11 Best Moments For Self Love At The ACM Awards

In recent years, award show red carpets have arguably been experiencing a shift towards outfits more indicative of positive body image, including at the American Country Music Awards. Historically, the red carpet has been a haven for strict dress codes based on even stricter ideas of femininity versus masculinity. Rules pertaining to size, age, ideas regarding what is and isn't "flattering," and widespread slut-shaming of women who embrace their bodies and sexuality by showing a little skin have all been common occurrences. But there have been moments in which people have embraced their bodies and self-love nontheless.

So-called rules and antiquated beauty expectations prescribed to feminine bodies are still alive and well in many facets of our culture. However, now is the time when feminine people are consistently breaking them all, wearing outfits that make them feel beautiful and confident, and doing so unapologetically. The American Country Music Awards have certainly been a part of this legacy, with celebrities like Hillary Scott and Jessie James Decker embracing their bodies in form-fitting gowns and artists like Faith Hill combatting ageism in the fashion industry with a plunging neckline.

Here are some of the greatest examples of self-love-inspiring style from past ACM Award shows, in light of the 51st annual American Country Music Awards airing on April 3.

1. Jessie James Decker's Baby Bump

The musician showed up with her husband, NFL player Eric Decker, with a look that definitely stole the show. Decker proudly rocked a sexy and fitted white gown over her growing baby bump at the 2015 ACMs, proving that mothers deserve to show off their rocking bodies, too.

2. Hillary Scott Slaying In Blue

Lady Antebellum's Hillary Scott showed off her gorgeous features in a stunningly fitted dress with peephole chest detailing and a confidence-inducing high slit.

3. Cassie McConnell's Statement Clutch

McConnell may have been there in support of her husband, Lady Antebellum's Charles Kelley, but all eyes were undoubtedly on her and her Edie Parker clutch at the 2015 ACM Awards. Adorned with the hashtag #dontlookaway, McConnell made a confident statement with her attention-grabbing accessory, advising onlookers to appreciate her gorgeous self.

4. Ashley Monroe's Androgynous Look

The musician opted for a blazer-turned-dress rather than a more classically feminine gown. The structured jacket sleeves combined with the plunging neckline made for a super rad and non gender-specific combination.

5. Hillary Scott's Thigh-Highs

Scott attended the 2014 ACM Awards with Stevie Nicks in tow, as well as an outfit seemingly inspired by the music icon. Rocking a mini-skirt and thigh-high boots, she showed off her form while also deconstructing formal dress code rules for red carpets.

6. Faith Hill Breaking Ageist Rules

There are so many "fashion rules" out there that attempt to restrict what women over 40 wear, which often have to do with downplaying their sexuality. That is why I love Hill's plunging neckline: A statement-making outfit that asserted her entitlement to celebrating her body.

7. Sarah Davidson's See-Through Top

The musician and former Private Lives Of Nashville Wives star confidently rocked the see-through trend at the 2013 ACM Awards. Her super sheer top and the long slit in her pink skirt made the statement that she loves her body loud and clear.

8. Sheryl Crow's Navy Jumpsuit

Crow looked gorgeous at the 2013 awards while rocking a navy blue bustier top and wide leg pant jumpsuit. It may not be a gown, but her getup is still super reflective of the artist's individual femininity.

9. Beth Chapman's Busty Bustier

Wife of Duane "Dog" Chapman (aka Dog The Bounty Hunter), we couldn't expect anything less than a little bit wild from the reality star. In a powder pink floor-length gown with silver embellishments, Chapman showed off her cleavage with a sweetheart neckline in 2013.

10. Tori Kelly's Rule-Bending Look

I love Kelly's more gender neutral look from 2013, exemplified by her collared shirt and blazer. The addition of a more casual pair of leather shorts demonstrated her fearlessness in bending the rules of red carpet fashion.

11. LeAnn Rimes In A Cute Cut-Out Frock

Rimes looked adorable at the 2012 ACM Awards in a short red and white dress with mesh cut-out sides. Plus, she seemed giggly and radiant in almost every shot from the red carpet, demonstrating how much she was feeling herself through every pose.

Check out the ACM Awards on April 3 for more groundbreaking outfits inspiring all those self-love vibes.

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