Best Dressed at the 2013 Grammys: Rihanna, Taylor Swift, and Jennifer Lopez’s Most Unforgettable Red-Carpet Looks

The 55th Annual Grammy Awards may have taken place back in February 2013, but the red carpet remains one of the most unforgettable fashion moments of the decade. From bold color statements to daring silhouettes, these looks still define what it means to make an entrance.

Looking back, only a select few stars truly made us say “wow.” Here’s our curated retrospective of the five best-dressed women who mastered the art of red-carpet glamour—and whose ensembles continue to inspire red-carpet style even today.

1. Rihanna: Radiant in Red – Azzedine Alaïa Gown & Manolo Blahnik Sandals

Let’s begin with the undeniable showstopper of the night—Rihanna. The singer redefined red-carpet glamour in a breathtaking, head-to-toe crimson look by Azzedine Alaïa, a designer celebrated for his sculptural couture and precision tailoring.

Her gown’s fluid layers moved effortlessly with each step. At the same time, a pair of matching Manolo Blahnik sandals provided the finishing touch—elevating the monochrome statement into a masterclass in modern elegance.

Rihanna exudes elegance at the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards, dressed in a radiant red Azzedine Alaïa gown, complemented by Manolo Blahnik sandals on February 10, 2013, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: FayesVision / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

RiRi glowed and seriously looked happy (must be all the love she’s getting from Chris Brown). Oh, and did we mention we love her new wavy locks, too?

Rihanna looked lovely with pretty curls in a red Azzedine Alaïa dress (Credit: FayesVision / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

2. Taylor Swift: Grecian Elegance – J. Mendel Gown & Jimmy Choo Heels

Kudos to Taylor Swift for consistently scoring a hit on the red carpet. Seriously, we have yet to see the Golden Girl fail.

Taylor Swift, the epitome of grace, arrives at the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards in a J. Mendel gown that whispers elegance on February 10, 2013, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: FayesVision / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

She sported a beautifully pleated Grecian-inspired J. Mendel gown for the Grammys and capped it off with Jimmy Choo heels. And while white was a predictable color choice, it was what worked for her, and she looked fabulous!

Taylor Swift’s Grecian-inspired J. Mendel dress and messy braided updo hairstyle (Credit: FayesVision / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

3. Jennifer Lopez: Daring Drama – Anthony Vaccarello Gown & Tom Ford Heels

While the Grammy administration sent out a memo on the “proper dress code” (no side boobs, extreme skin exposure, etc.) before the event, Jennifer Lopez still dared to wear it.

Jennifer Lopez rocks a sexy black dress with a hip-high slit (Credit: FayesVision / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

Though her gown wasn’t as risque as the green Versace in 2000, the diva still turned heads with her hip-high slitted asymmetric dress by Anthony Vaccarello. Yes, dolls, hip-high. Because the slit went way up there.

We’re not complaining because JLo looked terrific in the 70s-inspired number and Tom Ford heels.

Jennifer Lopez and Casper Smart at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 10, 2013 (Credit: FayesVision / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

4. Carrie Underwood: Lace Luxury – Roberto Cavalli Gown & $31M Diamond Necklace

Mixed lace is definitely tricky to wear. But Carrie Underwood pulled it off with ease as she donned the sexy strapless Roberto Cavalli gown for the Grammys.

And as if the stunning dress wasn’t enough, Carrie paired it with a $31 million diamond necklace by Johnathon Arndt. Now that’s what you call all glammed up for the red carpet!

Carrie Underwood shines at the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards, wearing a Roberto Cavalli gown that masterfully blends lace textures on February 10, 2013, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: FayesVision / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

5. Faith Hill: Chic Debut – J. Mendel Dress & Studded Pumps

She may not be a red-carpet regular, but Faith Hill made a flawless impression at the Grammys with her J. Mendel knee-length frock—a sophisticated choice that balanced modern polish with timeless grace.

The sleek silhouette flattered her frame beautifully, while a pair of studded pumps added just the right touch of edge to her otherwise classic ensemble. From her soft waves to her confident smile, every detail reflected a woman with quietly impeccable style.

Making a memorable debut on our Best Dressed list, Faith Hill arrives at the Grammys in a chic J. Mendel dress on February 10, 2013, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: FayesVision / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

As we look back on the 55th Annual Grammys, these five women remind us why red-carpet fashion from that era still resonates today. Each look—whether Rihanna’s daring crimson couture or Taylor Swift’s timeless white gown—captured a unique moment in pop-culture style history.

The Timeless Allure of Grammy Fashion

Each decade brings its own icons, but the common thread is always confidence, creativity, and a pair of statement heels that completes the look.

If this retrospective left you craving more modern glam, explore a few more Grammy fashion moments where bold footwear once again took center stage: