Skip to content

Top Navigation

InStyle InStyle InStyle InStyle
  • News
  • Fashion
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Street Style
    • Look of the Day
    • Fashion Week
  • Celebrity
    • Awards and Events
    • Celebrity Transformations
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Music
  • Beauty
    • Makeup
    • Best Beauty Buys
    • Health & Fitness
    • Skincare
  • Hair
    • Celeb Hairstyles
    • Color Ideas
    • Long Hairstyles
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Short Hairstyles
    • All Natural
  • Lifestyle
    • Astrology
    • Travel
    • Weddings
    • Books
    • Food and Drink
    • Home and Decorating
  • Politics & Social Issues
    • President Joe Biden
    • Dr. Jill Biden
    • Vice President Kamala Harris
    • Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
    • Women in Politics
    • Women's Movements
    • Equal Pay
    • Badass Women
    • Motherhood & Parenting
    • Career
    • Charity
    • Choose 2020
  • Pop Culture
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Books
    • Music
    • Social Media
    • Ladies First Podcast With Laura Brown
  • How To
  • Shopping
    • Celebrity Looks
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Home and Decor
    • Holiday Gift Guides
  • Video
  • In The Mag

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now / Your Account
  • Newsletter
  • Email Preferences this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore InStyle

InStyle InStyle InStyle InStyle
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The 8 Breakout Hair Color Trends of Winter 2021

      Expect to see these shades all over Instagram. Read More Next
    • What Is a Capsule Wardrobe? 10 Tips to Help You De-Clutter Your Closet

      Fashion designer Misha Nonoo weighs in on the essential items that'll make your 'nothing to wear' days a thing of the past. Read More Next
    • "Maskne" Is a Thing — Here's How to Fight Face Mask Breakouts

      As if stress breakouts weren't bad enough. Read More Next
  • News
  • Fashion

    Fashion

    See All Fashion

    How to Find the Best Color to Wear For Your Skin Tone

    It's not as tricky as you think.
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Street Style
    • Look of the Day
    • Fashion Week
  • Celebrity

    Celebrity

    See All Celebrity

    The 35 Most Naked Dresses of All Time

    Naked dresses are perhaps the most impressive of all red carpet feats. While they may not always make the best-dressed list, they do require a certain breed of celebrity to pull off. Not only do you have to have the balls to risk a wardrobe malfunction, but you have to do it with enough confidence that you look fierce — not terrified — in the photographs. Take Naomi Campbell's appearance in Valentino's couture show during the spring/summer 2019 presentation. The legendary model gracefully strutted down the runway in a see-through gown with a ruffle skirt. (Click through the gallery for the NSFW photo).  Get the inside scoop on all your favorite celebrities with our FREE daily newsletter, InStyle Celebrity. Breaking news, relationship updates, hairstyle inspo, fashion trends, and more direct to your inbox! Let's not forget Rihanna’s infamous CFDA dress either. The girl rocked a completely sheer dress without a bra — and later remarked that her only regret was not wearing a bedazzled thong to match. That, my friends, is dedication. Then, there was the year 2015, when the Met Gala saw not one nor two but three naked dresses on the red carpet, all worn by Hollywood’s hottest A-listers. Jennifer Lopez, above, bared her famous curves in a custom Atelier Versace illusion gown. Beyoncé was nearly naked in Givenchy. And Kim Kardashian West almost looked modest in comparison in her sheer Roberto Cavalli dress, because no one’s getting naked without KKW joining in. Click through to see the best naked dresses of all time.
    • Awards and Events
    • Celebrity Transformations
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Music
  • Beauty

    Beauty

    See All Beauty

    How to Treat Stubborn Cystic Acne, According to Dermatologists

    If you're struggling with breakouts on your chin and jaw area, read this.
    • Makeup
    • Best Beauty Buys
    • Health & Fitness
    • Skincare
  • Hair

