The style at music’s biggest awards show typically runs the gamut from crazy to well, crazier. Over the years a few looks have hit the carpet that stand out to us, not because of their wackiness factor, but because they’re just plain amazing. Check out the glamorous gowns (and one sleek jumpsuit) that made our best-of list. And yes, Rihanna finds herself among topping our list not once, but twice.
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Alex Apatoff, Senior Style Editor: Rihanna is probably the most beautiful person on planet Earth (I’ve interviewed her in person and she virtually radiates fame). But much like Kim Kardashian, RiRi can often distract from that pretty face with seriously outrageous ensembles. Most of the time I’m totally on the Rihanna Crazy Train, but sometimes it’s nice when she just picks something that’s pretty for pretty’s sake — like she did with this beautiful Azzedine Alaïa gown at the 2013 Grammys. It was a breathtaking, traffic-stopping moment that let her gorgeous face shine — and it’s a look I’d love to see her aim for again this year.
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Andrea Lavinthal, Style and Beauty Director: I have a confession: My favorite Grammy dress of all time is Rihanna in Alaia in 2013. But Alex called that look first so I chose my second favorite Grammy dress of all time which also happens to be a Rihanna moment. In 2012, the star made everyone else on the carpet seem invisible when she arrived in a plunging custom Giorgio Armani design (it also had an open back and a major front slit) which she said was inspired by Michelle Pfeiffer’s character in the film Scarface. Styled with wild blonde curls and a sexy body chain, it’s quite possibly the star’s hottest look ever.
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Catherine Kast, Style Writer: My favorite Katy looks are the ones that steer just a little bit clear of costume-y but still have her quirky touch. This Elie Saab moment from the 2013 show is the case in point: her futuristic updo is blue and matches her dress, which is a delicate, beaded gown that’s worthy of being worn to an event like the Oscars. While I’m still a fan of bras that are cupcakes and other oddities, the statement being made here is she’s a pop princess who doesn’t need to constantly show off her two, um, best assets.
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Brittany Talarico, Style News Editor: Beyoncé doesn’t need to wear a backless, skin-flaunting, midriff-baring gown to own the red carpet. She can show up in a sleek, black-and-white Osman jumpsuit (like she did in 2013) and still top everyone’s best-dressed lists. (Note: This was before formal jumpsuits became a “thing,” and Bey might actually be the reason they became a red carpet staple.) This year, however, I kinda hope she has that jaw-dropping, body-flaunting, skin-baring moment in this Atelier Versace gown.
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Sarah Kinonen, Editorial Assistant: This gorgeous backless beaded Gomez-Gracia gown (from 2012) is not only one of my favorite looks from country crooner Carrie Underwood, but it also happens to be one of my top Grammy looks of all time for its chic take on the classic gown. While the star may look overdressed in sparkles from the front, the back of the gown is cut-out, showing off a sexy skin-baring surprise. Even her accessories were perfect — from the dazzling diamonds to the all-black contrasting clutch, I can’t help but love it.
