2017 Oscars Red Carpet: The 12 Most Iconic Dresses and Designer Heels That Defined Hollywood Glamour

At the 2017 Academy Awards, the spotlight wasn’t only on the historic “Best Picture” mix-up — it was also on a parade of breathtaking red-carpet fashion. From gilded vintage glamour to modern minimalism, the Oscars proved once again why it remains Hollywood’s ultimate runway.

Looking back, these unforgettable gowns still inspire today’s red-carpet and wedding-season trends. Below, we revisit the night’s most talked-about looks — and the timeless elegance each star brought to the Dolby Theatre.

1. Golden Glamour: Emma Stone Channels 1940s Elegance in Givenchy Haute Couture

To impress, Emma Stone radiated old-Hollywood glamour in a custom Givenchy Haute Couture gown designed by Riccardo Tisci—his final Oscar creation for the house. The gold-toned dress featured an intricate beaded bodice and cascading ombré fringe in ivory and bronze, evoking the opulent spirit of 1940s flapper style.

Emma Stone dazzles at the 89th Annual Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on February 26, 2017, wearing a stunning gold-toned Givenchy gown with intricate beadwork and a dramatic fringe detail that exudes 1940s-inspired glamour (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN / Apega)

She completed the look with custom Givenchy satin sandals in a matching bronze hue, perfectly echoing the gown’s luminous gradient. The coordinated heels tied together her head-to-toe Givenchy ensemble, reinforcing Stone’s reputation for timeless sophistication on the red carpet.

2. Ethereal Fringe Fantasy: Olivia Culpo’s Beaded Marchesa Gown Shines Bright

Olivia Culpo stuns in a custom Marchesa gown featuring intricate beadwork, layered fringe, and a delicate bow belt, perfectly blending vintage charm with modern elegance

It looks like the fringe trend was officially back on the red carpet. Olivia Culpo turned heads in a custom Marchesa gown that echoed the flapper-inspired glamour of Emma Stone’s Givenchy look, but with her own ethereal twist. The dress shimmered with layers of delicate beading, sheer panels, and a slender bow belt that defined her waist.

She completed the ensemble with silver metallic heels, adding a modern, light-catching finish that complemented the gown’s intricate texture and vintage-meets-contemporary charm.

3. Velvet Seduction: Taraji P. Henson’s Midnight-Blue Alberta Ferretti Moment

Taraji P. Henson exudes sophistication in a sleek off-the-shoulder velvet gown by Alberta Ferretti, complete with a thigh-high slit and statement necklace, showcasing timeless elegance

Rather than competing with the night’s bejeweled showstoppers, Taraji P. Henson opted for refined minimalism in a midnight-blue velvet gown by Alberta Ferretti. The off-the-shoulder silhouette, thigh-high slit, and rich texture exuded effortless sensuality and old-Hollywood poise.

She completed the look with a pair of Jimmy Choo “Minny” sandals, which shimmered subtly against the plush velvet fabric. The sleek metallic heels added polish and height, proving that understated elegance can make an equally powerful red-carpet statement.

4. Whimsical Couture: Hailee Steinfeld’s Floral Ralph & Russo Dream Gown

Hailee Steinfeld captivates in a whimsical Ralph & Russo gown featuring floral appliqués, sheer panels, and a dramatic, flowing train that exudes ethereal charm

Hailee Steinfeld pulled out all the stops in a Ralph & Russo Haute Couture ball gown adorned with soft ruffles and romantic floral appliqués. The ethereal design, featuring a sheer neckline and dramatic sweeping train, perfectly balanced youthful charm and couture craftsmanship.

She accessorized with diamond jewelry by Neil Lane, a sparkling Judith Leiber clutch, and Charlotte Olympia heels—a fitting choice given the brand’s whimsical yet glamorous aesthetic. Though mostly hidden beneath the gown’s voluminous layers, her shoes subtly echoed the playfulness and polish that have become signatures of Steinfeld’s red-carpet style.

