carpet looks ever came from Olivia Wilde at the 2008 Emmy Awards. She wore a breathtaking Reem Acra gown that looked like it belonged to a princess.

The white silk dress featured a flattering neckline, sheer off-the-shoulder sleeves, and a perfect fit. It cost around $50,000, proving that sometimes the most beautiful dresses don’t need to be the most expensive. This remains one of Wilde’s most iconic red carpet fashion moments.

Blake Lively – $30,000

Blake Lively, best known for playing Serena van der Woodsen on Gossip Girl, has become a fashion icon both on and off screen. In 2015, she wore a Monique Lhuillier gown to a red carpet event, and it left fans speechless.

The look cost around $30,000, and with her elegant style and confidence, Lively proves she’s among the best dressed in celebrity fashion today.

Lady Gaga, again – $125,000+

At the 2018 Grammy Awards, Lady Gaga showed off her fashion versatility in a stunning black Armani Privé gown. The edgy yet elegant design featured incredible details and craftsmanship.

Although the exact cost wasn’t confirmed, experts estimate the gown to be worth at least $125,000, if not more. It’s another standout from Gaga’s collection of unforgettable luxury red carpet looks.

Angelina Jolie, again – $20,000

Angelina Jolie’s style has evolved over the years, and this Atelier Versace silk gown, worn at the 2012 Golden Globes, marks her shift into classic and elegant fashion.

The sleek design and luxurious fabric gave her a confident and polished look. With a price tag of $20,000, it’s a timeless example of Jolie’s transition into sophisticated Hollywood fashion.

Gigi Hadid – $10,000

Gigi Hadid, one of the top supermodels of today, wore this chic and relaxed gown during her hosting of the 2016 American Music Awards.

Though priced at $10,000, the boho-inspired look had a laid-back yet luxurious feel. Gigi’s confidence and style made the outfit shine, proving that beauty and simplicity can go hand-in-hand in celebrity fashion.

Lady Gaga, again – $150,000+

At a 2019 red carpet event, Lady Gaga paid tribute to Judy Garland by wearing a baby blue Valentino gown. It was a nod to A Star Is Born, which had brought Gaga widespread acclaim the year before.

She matched the flowing gown with a diamond necklace and light blue hair, giving this outfit an estimated worth of $150,000+. It’s a perfect mix of glamour and personal tribute in Hollywood fashion history.

Kim Kardashian – $15,000

At the 2017 Met Gala, Kim Kardashian surprised fans with a more simple and elegant look than usual. She wore a white Vivienne Westwood off-the-shoulder gown, valued at $15,000.

This soft, feminine look stood out among the usual bold Met Gala fashion. It felt like a fresh take on Kim’s usual style and highlighted her fashion versatility.

Zoe Kravitz – $50,000

Zoe Kravitz wore a standout Oscar de la Renta gown at a red carpet event in 2017. The look combined edginess with elegance and cost about $50,000.

Known for her bold style and unique fashion choices, Zoe made this gown one of her most iconic appearances, solidifying her place in modern celebrity fashion.

Celine Dion – $25,000

At the Beauty and the Beast premiere, Celine Dion looked magical in a gown by Christian Siriano, a Project Runway winner who became a top designer.

The design was classic and fit Celine perfectly, with an estimated cost of $25,000. It’s not the first time she’s worn Siriano, and fans loved this grown-up fairytale look.

Kendall Jenner – $20,000

At the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, Kendall Jenner wore a custom Elie Saab gown. This light, feminine piece stood out among the evening gowns worn by other celebrities.

Though priced at $20,000, it was considered affordable for a custom creation. Kendall’s choice showed her talent for picking refined, high-end red carpet fashion.

Michael Fassbender – $5200

Michael Fassbender made our list at the 2016 Oscars, wearing a Tom Ford tuxedo priced at $5,200. While that’s much less than what female stars typically spend, it’s still a luxury choice in men’s fashion.

As a Best Actor nominee for Steve Jobs, Fassbender kept it classic and polished—an excellent example of elegant menswear on the red carpet.

Tom Hardy – $4300

Tom Hardy walked the 2016 red carpet with his wife Charlotte Riley, wearing a Gucci Marseille suit worth about $4,300.

Even though it’s less than many gowns on this list, Hardy looked effortlessly stylish. Men’s red carpet fashion may be cheaper, but stars like Hardy keep it sharp and classic.

Sandra Bullock – $40,000

At the 2014 Oscars, even though she didn’t win Best Actress for Gravity, Sandra Bullock made a major statement in a navy Alexander McQueen gown.

The fitted dress featured a beautiful sweetheart neckline and elegant draping. Worth about $40,000, it showcased Bullock’s timeless beauty and luxury fashion sense.

Whoopi Goldberg

At the 1993 Academy Awards, Whoopi Goldberg wore a bold and colorful outfit: a purple and lime jumpsuit with a bolero-style jacket and flowing skirt.

Though the look got a lot of negative press and made it to worst-dressed lists, Whoopi later admitted the criticism hurt her feelings. Still, it remains one of the most talked-about outfits in red carpet history.