Kerry Washington's Red Carpet Style

By InStyle Staff
Updated Jun 30, 2017 @ 3:30 pm
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

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!

Start Slideshow

1 of 28

In Prabal Gurung, 2018

Credit: Getty Images

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

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 28

In Paolo Sebastian Couture, 2018

Credit: Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

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.

3 of 28

In Michael Kors, 2017

Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

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

Advertisement

4 of 28

In Cavalli Couture, 2017

Credit: Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

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.

5 of 28

In Rodarte, 2017

Credit: 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.

6 of 28

In Dolce & Gabbana, Alta Moda Collection, 2017

Credit: C Flanigan/Getty Images

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.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 28

In Brandon Maxwell, 2016

Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

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

8 of 28

In Dolce & Gabbana, 2016

Credit: Peter West/ACE/INFphoto.com

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. 

9 of 28

In Atelier Versace, 2016

Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Washington paired her Atelier Versace gown with Harry Winston jewelry at the Oscars.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 28

In Ulyana Sergeenko Couture, 2016

Credit: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

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. 

11 of 28

In Prada, 2015

Credit: Larry Busacca/Getty Images

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

12 of 28

In Miu Miu, 2015

Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 28

In David Koma, 2015

Credit: Mike Marsland/WireImage

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

14 of 28

In Adam Lippes, 2015

Credit: Larry Busacca/Getty Images

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

15 of 28

In Alice + Olivia, 2015

Credit: Jim Spellman/WireImage

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 28

In Prada, 2015

Credit: Mark Sagliocco/Getty Images

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.

17 of 28

In Balenciaga, 2015

Credit: David Livingston/Getty Images

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

18 of 28

In Hellessy, 2015

Credit: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 28

In Calvin Klein Collection, 2014

Credit: Meleah Loya/AFF-USA.COM

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

20 of 28

In Marchesa, 2013

Credit: Francis Specker/Getty Images

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

21 of 28

In Louis Vuitton, 2013

Credit: API/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES

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.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 28

In Prabal Gurung, 2013

Credit: Jeffrey Ufberg/WireImage

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

23 of 28

In Miu Miu, 2013

Credit: Splash News

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

24 of 28

In Monique Lhuillier, 2012

Credit: Matt Baron / BEImages

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 28

In Calvin Klein, 2012

Credit: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

"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.

26 of 28

In Temperley London, 2012

Credit: Matt Baron / BEImages

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

27 of 28

In Marchesa, 2011

Credit: BILL DAVILA/startraks.cm

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 28

In Ralph Lauren Collection, 2011

Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

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.

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By InStyle Staff