5. Eco-Elegance: Emma Roberts Stuns in Sustainable Armani Privé Lace

Emma Roberts shines in a sustainable Armani Privè gown featuring a black lace bodice and tiered ivory skirt, combining eco-conscious elegance with Old Hollywood charm

Emma Roberts embraced eco-conscious glamour in a vintage black-and-ivory lace gown from Armani Privé’s 2005 collection, chosen for the Red Carpet Green Dress campaign promoting sustainable fashion. The look combined Old Hollywood sophistication with a modern commitment to ethical luxury, highlighting the actress’s effortless poise and slender silhouette.

Staying true to the house, Roberts completed her ensemble with Armani heels and a vintage Armani Privé clutch, both in tonal harmony with the gown’s romantic palette. Her accessories extended the sustainable theme with Atelier Swarovski fine jewelry, crafted from ethically sourced stones and responsibly produced materials — a fittingly refined finish to one of the evening’s most meaningful style statements.

6. Modern Edge: Scarlett Johansson’s Sculptural Alaïa Gown and Belted Detail

Scarlett Johansson struck the perfect balance between feminine glamour and edgy modernity at the 2017 Oscars. Her printed lavender-and-black gown by Azzedine Alaïa, cinched with a distinctive leather-studded belt, showcased the late designer’s signature mastery of sculptural tailoring.

The look was all the more remarkable given Alaïa’s rare participation in dressing celebrities for the Oscars, making Johansson’s choice a true fashion moment.

Scarlett Johansson combines edgy sophistication with feminine charm in a sheer pink Alaïa gown, featuring an intricate pattern and cinched with a metallic belt for a bold statement

In keeping with her commitment to a cohesive aesthetic, Scarlett completed her look with matching Alaïa heels and clutch, both reflecting the house’s refined craftsmanship. She finished the ensemble with Fred Leighton jewelry, adding a hint of vintage sparkle.

On the red carpet, the actress even joked that her sky-high Alaïa heels were so tall she couldn’t imagine wearing them two days in a row—proof that even the most poised stars aren’t immune to the perils of couture-level elevation.

7. Architectural Allure: Priyanka Chopra’s Structured Ralph & Russo Statement

Priyanka Chopra turned the 2017 Oscars red carpet into her own runway of architectural glamour. The actress stunned in a structural white Ralph & Russo gown featuring a bold geometric pattern and sleek strapless silhouette — a couture masterpiece designed to highlight precision and form.

Because the gown’s floor-length train gracefully swept the carpet, her shoes were largely concealed.

Priyanka Chopra turns heads in a stunning geometric-patterned Ralph & Russo gown, showcasing structured elegance with a sleek strapless silhouette and impeccable detailing

Priyanka elevated the look further with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry, including a jaw-dropping pair of 60-carat diamond drop earrings valued at around $5 million, chunky diamond cuffs, and a 10-carat emerald-cut diamond ring.

Together, the sculptural gown and high-wattage diamonds captured the ideal balance of structure, sparkle, and star power — a signature Priyanka moment in modern red-carpet history.

8. Power in Red: Viola Davis Radiates Confidence in Custom Armani Privé

Viola Davis delivered one of the most unforgettable style moments of the 2017 Oscars — and not just because she took home the Best Supporting Actress award that night.

Dressed in a custom vermilion silk gown by Armani Privé, the celebrated actress embodied strength, grace, and timeless sophistication. The off-the-shoulder silhouette and fluid draping framed her figure beautifully, proving that minimal embellishment can still command maximum impact.

Viola Davis radiates confidence and elegance in a striking red Armani gown featuring an off-the-shoulder design and a flowing train that commands attention on the red carpet

She completed her look with Stuart Weitzman heels, a Bally clutch, and exquisite Niwaka jewelry — a refined nod to the Japanese house known for its craftsmanship and understated luxury.

The vibrant red of her gown paired perfectly with her short, natural hairstyle and the subtle shimmer of her jewels, creating a red-carpet image that remains as powerful and radiant as her Oscar win itself.

9. Shimmering Return: Teresa Palmer’s Post-Baby Glow in Silver Prada

Teresa Palmer was the picture of post-baby radiance at the 2017 Oscars, dazzling in a silver and light-blue Prada gown that shimmered under the lights with ethereal elegance.

