Yes, Sydney Sweeney, Jenna Ortega and Meg Stalter were all at the same event: the 2025 Emmy Awards. (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images (2), Amy Sussman/Getty Images)Television's biggest stars went for the gold at the 2025 Emmy Awards in Los Angeles on Sept. 14, but on the red carpet, it was all about black and dark hues. Those who dared to wear color - from a sugary sweet puff of pink to a kaleidoscope of silver sparkles - stood out in the best way.
While I've covered Emmys red carpets before - the last time having to help up the reporter next to me who collapsed in the unbearable heat - this year I was a world away. Parked in front of the TV on my couch, in black workout pants and a well-worn top , I tracked the night's most memorable moments from afar and in full comfort mode.
Nonetheless, I had a critical eye sizing up the efforts of the best and brightest - comparing them to old Hollywood icons, animated characters, spherical objects, and, yes, even snacks. So who brought the glam and who forgot their tan lines? Let's get into it.
Most bejeweled: Jenna OrtegaThe Wednesday star, who presented, was a walking treasure in Givenchy - draped in a cascade of oversize crystals on top and a sleek black skirt with a full-length slit.
Jenna Ortega (Jae C. Hong/AP)Best in black: Meghann FahyOne way to stand out in black? Go deep. The Sirens actress and nominee took a dip in her Valentino masterpiece and proved that black doesn't always fade into the background.
Meghann Fahy (Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)Best dressed for the reunion: Lauren Graham and Alexis BledelThe Stars (Hollow) aligned as the mother-daughter dream team from Gilmore Girls came together 25 years after the show's debut. Bledel shimmered in a strapless silver Marmar Halim gown, sparkling like a princess's tiara, next to Graham in a nude Akris number with black appliqués that fit her like a hug. Together, they proved some bonds better with time.
Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel. (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBest argument to bring back denim on the red carpet: Meg StalterThe Hacks actress had a rarely heard answer to the question of "Who are you wearing?" Her answer was Hanes and Levi's - topped off with a DIY political statement taped to her purse. "I think people need to bring back jeans on the red carpet!" she told Variety, harkening back to the '90s before Hollywood got overstyled, trading denim for designer and diamonds.
Meg Stalter. (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)Most Jessica Rabbit: Sydney SweeneyWho didn't wear jeans? The Euphoria actress after the brouhaha over her American Eagle ad campaign. This time, she stunned in a red, strapless, cleavage-accentuating custom Oscar de la Renta showstopper that brought to mind the other bombshell from Who Framed Roger Rabbit?Sydney Sweeney and Jessica Rabbit. (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images, Courtesy Everett Collection)Best at playing the part: Noah WyleThe Pitt star, and big winner of the night, kept his doctor character close to heart, sporting a one-of-a-kind tuxedo made by scrubwear company Figs.. It was actually his idea, saying months ago in a red carpet interview that he'd like to wear a suit as cozy as the medical material, and the brand delivered. As a bonus, he wore it onstage - twice.
Noah Wyle. (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)Best color coordination: Leighton Meester and Adam BrodyThe days of couples effortlessly coordinating his tie to her dress color are fading away. This '00s TV dream couple took it up a notch in coordinating Prada looks with Meester's blush ensemble featuring an ombre stripe that perfectly echoed the Nobody Wants This nominee's baby blue tux, showing their haute harmony.
Adam Brody and Leighton Meester. (Savion Washington/Getty Images)AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe most real tan lines: Scarlett JohanssonThe actress worked hard over the summer, shooting Paper Tiger in a heat-trapping wig and fall layers on New York's hottest days, but she clearly worked in some time off. In her butter-colored Prada strapless dress, her tan lines were on full display. And why hide them? Summer memories are the best kind.
Scarlett Johansson (Jordan Strauss/Invision for the Television Academy/AP)Most likely to be mistaken for cotton candy: LisaThe White Lotus star and Blackpink singer (real name: Lalisa Manoban) was a sugar rush in a Lever Couture petal pink, tulle dress that was sculpted at the waist and flowed into a ribbon train that looked ready to board the best dressed express.
Lisa (Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)Most synchronized styling: Walton Goggins and Nadia ConnersThe White Lotus actor, a nominee, and his wife both took the plunge in outfits that seemed to be daring one another: How low can you go? His Louis Vuitton outfit featured show Easter eggs, and keeps with his signature undone vibe.
Walton Goggins and Nadia Conners