Relive the Top Grammy Gowns of All Time

By InStyle Staff
Updated: Jan 26, 2018 @ 5:17 pm
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At the 2015 Grammys, Rihanna stole the entire red carpet—and all at the last minute—when she stepped out in a hot-off-the-runway gown straight from Giambattista Valli Haute Couture's spring 2015 show. 

In 2016, Adele graced the Grammy red carpet in a black mousseline-and-velvet custom Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci gown, that was spliced at the arms and embroidered with paillettes, pearls, and crystals. Absolutely stunning.

Every year, we're left impressed by the beautiful (and sometimes wild) gowns spotted at the Grammys. The show is a bit more relaxed than other events, offering sartorial stars an opportunity to slip into something they wouldn't exactly wear to, say, the Oscars or even to an appearance on Colbert.

RELATED: See Who Will Be Performing at the 2016 Grammys

VIDEO: A Taste of the Grammys: What's on the Menu for Music's Biggest Night

 

Suffice it to say, there's been plenty of unforgettable dresses over the years, including everything from Jennifer Lopez's down-to-there jungle print Versace gown in 2000 to Whitney Houston's timeless sky blue Travilla with a bedazzled strap in 1986. Keep clicking to relive all these gowns and more. 

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Taylor Swift, 2016

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Taylor Swift stunned in this pink and orange Versace two-piece ensemble, paired with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry.

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Adele, 2016

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The Grammy winner walked the red carpet in this velvet, embellished black gown from Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci.

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Bella Hadid, 2016

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Hadid showed off her enviable figure in an Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture longsleeve gown with cutouts and a thigh high slit, pairing the all-black look with Bulgari jewelry.

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Selena Gomez, 2016

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The songstress channeled some major mermaid vibes in this gorgeous blue, sparking gown from Calvin Klein, featuring sexy cutouts and a deep-V neckline. 

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Ciara, 2016

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Ciara owned the Grammy red carpet in this sexy, slinky number from Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture with a Norman Silverman ring and Giuseppe Zanotti shoes.

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Rihanna, 2015

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Rihanna stole the entire show in a pink tulle Giambattista Valli Haute Couture gown.

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Taylor Swift, 2015

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Taylor Swift wore a blue Elie Saab high-low gown with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry and Guiseppe Zanotti shoes to the 2015 awards show.

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Kim Kardashian, 2015

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Kim Kardashian wore a gold Jean Paul Gaultier gown with a plunging neckline and sparkling pockets.

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Beyonce, 2014

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Beyonce wore a white lacy Michael Costello gown that had everyone talking for weeks after the 2014 Grammy Awards night.

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Chrissy Teigen, 2014

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Chrissy Teigen wore a beautiful gold Johanna Johnson gown and Casadei heels alongside hubby John Legend.

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Miranda Lambert, 2014

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Miranda Lambert looked gorgeous in a custom red Pamella Roland gown with a plunging neckline at the 2014 Grammys.

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Alicia Keys, 2013

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Presenter Alicia Keys showed off her enviable curves in a body-hugging black Azzedine Alaia dress, which featured stomach baring cut outs. She accessorized her look with coordinating Lorraine Schwartz jewels and Jimmy Choo heels.

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Rihanna, 2013

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"Stunning," said Rihanna of the custom Azzedine Alaia dress that she sported with Neil Lane jewelry. The singer, who was nominated for three awards this year, explained that she loved the vibrant color of the look, which she matched to her lips and nails.

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Jennifer Lopez, 2013

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"They didn't say anything about the leg," said presenter Jennifer Lopez about the wardrobe restrictions that CBS released to Grammy attendees. The singer, who is working on new music, was clad in a minimalist one-shouldered Anthony Vaccarello design that showcased her bronzed glow and toned physique.

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Gwyneth Paltrow, 2012

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Presenter Gwyneth Paltrow chose a stunning Stella McCartney column dress cinched at the waist with one of the night's big trends-a metal belt.
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Carrie Underwood, 2012

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Carrie Underwood looked flawless from all angles in a backless Gomez-Gracia long-sleeve gown. One-of-a-kind Johnathon Arndt diamond earrings and a Swarovski crystal-embellished Rene Caovilla clutch brought out the sparkle in the sequin-embroidered tulle dress.

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Adele, 2012

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Adele played up her curves in a three-quarter sleeve black sequined Giorgio Armani gown, De Beers earrings and a 12.4 carat diamond ring by Harry Winston.

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Nicole Kidman, 2011

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Nicole Kidman supported her Grammy-winning spouse Keith Urban in a delicately embellished floral Jean Paul Gaultier gown and Fred Leighton jewelry.
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Heidi Klum, 2011

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Heidi Klum looked statuesque in a gold sequined Julien Macdonald gown. Her secret accessory? A matching metallic pedicure.

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Florence Welch, 2011

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A swan song for Florence Welch of Florence + the Machine? Her avian-motif gown from Givenchy haute couture featured a dramatic bird applique with tangerine "feathers" accenting the open back.

