Leave it to Kerry Washington to kill it on the red carpet.
At the 2022 Emmy Awards, which kicked off Sept. 12 at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, the 45-year-old stood out in a cool high-low ensemble among a sea of floor-length gowns.
On hand to present to the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, the actress arrived wearing white dress by Elie Saab, featuring an asymmetrical neckline, oversized floral appliqués, a hiked hemline in the front and long train in the back. She styled the look with unexpected black tights from Wolford, matching pointed-toe pumps by Christian Louboutin and delicate Bulgari diamond jewels.
While chatting with Laverne Cox on the red carpet with Live From E!: Emmys, Kerry acknowledged her unconventional legwear choice, saying, "Even though it's a 107 degrees, for fashion, we'll wear black tight," pointing out that the Orange Is The New Black star was wearing a similar style.
For glam, Kerry kept her make-up look soft and dewy and swept up her hair into an effortless top-knot, styled using hair care products from Brazilian-inspired beauty brand Sol de Janeiro, with the help of celebrity stylists Takisha Sturdivant-Drew.
"As soon as I saw Kerry's gorgeous Elie Saab dress, I knew we were going for chic, classic, and elegant look with just a hint of modern flair," Sturdivant-Drew told E! News. "I wanted to do a model style top-knot that was just a little messy and undone for the perfect amount of texture."
(See every star's red carpet arrival here)
No stranger to Emmys night, Kerry was previously nominated three times in acting categories for her roles in Scandal, Confirmation and Little Fires Everywhere. In 2020, she took home a Creative Arts Emmys in the Outstanding Variety Special (Live) category for the TV special she executive produced the ABC tribute special Live in Front of a Studio Audience: "All in the Family" and "Good Times.
The actress opened up to E! News about her producing nomination before her big win, explaining that it signified a whole new chapter in her career.
"I am really proud to be creating and participating in so many different kinds of projects across so many different mediums," she told E! News in 2020. "It does feel really significant and exciting."
She added, "But I definitely don't have the sense that I've made it yet. I feel like we're just getting started."
Keep scrolling to revisit some of Kerry's best looks from over the years.
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The actress attended the Met Gala wearing a bright red tassled outfit to match her fierce red carpet pose.
The annual Vanity Fair Oscar party is the hottest ticket in Holllywood, and Washington didn't disappoint in her gold detailed gown.
If there is one thing Washington knows how to do, its rock a patterned dress on a red carpet. It just might be her super power.
Washington arrived to the premiere of her project American Son looking ready to take on the world. Or at least another huge film!
The pantsuit is an underrated staple on red carpets, but Washington proved with a bold lip and a pointy toe, anything is possible.
The Met Gala is all about the bold looks and daring ensembles, and during the "Camp" theme, Washington aced the test.
Not just anyone can pull off leather pants, but then again, Kerry Washington isn't just anyone.
No shirt? No problem! Sometimes you got to risk a little to get the reward.
This look took old school to a whole new level. She changed up her hair and put on a little smolder for a perfect red carpet appearance.
Animal print is what fashion designers dreams are made of. Washington was a sight to behold in this bold coat.
At the Television Academy's 25th Hall of Fame Ceremony Washington showed up looking like a vision straight out of Scotland.
The star arrived to the Met Gala shimmering in gold. Washington wore a sequined, long-sleeved Ralph Lauren gown with a beautiful Afro and golden hair accessories to match.
What's better than two shades of green? Four! Kerry slays in this flowing, pleated, multicolored Missoni dress paired with aqua heels.
This actress knows her way around a pattern. Washington rocks this fab polka-dot dress by Kate Spade paired with taupe heels.
In the streets of NYC the starlet shows up extra stylish and urban in this Johanna Ortiz hunter green coat, paired with a white fitted dress and red pumps for a color accent.
Look as darling as ever, Kerry sports a classic stripped Oscar de la Renta dress with a chic afro hairstyle and some gorgeous pointed pumps.
Washington serves major spring looks in this gorgeous, flowing, sheer-floral dress by Dolce and Gabbana.
The Scandal star made it a point to make her mark at the 2018 Golden Globes when she arrived in this shimmering Prabal Gurung dress and striking Roger Vivier mesh heels.
The star looks like a total doll in this Giambattista Valli floral print mini dress.
The actress has got it all shaped out in this form fitting floral metallic dress by Dolce & Gabbana.
Fitted, patterned and sexy. What more could the starlet want out of this striking Ulyana Sergreenko dress.
A bright coral and lavender was a daring and sophisticated choice for the Women's Summit in LA
Wearing a gorgeous cape dress by Maxwell, the starlet attends the HBO special screening of Confirmation.
As delicate a rose, Kerry stuns in this floral Dolce & Gabbana gown. The textured bag paired with strappy heels made the actress' dress stand out more than ever.
This boss wore a black off the shoulder gown by Boss and couldn't have looked more fabulous.
Miss Olivia Pope looks like a complete star in this dashing Versace gown. The dress hugs the actress' body just right, and the yellow accent straps make her skin pop to perfection.
Kerry looks like a true work of art in this black and white Atelier Versace gown. The star went for a classical look, having her hair pulled back, a daring leg slit and pointed heels to complete the look.
The actress shows off her glowing skin in this sleek, white, Victoria Beckham dress paired with a black clutch.
Looking super sexy in this black bustier style Marchesa dress, Washington poses with a vengeance and pairs this showstopper with black heels.
This gorgeous Giambattista Valli gown made the actress look like a beautiful princess. The pops of florals around the dress gave the look an extra chic feel.