After being postponed because of labor strikes in Hollywood, the Emmy Awards returned on Sunday night and with the ceremony came what might be the television industry’s biggest fashion show.
Though the carpet was gray, there was no shortage of red, a color that also proved quite popular at the Golden Globes this month. Bows, an inescapable accessory of 2023, held on as a favorite embellishment: Riley Keough had a black bow in her hair, while her “Daisy Jones and the Six” castmate Suki Waterhouse and the “Abbott Elementary” actress and screenwriter Quinta Brunson each had them on their gowns. (Ms. Waterhouse’s sat beneath her baby bump.)
The ceremony was honoring television programs broadcast last year, which gave viewers a chance to catch up with casts like that of “White Lotus” season two. Some of its members seemed to use the occasion to pay homage to the show’s setting by wearing Italian designers: Meghann Fahy chose a rosette-laden strapless gown by Armani (that was red); Simona Tabasco donned full-skirted, floral Marni; and Jennifer Coolidge wore a sheer dress by Etro.
Amid a carpet full of feathers, beads, sequins, diamonds and plenty of well-tailored suits, the following 15 outfits stood out from the rest (for better or worse).
Aubrey Plaza: Most Dangerous!
The actress and a star of “The White Lotus” had a colossal pin stuck through her pale yellow-green Loewe look. If the accessory looked familiar, it might be because the “Past Lives” director Celine Song had a similarly large pin through her Loewe skirt at the Golden Globes.
Ayo Edebiri: Most Seed Pod!
A leather texture and an inverted tulip shape made the “The Bear” actress’s Louis Vuitton dress a little more interesting than your average black strapless number.
Jennifer Coolidge: Most Evil Gay Bait!
There was no mistaking the “The White Lotus” actress for Peppa Pig in this black Etro dress with sheer fabric and a plunging neckline.
Issa Rae: Most Avian!
In an interview on the carpet, the actress and an executive producer of “A Black Lady Sketch Show” said she wanted her Emmys look to give a little drama. Her flowing Pamella Roland gown covered with feathers and crystals achieved that (and then some).
Donald Glover: Most Embroidered!
The actor, a co-creator of the show “Storm,” looked natty in a black velvet Bode suit with floral embroidery. The best part of the outfit might have been his bow-topped ballet flats.
Suki Waterhouse: Most Pregnant!
Few if any red gowns were as eye-catching as the pregnant actress’s Valentino dress, which put her stomach front and center. In an interview on the carpet, she said it had to be redesigned to fit the bump.
Sheryl Lee Ralph: Most Menswear Mermaid!
The actress, a star of “Abbott Elementary,” graced the carpet in a look styled by her daughter. Her white Christian Siriano dress featured peak lapels, a cinched waist and a flared mermaid skirt.
Liv Hewson: Most Suave!
After taking their name out of the running for the acting awards divided by gender at this year’s Emmys, the “Yellowjackets” cast member and actor seemingly underscored the point by claiming the tuxedo-sans-shirt look as the ultimate in nonbinary chic.
Matty Matheson: Most High-Low!
In a tuxedo and fisherman sandals, the actor, a star of “The Bear,” offered his take on wearing Birkenstocks under a gown.
Taraji P. Henson: Most Promotional!
The actress, who was nominated for her guest appearance in “Abbott Elementary,” chose an ethereal Armani gown in a shade of plum — perhaps to remind viewers that she is also a star of the new adaptation of “The Color Purple.”
Selena Gomez: Most Matisse!
Covering the “Only Murders in the Building” star’s gown were blood-red sequins forming motifs that looked like shapes featured in the artist’s so-called cut-outs.
Tatanka Means: Most Himself!
The “Killers of the Flower Moon” actor showcased personal style with the braids and the beaded bracelet he wore with his green velvet tuxedo.
Laverne Cox: Most Archival!
The E! host wore some of the most capital F fashion of the night: a spindly, scaly dress by Thierry Mugler. (She is a devoted collector of the courtier.) The collection the gown came from — “Les Atlantes,” in 1989 — has been exhibited in museums.
Emma Brooks McAllister: Most Sculptural!
The influencer gave the illusion of baring everything in a bodysuit bedazzled to look like ab muscles worn beneath a semi-sheer skirt.
Simona Tabasco: Most Collaged!
The actress, a star of “The White Lotus,” looked like a walking bouquet in her Marni dress.
Stella Bugbee, Vanessa Friedman, Madison Malone Kircher, Anthony Rotunno and Jessica Testa contributed reporting.