    Hair

    See All Hair

    The 5 Haircut Trends That Will Dominate 2020

    The beginning of the new year comes with the irresistible urge to start over fresh, which means it's a great time to get a haircut.  This decade's first big hair trends include looks at every length that can be tailored to your hair texture and personal style. For anyone with a blunt bob — the most popular haircut of the past few years — you probably already guessed that the cut will still be going strong into the next decade. But there will be a few tweaks. As seen on Kerry Washington, 2020's bob has textured, softer edges, and looks amazing whether you part it down the middle or off to the side.  RELATED: The 10 Hairstyles You'll See Everywhere This Winter But if you swear that 2020 is going to be the year you finally grow out your hair, let Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian's extra-long lengths be your inspiration. Or, you can get the look instantly with the help of some clip in extensions.  To help you figure out how to wear your hair in the new year, we've rounded up the five biggest haircut trends of 2020, so you'll be sure of what you want before you head to the salon in January.  VIDEO: The Five Biggest Haircut Trends of 2020
    • Celeb Hairstyles
    • Color Ideas
    • Long Hairstyles
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Short Hairstyles
    • All Natural
  • Lifestyle

    Lifestyle

    See All Lifestyle

    Your Essential Keto Grocery List

    If you're embarking on the keto diet, here are the must-have items to add to your cart.
    • Astrology
    • Travel
    • Weddings
    • Books
    • Food and Drink
    • Home and Decorating
  • Politics & Social Issues

    Politics & Social Issues

    See All Politics & Social Issues

    Joe Biden Broke Barack Obama's Nationwide Popular Vote Record

    Obama's record goes back to 2008.
    • President Joe Biden
    • Dr. Jill Biden
    • Vice President Kamala Harris
    • Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
    • Women in Politics
    • Women's Movements
    • Equal Pay
    • Badass Women
    • Motherhood & Parenting
    • Career
    • Charity
    • Choose 2020
  • Pop Culture

    Pop Culture

    See All Pop Culture

    Introducing InStyle's First Podcast: Ladies First with Laura Brown

    Join editor in chief Laura Brown as she talks to trailblazers like Emily Ratajkowski, Michelle Pfeiffer and Storm Reid about their historic "firsts" in the industry.
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Books
    • Music
    • Social Media
    • Ladies First Podcast With Laura Brown
  • How To
  • Shopping

    Shopping

    See All Shopping

    The 13 Best Shapewear Pieces to Shop, According to Thousands of Customer Reviews

    Upgrade your lingerie drawer with these top-rated body shapers.
    • Celebrity Looks
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Home and Decor
    • Holiday Gift Guides
  • Video
  • In The Mag

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now / Your Account
  • Newsletter
  • Email Preferences this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home Chevron Right
  2. Awards & Events Chevron Right
  3. Red Carpet Chevron Right
  4. From 1995 to Now: The Wildest Grammy Gowns Ever

From 1995 to Now: The Wildest Grammy Gowns Ever

By Andrea Cheng
Updated Feb 09, 2017 @ 3:30 pm
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP; Kevin Mazur/WireImage; Jason Merritt/Getty

On music's biggest night, the only thing more exciting than finding out who won the Record of the Year is who is wearing who, or in some cases, what, because one thing's for sure: Grammys fashion is not for the faint of heart. That's why we dug into our archives in search for the craziest, most risque looks to have ever graced the Grammys red carpet, from 1995 on.

From Mary J. Blige's wild leopard-print (on her hood—and tunic—and pants) in 1996 to Lady Gaga's theatrical Giorgio Armani micro-dress (not to mention, her intergalactic headpiece by milliner Philip Treacy) in 2010 to Lady Gaga again in 2016, who wore a spectacular Marc Jacobs design that paid tribute to the late David Bowie. 

As we brace ourselves with more outrageousness at the 2017 Grammys on Feb. 12, we're taking a look back at our favorite jaw-dropping moments from Grammys past.

Start Slideshow

1 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Lady Gaga, 2016

Credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

In a style tribute to the late David Bowie (slash, Ziggy Stardust), Lady Gaga took to the red carpet in bright red strands, a custom Marc Jacobs design, complete with towering platforms.

