Metallic Magic: Celebrity Dresses That Shimmered on the Red Carpet

Metallic dresses have long been a go-to choice for holiday parties, red carpet events, and glamorous nights out. Their high-shine finish and reflective textures instantly create a festive, statement-making look.

In this updated style roundup, we revisit some of the most unforgettable celebrity metallic dress moments, starting with standout looks from 2013, and follow the trend’s dazzling evolution into recent years. From Taylor Swift’s iconic gold Julien Macdonald mini to Millie Bobby Brown’s futuristic chainmail gown, these outfits prove that shimmer never goes out of style.

Emily Blunt, Kate Mara, Marion Cotillard, Rita Ora, and Taylor Swift shine in stunning metallic dresses at various glamorous events (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN / Nikki Nelson / Mr. Blue / FayesVision / Nikki Nelson / Brian To / DJDM / C.Smith)

As a stylish throwback, we’re revisiting some of our favorite celebrity metallic dress moments from that year. Whether you’re planning a holiday party or love a bit of shine, get inspired by these shimmering red carpet appearances—or check out these dresses worn by Céline Dion and Ciara for more recent metallic magic.

Let’s start with a few timeless metallic looks from 2013 that helped define the trend’s red carpet legacy—each one still inspiring fashion fans a decade later.

Taylor Swift in Gold Julien Macdonald at the 2013 AMAs

Her exes might not be keen on seeing her again, but this 23-year-old country singer was a sight to behold at the 2013 AMAs.

Taylor Swift was a big winner in the music and fashion scenes because she paired the above gold Julien Macdonald dress with strappy Jimmy Choo sandals.

Taylor Swift dazzles in a gold Julien Macdonald dress at the 2013 AMAs, paired with elegant Jimmy Choo sandals on November 24, 2013, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: WENN)

Rita Ora Wows in Donna Karan at the Angel Ball 2013

With Rita Ora’s frequent crossover into the fashion world, she could be mistaken for a model. She had everyone staring at her gold Donna Karan Atelier frock at the Angel Ball 2013 hosted by Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation, completely outshining the real models in attendance.

Rita Ora commands attention in a shimmering gold Donna Karan Atelier gown at the Angel Ball 2013, effortlessly outshining the models in attendance — photographed on October 29, 2013, in New York City (Credit: WENN)

Kate Mara’s Dolce & Gabbana Silver Dress at House of Cards Premiere

Premiere nights are always brimming with fashionable ladies, and the New York premiere of House of Cards was no exception. But Kate Mara managed to snag attention in her silver flower-bedecked dress from Dolce & Gabbana.

Kate Mara dazzles in a silver floral Dolce & Gabbana dress with sheer sleeves and scalloped hem, paired with classic black ankle-strap heels at the House of Cards premiere in New York on January 30, 2013 (Credit: WENN)

Marion Cotillard Keeps It Chic in Silver Dior

Thirty-eight-year-old actress Marion Cotillard took on a dress silhouette that can easily look unflattering to lesser mortals: a silver Dior dress.

She displayed enough fashion sense by keeping the styling starkly simple and letting the silver dress do the talking.

Marion Cotillard exudes playful elegance in a structured metallic strapless Dior dress with a voluminous silhouette and pointed ankle-strap heels at ELLE’s 20th Annual Women in Hollywood Celebration on October 21, 2013 (Credit: WENN)

Emily Blunt Stuns in Gold Cutout Michael Kors Gown

Emily Blunt has always been a force to be reckoned with on the red carpet. In her golden Michael Kors dress with cutout details at the waist, she looked every inch the style-driven character she portrayed in The Devil Wears Prada.

Emily Blunt captivates in a golden Michael Kors dress with cutout details at the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 13, 2013 (Credit: WENN)

Jana Kramer Glows in Metallic Badgley Mischka at the ACM Awards

Former One Tree Hill star Jana Kramer attended the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in a jaw-dropping Badgley Mischka gown. The singer also skipped out on the statement accessories, choosing only to wear a simple pair of earrings and a ring.

