Red Carpet Looks That Are Pretty in Pink

Whether it’s the balletcore trend or the ongoing love of all things Barbie-related, pink is a perennially popular hue at award shows. From muted shades of soft rose to neon brights, the shade has enduring appeal for celebrities and offers an instant visual mood boost.

In color psychology, softer shades offer a sense of reassurance, comfort and hope, while more vibrant shades indicate energy and passion.  Yes, fashion traditionalists might argue that pink clashes with a red carpet, but when outfits look this good, who are we to argue?

Bubblegum Pink

The way you wear this shade can take it from saccharine to stylish in an instant. Take the mini dress worn by Project Runway model Severine Keimig at the Daily Front Row Fashion Awards in 2021, whose sculptural, slightly avant-garde cut with corset detailing kept the overall look from becoming too fussy.

Simply Mauve-elous  

While leaning into the regency-inspired trend might have been a little too on-the-nose, this more contemporary ball gown from Valentino’s Spring/Summer collection 2022 (complete with ruffle hem and large bow details)  looked every bit the fairy tale princess on Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan, who wore it to the BAFTA TV awards.

Red And Pink

Remember when we said red and pink clashed? Try telling that to Taraji P. Henson, whose show stopping tulle gown with a plunging neckline and flowing cape-like sleeves turned heads at the Emmys back in 2019, and proved that fashion rules are made to be broken. 

Metallic Pink

Quite why Ms.Trixie Mattel wasn’t included in the Barbie movie remains a mystery – but one thing is certain: Trixie loves pink. So much so in fact that she wore a gorgeous ruffled metallic dress to the premiere, paired with sparkly shoes and a blonde half up-do for a Barbie-inspired look.

90s Pink

It’s a throwback, but an unforgettable one: Gwyneth Paltrow’s emotional speech at the 75th Academy Awards (where she won an Oscar for Best Actress in Shakespeare in Love) was as memorable as the pink Ralph Lauren gown she wore with quintessentially 90’s spaghetti straps and a full, sweeping skirt.

Hot Pink

The more surreal elements of haute couture are typically reserved for the catwalk, but Colombian singer Li Saumet decided to take it to the red carpet, stepping out at the 2022 Grammys in an extravagant  hot pink dress, adorable sunset bag and a gramophone-shaped hat, paired with multicolor braids, a painted mask and yellow sneakers.

Futuristic Fuschia

Most of Zendaya’s iconic pink looks come courtesy of Valentino, but at the 25th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards in 2020 she opted instead for a draped maxi skirt in a rich fuchsia hue, long, flowing braids and a custom breastplate from Tom Ford in a metallic fuschia color that gave major space princess vibes.

Sunset Pink

At the same awards ceremony, violinist Lili Haydn looked like a sunset painted in watercolors as she walked the red carpet in a beautiful pink and yellow floor-length tulle gown from designer Dalia MacPhee, complete with a sheer bodice and ruffled train. Haydn wore her hair swept to the side for full mermaid effect, and carried a bejeweled clutch.

Beautiful Blush 

Model Lupita Nyong’o went viral on Twitter after her appearance at Cannes in 2018, and in case you’re wondering why, take a look at the gown she wore. In pink, blush and organza, the sheen of the fabric gave an iridescent fairy fantasy look with a draped skirt made for twirling in.

Pink Ruffles

Another take on the fairytale look came from actress Emma Roberts, who wore a pink ruffled off-the-shoulder Giambattista Valli gown to the 2019 Met Gala with a delicate cherry blossom headband, floral multicolored earrings and matching pink eye shadow, contrasted with a lilac manicure.

Pastel Perfection

Pink and bows go together like strawberries and cream. Saoirse Ronan’s Calvin Klein 2018 gown was relatively minimal in design, but a quick twirl revealed an oversized bow at the back. Worn with minimal jewelry and a simple, straight and blunt bob, the resulting look was timeless and elegant.

Vintage Glamor

Cate Blanchett’s dress at the 2016 Golden Globe Awards was equal parts extravagant and understated, in a subtle pink hue and a design that combined elements of 1920s flapper style and Old Hollywood glamor, with fringing detail and ornate, embroidered detailing on the bodice.

Maribou Dream

Lady Gaga is known for having worn some very outré outfits to red carpet events, ranging from that infamous meat dress to an ensemble featuring a life-size horse puppet. By contrast, the feathered gown she wore to Venice Film Festival 2018 was relatively tame, but gorgeous nonetheless.

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