1 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Madonna, 2015

Credit: REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

The Material Girl left little to the imagination in this Givenchy corset.

2 of 30

3 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Lady Gaga, 2015

Credit: Courtesy

Lady Gaga shined in a revealing Brandon Maxwell gown with a strategically placed emerald necklace from Lorraine Schwartz.

3 of 30

Advertisement

4 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Beyonce, 2014

Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage

Ooh la la! Beyonce worked her curves at the 2014 Grammy Awards in a white lace body-hugging Michael Costello creation that revealed glimpses of skin in all the right places.

4 of 30

5 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Alicia Keys, 2014

Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage

Alicia Keys

took the plunge on the red carpet in a down-to-there cobalt blue Armani Prive number.

5 of 30

6 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Kelly Rowland, 2013

Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

"I feel comfortable," presenter Kelly Rowland said of her form-fitting black Georges Chakra mermaid-style gown accented with sheer cutouts. She accessorized with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry and a box clutch.

6 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Kimbra, 2013

Credit: REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Kimbra, who was nominated with Gotye for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Somebody That I Used to Know," opted for a bejeweled number by Aussie designer Jaime Lee Major. She accented her tulle gown with a classic red lip.

7 of 30

8 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Janelle Monae, 2013

Janelle Monae chose a body-hugging menswear-inspired ensemble, complete with a vest and embellished jacket with coat tails.

8 of 30

9 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Fergie, 2012

Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

"I had two choices and this was the safe one," Fergie said of her Jean Paul Gaultier tangerine couture lace dress, which she accessorized with Neil Lane jewelry. We'd love to see the less-tame alternative to this skin-baring number!

9 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Nicki Minaj, 2012

Credit: Larry Busacca/Getty Images For The Recording Academy

Best New Artist nominee Nicki Minaj arrived with a bishop in tow, coordinating his white vestments with her own devilishly scarlet Atelier Versace cape boasting intricate black beading.

10 of 30

11 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Robyn, 2012

Credit: Jeff Vespa/WireImage

What inspires Robyn's irresistible dance music? "Life," the double nominee said on the red carpet. No clues as to what inspired her Calvin Klein ensemble accented with platform boots and mega-edgy jewelry.

11 of 30

12 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Rihanna, 2011

Credit: Krista Kennell/Sipa Press

Sultry Rihanna played peek-a-boo in a frilled illusion gown from Jean Paul Gaultier. "He's one of my favorite designers," she said. "I pretty much snatched [the dress] off the runway."

12 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Nicki Minaj, 2011

Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

"This outfit is a masterpiece by Givenchy," said Nicki Minaj, who was nominated for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. "[It's] Lioness meets her cub, meets fierce-osity meets fabulousity meets runway, meets everything, darling."

13 of 30

14 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Katy Perry, 2011

Credit: Larry Busacca/Getty Images For The Recording Academy

An angelic looking Katy Perry called her Giorgio Armani Prive ensemble "classic, but with a theatrical edge." The look paired a Swarovski crystal-encrusted bustier with an iridescent ruffled skirt and feather wings.

14 of 30

15 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Lady Gaga, 2010

Credit: Dan MacMedan/WireImage.com

Giorgio Armani designed a trio of stellar ensembles for Lady Gaga's Grammy night, including this crystal-studded bodysuit and ultra-minidress. Milliner Philip Treacy collaborated on her intergalactic headpiece.

15 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

M.I.A., 2009

Credit: Sara De Boer / Retna Ltd.

A 9-months-pregnant M.I.A. performed on her baby's due date in a sheer House of Holland dress with strategically placed patches.

16 of 30

17 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Gwen Stefani, 2005

Credit: KMazur/WireImage for The Recording Academy

Double nominee Gwen Stefani went sheer with a ribbon-trimmed translucent dress from Viktor & Rolf over a pair of briefs.