The softly pleated fabric and delicate embellishments highlighted her figure beautifully, making her red-carpet return just months after giving birth all the more impressive.

Teresa Palmer glows in a shimmering silver Prada gown featuring a pleated skirt and delicate embellishments, perfectly complementing her radiant post-baby elegance

She completed her look with Sophia Webster “Effie” sandals, crafted in satin silver with the designer’s signature crystal-embellished heels. This playful yet sophisticated touch perfectly echoed the gown’s metallic sheen.

Palmer accessorized further with a sparkling Edie Parker clutch and Neil Lane jewelry, balancing Italian couture with a hint of modern British whimsy. The result was a fresh, glamorous ensemble that felt both radiant and joyfully confident.

10. Gothic Royalty: Salma Hayek’s Sheer Lace Alexander McQueen Ensemble

Salma Hayek brought undeniable regality to the 2017 Oscars in a custom sheer black Alexander McQueen gown, featuring a plunging neckline, intricate beading, and exquisite lace detailing. The look perfectly embodied McQueen’s signature balance of gothic romance and red-carpet drama, making it one of the evening’s most striking couture moments.

Salma Hayek exudes regal charm in a sheer black Alexander McQueen gown featuring intricate lace detailing and a flowing skirt, perfectly balancing elegance and allure

She complemented the gown with Sophia Webster heels and a matching Alexander McQueen clutch, keeping the accessories cohesive yet modern.

For jewelry, Hayek turned to Fred Leighton, wearing dazzling diamond pieces — including a bracelet she cleverly transformed into a jeweled hairband, secured with a sleek black ribbon.

The inventive styling added a personal, regal twist to an already commanding ensemble, proving once again that Salma’s red-carpet instincts are second to none.

11. Golden Goddess: Jessica Biel Dazzles in Metallic KaufmanFranco Glamour

Jessica Biel radiated pure gold at the 2017 Oscars, commanding attention in a custom metallic gown by KaufmanFranco.

The long-sleeved, body-skimming silhouette exuded futuristic glamour, while the shimmering fabric and subtle draping created a look that felt both bold and timeless. What could have easily overwhelmed became one of the night’s most refined statement moments thanks to Biel’s poise and perfectly measured styling.

Jessica Biel dazzles in a shimmering gold KaufmanFranco gown paired with a bold statement necklace, exuding modern glamour and red carpet sophistication

Her accessories were just as spectacular. She adorned her neckline with a Tiffany & Co. Blue Book “Whispers of the Rain Forest” necklace—a breathtaking collar of platinum, 18k gold, and diamonds that reportedly took a full year to craft and weighed nearly 2 pounds.

While her shoes were concealed beneath the gown’s sweeping hemline, Biel is known to favor Jimmy Choo and Salvatore Ferragamo stilettos for major events, and it’s likely she wore neutral or gold-toned heels to maintain the gown’s seamless head-to-toe brilliance. The result was a look that married high-fashion drama with sculptural precision — pure red-carpet gold.

12. Old Hollywood Revival: Dakota Johnson’s Satin Gucci Gown & Cartier Jewels

Dakota Johnson brought a dose of Old Hollywood allure to the 2017 Oscars, channeling the timeless elegance of a 1940s screen siren in a champagne satin gown from Gucci’s Fall 2017 collection. The high neckline, dramatic bow detail, and soft golden sheen gave the look a regal sophistication that stood out even amid a sea of metallic gowns on the red carpet.

Dakota Johnson channels vintage Hollywood glamour in a satin gold Gucci gown featuring a high neckline, dramatic bow detail, and a flowing silhouette

Keeping her styling firmly within the Gucci universe, Dakota accessorized with metallic gold strappy heels — reportedly from the brand’s archives and possibly the coveted “Crawford” sandal design — and a matching Gucci clutch, believed to feature the house’s signature feline-head clasp.

For jewelry, she turned to Cartier, wearing pieces from the Cartier Paris archives, including a breathtaking diamond neckpiece and 1940s cocktail rings that echoed the gown’s vintage inspiration. The result was a meticulously curated tribute to classic Hollywood glamour — understated, luminous, and utterly Dakota.

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