Fashion

30 Ariel Winter Red Carpet Moments That Prove She's No Timid Alex Dunphy In Real Life

Most celebrities require at least two decades in the spotlight to truly display sartorial transformation. Modern Family star and red carpet fixture Ariel Winter only needed five years. The 16-year-old actress is nothing like her intelligent, wallflower character on the hit sitcom, especially when matters of style are in question. After donning the requisite ruffles, patterned mini dresses, and excessively glittery ensembles on the red carpet, Winter has chosen a more sophisticated, adult path altogether. Case in point, Winter's SAG Awards gown caused millions to shake their heads in disbelief thanks to its bias cut, curve-hugging style and plunging neckline — but personally? I thought she rocked it.

Here are 30 more times Ariel Winter demonstrated exactly how much she wishes to be perceived as an adult — on the red carpet and off.

by Tyler Atwood

In An Indigo Gown At The 2014 SAG Awards

Though admittedly not her finest sartorial moment, this watercolor Badgley Mischka gown is nevertheless a step up from Winter’s more jejune wares of years past.

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In A Peach Gown At The 2013 Emmy Awards

The actress selected a modest yet youthful Lorena Sarbu gown rendered in a soft coral hue for the 2013 Emmy Awards.

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In A Red Gown At The 2014 Golden Globes

A crimson Mikael D. gown with a sweetheart neckline and single strap read as sophisticated and streamlined at the 2014 Golden Globes.

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In A White Bias Cut Gown At The 2015 SAG Awards

Winter’s simple white bias cut Zac Posen gown caused critics and fans alike to pause in appreciation of the gown’s simple allure.

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In A Floral Gown At The 2013 SAG Awards

The floral embroidery on this Alex Parry gown may not appear as urbane as Winter’s other picks, but its demure illusion paneling and full skirt are reminiscent of Grace Kelly.

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In A White Frock At The 2011 SAG Awards

Winter was the picture of timeless elegance in this white silk frock with black ribbon detailing at the waist.

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In A Fitted LBD

Winter played with proportion in this unexpectedly coquettish LBD.

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In An Emerald Mini Dress

A textured emerald mini dress complemented Winter’s raven locks.

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In A Feather Patterned Mini

A Peter Pan collar and feather motif lent this shift an whimsical air.

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In A Pastel Pink Mini Dress

Winter’s pastel pink mini dress with rosette detailing united feminine style and refinement.

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In A Gingham Print Halter Dress

An on-trend black and white gingham print halter dress lent the star some ’40s flair.

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In A Printed Fit-And-Flare Dress

The actress selected a simply patterned black and white frock for the red carpet premiere of Mr. Peabody & Sherman.

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In A Fuchsia And Vermilion Floral Frock

A brilliant pop of vermilion and fuchsia pattern adorned this vibrant frock.

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In A Rouge Fitted Frock

Winter commanded attention and gained critical praise on the red carpet in a fitted, rouge frock.

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In A Black Tuxedo Dress At The People's Choice Awards

When the tuxedo jacket is this arresting, who needs the corresponding pants?

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In A Black Satin Scoop Neck Dress

Winter channeled Old Hollywood glamour in this simple satin scoop neck dress with ruffled detailing at the bodice.

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In A Striped Jade Crop Top And Skirt

Winter elevated a simple striped crop top and skirt pairing by selecting a set in rich jade and cream.

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In A Little Black Shift

Elizabeth Hurley raised the humble safety pin into a high art form with her Versace gown in the ’90s, and Winter utilizes the same subtle detail to transform a simple LBD.

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In A Black And White Jumpsuit

Nothing epitomizes the utilitarian trend quite like a jumpsuit, which Winter rocked in black and white on the red carpet.

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In A Silk Floral Frock

Bohemian was the watchword when the Modern Family actress donned a floral patterned silk frock for the Planes: Fire & Rescue premiere.

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In A Ruffled Pink And Persimmon Dress

Winter sported a strapless orchid and persimmon-hued dress to attend a red carpet event sponsored by The Creative Coalition.

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In A Burgundy Satin Sleeveless Dress

The star celebrated heritage brand Coach in the label’s maroon and pink sleeveless satin frock.

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In A Gunmetal Shorts Suit

Winter ventured into avant-garde wares in this metallic, gunmetal shorts suit.

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In A White Lace Mini Dress

Winter took the (illusion neckline) plunge in a sultry white lace mini dress.

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In A Pastel Printed Gown

Romantic and ethereal, Winter’s pastel printed gown was rendered in beautiful shades of robin’s egg blue, pink, and grey.

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In A Crop Top And Striped Skirt

A boatneck crop top and simple striped skirt demonstrated the actress’s sartorial expertise.

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In A Black Belted Romper

Winter hopped aboard the romper trend in this refined black belted number, paired with a slicked-back ponytail.

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In A Ruffled Royal Purple Frock

Vintage allure was on display in this royal purple frock, vaguely reminiscent of the ’50s.

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In A Black Sweetheart Gown

The actress struck a pose in an embellished black sweetheart gown.

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In A Pastel Lace Frock

A demure, pastel lace frock was both prim and elegant on the red carpet.

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