17 of 30

18 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Avril Lavigne, 2003

Credit: KMazur/WireImage, Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.com

Best New Artist nom Avril Lavigne brought her own liner notes to a self-designed ensemble. In keeping with her theme, she added a skull-and-crossbones belt buckle and a well-worn pair of Converse.

18 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Eve, 2002

Credit: Vince Bucci/Getty Images

Rapper Eve brandished her Best Rap/Sung Collaboration honor in a mind-bending Jean Paul Gaultier ensemble. A short-long print top paired with side-tie hot pants.

19 of 30

20 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Erykah Badu, 2002

Credit: Frank Trapper/Corbis

"The most rock and roll accessory I have on tonight is my headband," Erykah Badu told InStyle. "It's made of copper leather, which I cut myself." Her avant-garde ensemble also included a draped dress with a leather sash, silver moonboots and waist-length green extensions.

20 of 30

21 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Alicia Keys, 2002

Credit: Gilbert Flores/celebrityphoto.com

"Out of the box is my theme tonight," Alicia Keys told People of her Christian Dior ensemble. Aside from the sari-inspired hooded gown worn over embroidered jeans, Keys turned heads with her Swarovski crystal-studded eye makeup.

21 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sheryl Crow, 2002

Credit: KMazur/WireImage

A floor-length coat did little to cover up Sheryl Crow's mini Henry Duarte jumpsuit. "Turning 40 really agrees with me," she told People. "I'm busting out."

22 of 30

23 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Toni Braxton, 2001

Credit: KMazur/WireImage

Toni Braxton wore Richard Tyler (and lots of double-stick tape) to pick up her Best Female R&B Vocal Performance trophy. "I've always gone a little risque with all my other awards [show outfits]," she told People. "I decided that before I got married and had babies, I'd wear this."

23 of 30

24 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Christina Aguilera, 2001

Credit: Laura Farr/Newsmakers/Getty Images

Christina Aguilera showed some skin in a Trish Summerville gown with a lace-up neckline (and matching bra). Aside from her major braids, the double nominee made a beauty statement with a dress-matching temporary rose tattoo on her lower back.

24 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Destiny's Child, 2001

Credit: David McNew/Newsmakers/Getty Images

Matching Grammys, matching outfits-the trio picked up a pair of gramophones each wearing coordinating custom ensembles by Tina Knowles. "She's the only person who knows what we want," daughter Beyonce told People.

25 of 30

26 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Missy Elliott, 2000

Credit: FITZROY BARRETT-GLOBE PHOTOS, INC

Talk about razor-sharp tailoring! Missy Elliott opted for a purple Versace two-piece covered in blades.

26 of 30

27 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Mya, 1999

Credit: Frank Trapper/Sygma/Corbis

Nominated for her "Ghetto Supastar" collaboration, R&B songstress Mya walked the red carpet in a pajama-inspired brocade tube top, cropped pants and oversize coat.

27 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Monica, 2000

Credit: JEFF VESPA/IPOL/GLOBE PHOTOS

A studded leather suit from D&G was a rock and roll choice for R&B singer Monica.

28 of 30

29 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Mary J. Blige, 1996

Credit: SGranitz/WireImage

Who's that mystery woman? A shades-wearing Mary J. Blige picked up her first Grammy for the Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in head-to-toe leopard print. The covered-up look included a hood and gloves.

29 of 30

30 of 30

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Annie Lennox, 1995

Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage

"What else is a girl going to wear to the Grammys?" joked Annie Lennox of her dominatrix-meets-Minnie Mouse ensemble.

30 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Andrea Cheng

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 30 Lady Gaga, 2016
2 of 30 Madonna, 2015
3 of 30 Lady Gaga, 2015
4 of 30 Beyonce, 2014
5 of 30 Alicia Keys, 2014
6 of 30 Kelly Rowland, 2013
7 of 30 Kimbra, 2013
8 of 30 Janelle Monae, 2013
9 of 30 Fergie, 2012
10 of 30 Nicki Minaj, 2012