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Lea Michele, 2011

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Glee nominee Lea Michele flashed a spectacular leg in a ruffled gown from Emilio Pucci. Accessories included patent platforms and a 200-carat Lorraine Schwartz cuff loaded with black diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds.
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Selena Gomez, 2011

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Selena Gomez chose a winning metallic J. Mendel slipdress: "It's gold and I feel like an award, so that's why I picked it!" She kept her accessories classic, choosing a cuff and earrings from Lorraine Schwartz.

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Beyonce, 2010

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Beyonce's architectural Stephane Rolland haute couture gown (and her 12-carat custom diamond earrings by Lorraine Schwartz and Ofira) recalled the golden pyramids of ancient Egypt. Adding to her regal appearance? A six-Grammy haul.

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Keri Hilson, 2010

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Best New Artist nominee Keri Hilson looked sweet and sultry in a pale pink Dolce & Gabbana mermaid gown with a major statement ring. "It's serious," she said of the bauble on the red carpet. "It's Neil Lane."
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Ciara, 2010

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R&B beauty Ciara dared to bare in a crystal-studded sheer haute couture design over a black bodysuit. "Givenchy is my choice tonight," she told reporters. "I've got a little sheer going on, but the fun is in the jacket."

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Jennifer Nettles, 2010

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Sugarland frontwoman Jennifer Nettles showed the sleek side of Nashville in a chic colorblock fishtail gown by Victoria Beckham.

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Lady Gaga, 2010

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Lady Gaga was a star through and through in a celestial custom creation by Giorgio Armani Prive. The look layered a rhinestone-wrapped ball gown over a stone-studded body stocking. "I am delighted to be creating these outfits on such an important night for her, the Grammys, and I wish her the best of luck," the designer said in a statement.
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Katy Perry, 2010

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"I have this whole kind of India thing going on," Katy Perry said of her gold bindi and nude Zac Posen gown."There's metal on here," she joked of the daisy appliqués, "So if there are any magnets around, [the dress] will be pulled off."

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Adele, 2009

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"Adele has a great sense of style," designer Barbara Tfank told InStyle of the star's sophisticated custom satin dress. "She understands timeless elegance, but she's just being herself." The vintage-inspired number was topped with a chartreuse jacket for the red carpet.

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Sheryl Crow, 2009

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Sheryl Crow draped her buff bronzed curves with a tie-dye gown from Australian designer Toni Maticevski.
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Taylor Swift, 2009

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19-year-old Taylor Swift went sophisticated in a strappy Kaufmanfranco gown with patent leather accents.

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Miley Cyrus, 2009

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Miley Cyrus posed on the red carpet in a not-so-basic black gown from pal Max Azria.

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Rihanna, 2008

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R&B superstar Rihanna perfectly walked the line between edgy and elegant in her bold cobalt Zac Posen with a feathered underskirt.
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Fergie, 2008

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A canary column from the minimalist Calvin Klein Collection line turned out to be a memorable choice for Fergie. "We saw a lovely face, not just a body," designer Francisco Costa told InStyle of the look. "She called this dress her glass slipper."

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Carrie Underwood, 2008

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Country star Carrie Underwood matched her gown to her bubbly personality with an exuberant Zuhair Murad print gown.

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Faith Hill, 2008

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Country singer Faith Hill was more Old Hollywood than Nashville in her beautifully draped gown from Valentino. The design featured a trio of beaded bows on its single sleeve.
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Mary J. Blige, 2007

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The First Lady of R&B Mary J. Blige opted for an ivory sequined gown from Michael Kors cinched with a wide pewter-leather belt.

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Jennifer Hudson, 2007

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Songstress Jennifer Hudson proudly played up her curves in a head-turning red halter look from Roberto Cavalli.

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Alicia Keys, 2006

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Alicia Keys collaborated with Giorgio Armani on a custom Prive gown with a daring illusion bodice. "Armani's designs need no one's help, but he catered to my desires with this dress," she told InStyle. "We walked through every step together. It's like our baby!"
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Christina Aguilera, 2006

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Christina Aguilera made the most of her curves slinky white satin bias-cut gown from Roberto Cavalli.

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Fiona Apple, 2006

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Fiona Apple got romantic in a ruffled blush J. Mendel gown with princess puff sleeves and a gilded belt.

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Gwen Stefani, 2006

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Mother-to-be Gwen Stefani showed off changing shape with a L.A.M.B. dip-dyed leopard-print maternity gown with a single shoulder.
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Jennifer Lopez, 2000

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Will anything ever top this Grammys look? The down-to-there (and up-to-there!) jungle print piece made Jennifer Lopez an instant icon, even as the world wondered how the barely-there design stayed in place. "Everything is attached," a Versace representative explained to People. "You just slip the whole thing on."

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Britney Spears, 2000

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Britney Spears channeled Jean Harlow in a bias cut white Randolph Duke gown and an Oscar de la Renta fur stole.

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Lauryn Hill, 1999

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Former Fugee Lauryn Hill paired a cropped T-shirt with a colorful chiffon skirt from Giorgio Armani for an irreverent take on after-dark attire.
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Shania Twain, 1994

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Who says you need to show skin to look sexy? Shania Twain highlighted her hourglass figure with a painted on (and covered up) floor length turtleneck by Marc Bouwer.

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Whitney Houston, 1986

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Whitney Houston picked up her first Grammy in a timeless sky blue Travilla number with a bedazzled strap.
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