Kerry Washington's Red Carpet Style

By InStyle Staff
Updated: Jan 30, 2018 @ 6:54 pm

As crisis manager Olivia Pope on ABC's sexy thriller Scandal (the fourth season kicks off Thursday, Sept. 25!), Kerry Washington kills it in power suits and come-hither gowns. Even more to our liking? Her red-carpet style. "Kerry's choices reflect the strong, confident woman she is," says Calvin Klein’s creative director Francisco Costa. Whether she's sparkling in a neutral Miu Miu number (left), or sporting a checkered Louis Vuitton sheath (right), the former ballerina, who jetéed into the spotlight in Save the Last Dance, is always on point.

Monday, September 22, Kerry Washington will be InStyle.com's Guest Editor for the day! Check back throughout the day for exclusive content straight from the actress herself. Go to instyle.com/kerryday.

Want to see more of her impeccable style? Check out the star’s 10 best red carpet looks ever in our gallery!

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In Prabal Gurung, 2018

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Washington supported the Time's Up protest at the 2018 Golden Globes in a sequined Prabal Gurung dress with a thigh-high slit.

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In Paolo Sebastian Couture, 2018

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The Scandal star looked whimsical in a Paolo Sebastian Couture sheer illusion A-line dress with bold floral embroidery at the 2018 Producers Guild Awards.

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In Michael Kors, 2017

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Washington showed some skin at the 2017 Met Gala in a cut-out Michael Kors dress with bold mixed prints.

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In Cavalli Couture, 2017

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The Confirmation actress wore an embellished white off-the-shoulder Cavalli Couture gown to the 2017 SAG Awards. Bold eyeshadow and a sleek blowout polished off the red carpet look.

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In Rodarte, 2017

Jason LaVeris/Getty Images

Washington paired an edgy bob with her plunging, high-low Rodarte lace dress at the 2017 Producers Guild Awards. Sexy see-through heels completed the modern look.

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In Dolce & Gabbana, Alta Moda Collection, 2017

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At the 2017 Warner Bros. Pictures and InStyle Golden Globes after-party, Washington donned this gorgeous metallic number from Dolce & Gabbana that featured a bustier-style bodice, sheer skirt, and rhinestone embellishments. She choose a dark lip and smoky eye for the night.

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In Brandon Maxwell, 2016

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Maternity style will never be the same! The pregnant star stunned at the Emmy Awards. 

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In Dolce & Gabbana, 2016

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The actress packed on the florals for the Los Angeles premiere of Confirmation, gracing the red carpet in a garden party-ready Dolce & Gabbana dress that she styled with a floral-embellished Dolce & Gabbana box clutch and black strappy sandals. 

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In Atelier Versace, 2016

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Washington paired her Atelier Versace gown with Harry Winston jewelry at the Oscars.
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In Ulyana Sergeenko Couture, 2016

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Washington was a darling at the 33rd Annual PaleyFest Los Angeles presentation of Scandal in a hand-knitted Yelets lace Ulyana Sergeenko Couture creation, complete with minimalist sandals. 

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In Prada, 2015

Larry Busacca/Getty Images

Washington contrasted a pink ballgown with jade accessories at the Met Gala.

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In Miu Miu, 2015

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She walked the Oscars red carpet in a champagne-colored peplum gown embroidered with fronds.

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In David Koma, 2015

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An intricate beadwork pattern and a sliver of midriff defined her two-piece ensemble at a magazine awards event.

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In Adam Lippes, 2015

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Washington redefined suiting-up with the white tuxedo dress she wore to Saturday Night Live's 40th Anniversary Celebration.

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In Alice + Olivia, 2015

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The Scandal actress selected a jumpsuit with a beaded bodice for an ABC Upfront event.

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In Prada, 2015

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Washington headed to an after party for the Met Gala's China: Through the Looking Glass benefit in a gray silk dress embroidered with multi-hued paillettes.

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In Balenciaga, 2015

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At the Film Independent Spirit Awards, Washington posed in an elegant black dress with ruched sleeves and a halter neckline. 

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In Hellessy, 2015

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Washington wore a plunging gown in burgundy and plum at the GLAAD Media Awards.

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In Calvin Klein Collection, 2014

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The then-pregnant actress chose a flowing asymmetrical dress in a cerulean hue for the Essence Black Women in Hollywood luncheon.

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In Marchesa, 2013

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Washington walked the Emmys red carpet wearing the finale look from the 2013 Marchesa show, an ethereal white gown embellished with flowers.

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In Louis Vuitton, 2013

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The actress sported a dress in the brand's iconic damier pattern—which made its debut in 1889 on canvas used for LV trunks—to a Berlin photocall for Django Unchained.

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In Prabal Gurung, 2013

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Washington posed outside the Late Show with David Letterman studio in a floral halter dress with sheer, billowy sleeves.

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In Miu Miu, 2013

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For the Golden Globes, Washington wore a neutral stretch-tulle gown embroidered with Swarovski crystals.

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In Monique Lhuillier, 2012

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An artsy splash print lent whimsy to Washington's look for the Hollywood Film Awards Gala.

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In Calvin Klein, 2012

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"The fresh hue lends a youthful energy to this sophisticated dress," said Calvin Klein Collection's Francisco Costa of the elegant gown Washington wore for the White House Correspondents' Dinner.

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In Temperley London, 2012

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The actress selected a fuchsia wrap gown with ruching at the hip for the BAFTA Los Angeles Britannia Awards.

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In Marchesa, 2011

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A draped silk chiffon gown with crystal detailing was Washington's look of choice for a magazine awards event.

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In Ralph Lauren Collection, 2011

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It took nearly 800 hours for embroiderers to hand-sew the tiny charlotte-cut beads onto this art deco-inspired gown, which she wore to Lincoln Center Presents: An Evening with Ralph Lauren.

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