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Fashion

NYLON’s Favorite Red Carpet Looks Of 2021

Featuring Avril Lavigne, Lady Gaga, Zendaya, and more.

Updated: 
Originally Published: 

The red carpet came back in a big way in 2021. After a year of mostly at-home award ceremonies, digital fashion weeks, and nonexistent premieres, celebrities made sure to bring their best and boldest outfits at some of the most talked-about events. From Avril Lavigne at the 2021 MTV VMAs and Cardi B at Paris Fashion Week to Lady Gaga’s show-stopping House of Gucci premiere outfit in London, see NYLON’s favorite red carpet looks from 2021, ahead.

Avril Lavigne, 2021 MTV VMAs: “Honestly, this Area look from Avril Lavigne had the internet shook. The hot pink suited her so well and the cutout heart, too? Whew! I loved the exposed sparkly bralette and how she paired it with a matching crystal bag, it was truly one of the most memorable looks this year from none other than our pop-punk queen!” — India Roby, Fashion WriterAstrid Stawiarz/WireImage/Getty Images
Cardi B, Thierry Mugler Exhibit Opening: “Leave it to Cardi B to have the best fashion week ever this year. In Paris, her outfits just kept getting better and better, kicking off the stylish festivities with this Fall 1994 archive look from Thierry Mugler for the designer’s exhibition opening. Superstar material only.” — Maria Bobila, Fashion EditorRichard Bord/WireImage/Getty Images
Doja Cat, 2021 Grammys: “When it comes to the red carpet, Doja Cat absolutely devoured. I loved many of her looks this year but this feathered gown from Roberto Cavalli hasn’t left my mind since the day I saw it.” — IRKevin Mazur/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
Grimes, 2021 Met Gala: “Every time I look at Grimes’ Met Gala look, I find a new detail to obsess over. Will it be the immaculate liquid silicone of her Iris van Herpen gown, or her intergalactic, imperial ponytail? Not only is Grimes an aesthete to her core, but she’s also pretty damn funny. You’ve gotta have a sense of humor to accessorize with a sword repurposed from an AR-15 at the In America-themed Met Gala!” — Layla Halabian, Culture EditorANGELA WEISS/AFP/Getty Images
Harry Styles, 2021 Grammy Awards: “The feather boa that launched a thousand boas at stadiums across the country. Harry Styles’ Gucci look featured a star accessory that eventually became the main trend among his fans at nearly every concert during his nationwide Love On Tour. His impact!” — MBKevin Mazur/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
Lady Gaga, House of Gucci London Premiere: “Of course Lady Gaga brought the drama to the first premiere of her latest film (and potential Oscar win) House of Gucci. The pop star-turned-actress started her promo tour in London with a bang, thanks to her ethereal purple gown from Gucci, paired with very Gaga-esque accessories: fishnet tights and platform boots.” — MBSamir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images
Olivia Rodrigo, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Opening Gala: “Olivia Rodrigo is just getting started when it comes to being a fashion “It” girl and she’s already making history with this Saint Laurent dress. I mean, the neckline on this gown was so flattering on her and it was definitely one of the most memorable looks from Ms. Rodrigo.” — IRStefanie Keenan/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
Rina Sawayama, The Fashion Awards 2021: “This Richard Quinn look made my jaw physically drop. The print, the dress, the fact that her gloves are attached to her sleeves. True perfection.” — Steffanee Wang, Music EditorKarwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images
Zendaya, 2021 Venice Film Festival: “On paper, this look should have been a disaster. Skin-toned leather molded to look like wet silk molded to the body? Yikes. But in the hands of Zendaya and Law Roach, it’s perfect. Smoldering eyes, gelled down hair, and emerald jewels complete the pitch-perfect red carpet moment. The fact that no one even remembers that Timothée Chalamet was also there says it all.” — Lauren McCarthy, Executive EditorFuture Publishing/Future Publishing/Getty Images

See more 2021 fashion recaps on designer collaborations, matching celebrity couples, and the “It” items that were everywhere.

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