15 Wildest Emmys Outfits Of All Time

If you're looking for wild red carpet outfits, awards shows like the MTV Video Music Awards usually have you covered. You might think that the upcoming 2016 Emmy Awards on Sept. 18 won't have any unusual red carpet fashion — after all, the event is known for being quite formal.

That said, there have been the fair share of wild Emmys outfits over the years: It just takes a little more digging to find them. Backtracking through the decades confirms that no matter what red carpet you're on, there's almost always one crazy red carpet look to consider.

Since fashion is so subjective, it's worth noting that the context of a "wild" outfit is important: Some events are more casual than others, and some people are more open to taking style risks — in fact, sometimes, that's all they usually do. We expect to see Lady Gaga in something unusual — so if the singer turned up in a simple, elegant gown? Minds = potentially blown.

As we await the red carpet for the 2016 Emmys and whatever weird and wonderful looks it shall bring, let's look back on the wild outfits over the years — it's hard to imagine that any celebrity will top these.

1. Sharon Stone

At the 2004 Emmy Awards, Sharon Stone epitomised early '00s fashion with this slinky silver gown that has, for no particular reason, a slit all the way down to the belly button. A truly wild show of skin paired suitably glitzy accessories and shoes in order to scream glamour.

2. Heidi Klum

No clue about what this hybrid dress from the 2015 Emmys is meant to look like, but it is, nonetheless, totally wild. Especially when this kind of outlandish red carpet choice isn't one that we would automatically associate with Heidi Klum. Klum is known for her classic red carpet style and this is a step in the opposite direction for the model.

3. Victoria Rowell

This 2009 dress is the kind of political statement we need to see more of: A well loved politician's face on a couture gown. Can you get any better publicity than having your face as a print on a celebrity's red carpet look?

4. Sofia Vergara

Sofia Vergara always looks stunning on the red carpet: Fact. But this particular look, from the Emmys in 2012, gives total mermaid vibes and an edge of fun that suits Vergara's personality as much as her silhouette.

5. Sarah Jessica Parker

This Chanel dress that Sex And The City icon Sarah Jessica Parker wore in 2003 isn't too far removed from her usual red carpet style. But the tulle on this dress actually makes it looks edible, and what's crazier than wearing a dress that could possibly be made of cotton candy?

6. Sarah Paulson

This dress is a goth fantasy that was executed perfectly by Sarah Paulson in 2014. Going for an unusual fabric is always a risk, and here, it seems to be one that was worth taking.

7. Naomi Grossman

Another American Horror Story alumni to make the list, and this 2015 dress needed to be included: It takes the nude illusion trend and turns it into a piece of wearable modern art.

8. Chyna

Chyna was a professional wrestler for WWF and in 1999, refused to let go of the costumes in favor of a highly-structured black studded gown. And because of that, Chyna will go down in history for one of the craziest red carpet looks of all time.

9. Jessica Lange

This isn't too wild of an outfit, but there has to be something said about Jessica Lange turning up to the 2015 Emmys, aged 66, wearing sunglasses and an IDGAF attitude. The kind of look only Lange could pull off TBH.

10. Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox's Khaleesi vibes in 2014 will go down in history as one of the most stunningly simple — and yet somehow jaw dropping — looks ever. This was definitely a turning point in making capes a trend, as Cox proved just how chic a cape can be.

11. Claire Danes

Claire Danes has had her fair share of memorable red carpet looks — remember that Met Gala light up dress? While this 2011 Emmys look may be one of the simpler looks she's pulled, it's one of the most beautiful. The detailing on this dress is basically art in and of itself.

12. Christina Hendricks

Christina Hendricks killed it in this silver dress at the 2011 Emmys, helping to prove not just that plus size women can wear anything, but that your best accessory can actually be your body.

13. Phoebe Price

This 2008 dress definitely speaks for itself as to why it's wild, but let's break it down anyway. Phoebe Price's red lace gown with a split that's also transparent, with matching red underwear and a red tiara. The perfect way to stand out in a crowd of traditional gowns.

14. Barbra Streisand

There's a whole load of pink for one person to be wearing but this is Barbra Streisand rocking head to toe pink velvet at the 2004 Emmys, and this legend can wear whatever the hell she wants TBH.

15. Tess Smith

Have you ever been rushed for a costume party and just tried to fashion a sheet into a look - be that a cartoon ghost or a toga? That's what it seems like Tess Smith — screenwriter and former Playboy model — had to do for her 2005 Emmys look. Don't get it twisted: This is definitely a sickening outfit, regardless of if it was made with airing cupboard supplies or not.

With Halloween approaching, it may be worth paying more and more attention to these looks for inspiration for ridiculous costumes. It may be a bit niche to say you've come as Sarah Jessica Parker on the 2003 Emmys red carpet but if you look fabulous, who gives a damn? Props to these celebrities for going against the norm of traditional — and safe — gowns to stand out as fashion icons.

Images: Getty