Jana Kramer looks stunning in a Badgley Mischka gown at the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on April 7, 2013 (Credit: WENN)

While the standout looks of 2013 still sparkle in our memories, metallic fashion has continued to evolve on modern red carpets. Here are more recent celebrity moments that prove shimmer never goes out of style.

Shimmer & Shine: More Celebrities in Stunning Metallic Dresses

Metallic dresses continue to dazzle on red carpets, with celebrities embracing shimmering styles that captivate audiences. Here are some standout moments featuring metallic ensembles:

Millie Bobby Brown Channels Royalty in Chainmail & Le Silla Heels

• Event: 2025 BRIT Awards
• Outfit: Millie Bobby Brown exuded elegance in a shimmering chainmail cowl-neck gown, reminiscent of ancient Egyptian fashion.
• Footwear: She paired the look with silver Le Silla heels, enhancing the metallic theme.
• Read more: Millie Bobby Brown’s Egyptian-inspired metallic look at the BRIT Awards

Lupita Nyong’o Glows in Gold Celine at CinemaCon 2024

• Event: 2024 CinemaCon
• Outfit: Lupita Nyong’o stunned in a radiant gold Celine gown, showcasing timeless elegance.
• Footwear: She completed the ensemble with strappy silver Celine Soir sandals.
• See more: Lupita Nyong’o’s golden moment at CinemaCon

Cardi B Turns Heads in Hair Clip Dress at 2023 MTV VMAs

• Event: 2023 MTV Video Music Awards
• Outfit: Cardi B wore a custom Dilara Findikoglu gown with hundreds of silver hair clips, creating a unique metallic effect.
• Accessories: She complemented the dress with matching forearm cuffs, which were also embellished with hair clips.
• Discover more: Cardi B’s innovative metallic look at the MTV VMAs

Katy Perry Dazzles in Hooded Gaurav Gupta Gown at 2025 Breakthrough Prize

Dressed in a silver sequinned Gaurav Gupta Spring 2024 Couture gown—hood included, naturally—Katy leaned into the intergalactic glamour we’ve come to expect. Think space odyssey meets old Hollywood, with a dash of avant-garde sparkle.

Katy Perry stuns in a hooded silver Gaurav Gupta gown with glittering sequins and galactic flair at the 2025 Breakthrough Prize Ceremony in Santa Monica on April 5, 2025 (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

The dress was meant to create a sultry illusion with cleverly placed cut-outs and sheer tulle panels, though the execution didn’t quite land on planet flawless. Still, the concept was stellar and perfectly aligned with her dramatic red carpet persona.

Paris & Nicky Hilton Twin in Lace Dresses and Metallic Heels

• Event: 3rd Annual Young Hearts Friends Fest
• Outfit: Paris and Nicky Hilton coordinated in pink and blue lace dresses, exuding sisterly glamour.
• Footwear: Paris opted for glittery gold Dior pumps, while Nicky chose elegant blue Manolo Blahnik heels.
• Explore their style: Paris & Nicky Hilton’s pastel and metallic ensemble

Jessica Chastain Radiates in Carolina Herrera & Saint Laurent Pumps

• Event: Variety’s “Power of Women” Event
• Outfit: Jessica Chastain wore a classic white Carolina Herrera dress with bow-detailed sleeves.
• Footwear: She added a modern twist with metallic Saint Laurent “Paris” pumps.
• See her look: Jessica Chastain’s elegant ensemble at the Power of Women event

These moments highlight the enduring appeal of metallic dresses and accessories in celebrity fashion, inspiring those looking to add a shimmer to their wardrobe.

Wearing metallic dresses takes confidence. These bold outfits are not for the faint of heart, but if you want to stand out and make a statement, they are the perfect choice. We highly recommend metallic dresses for anyone looking to shine.

There’s no better time to shine than this season—metallic dresses are made for holiday glam. To complete your look, explore our favorite metallic shoes, which elevate any outfit. Let your inner sparkle steal the spotlight!