When you’re a renowned celebrity, your main job is to serve the looks that will define the era. Transcending fashion history is what the red carpet was made for—whether it's for a premiere, a gala, or a fashion event, it’s always the juiciest part of the evening. So what better way to celebrate the tradition than looking at the price tags these pieces came with?
From Kim Kardashian’s “Monroe stunt” to Zendaya’s personal design clout, the money involved is just ridiculous. We’re digging up the looks that left a legacy on the red carpet accompanied by the most shocking prices—ranging from the looks with thrift-store price tags to the fabric strips that have more zeros than the average joe’s bank account.
Keep reading to find out what these iconic red carpet looks are actually worth!
Beyonce in Givenchy
Queen B rarely disappoints. Her fashion sense has led an entire generation. And when we’re talking about the MET Gala, she will, of course, excel at delivering with elegance and, unlike most other celebs, within the given theme.
She opted to attend the star-studded event alone, wearing custom Givenchy, giving designer Riccardo Tisci full creative freedom. A nod to her Lemonade era, she kept her looks as stylish as ever. The daring affair was made out of latex and pearls, the puffy sleeves delivering a regal silhouette while the overall look bestowed a futuristic design.
Drew Barrymore in Vintage Janine
Drew Barrymore’s career started when she was only seven years old, so if somebody has experience on the red carpet, it’s her. She’s had a fruitful acting career, which she has also expanded to the realm of production, T.V. hosting, and book writing.
She’s also an experienced thrifter and dug this beautiful Janice beaded dress for only $25 at a Texas thrift shop. She styled the look for a magazine party with natural makeup, boho gold jewelry, and gorgeous balayage. Overall, she makes this ensemble look very expensive.
Lady Gaga in a Meat Dress
Whoever doesn’t remember this moment in red carpet history was either not born yet, or living on another planet. In 2010 Lady Gaga wasn’t playing around and made sure to always cause an impression. By far, this one will always be remembered as her most iconic look.
The fine cuts of beef were provided by Old Homestead Steakhouse. The steak-ey dress was designed by Argentinian artist Franc Fernandez and styled by Nicola Formichetti, whose careers were heavily boosted after this look. The price tag? Nothing short of $100,000 and a legacy to follow. The look was so iconic it has actually been preserved by taxidermists.
Hailey Beiber in Meshki
Supermodel and entrepreneur Hailey Beiber never disappoints with her looks. On this occasion, she also proved she has an amazing stylist as well. Meshki, the Australian fast-fashion brand, has become one of the model’s favorite brands in the last few years, as she keeps being photographed in their clothes, both on and off model duty.
Donning minimalist but gleaming silver jewelry and an elegant updo, she managed to make this a memorable moment even in her history of amazing looks. The occasion for this ensemble was a New York Fashion Week party hosted by her dear friend and celebrity makeup artist Pat Mcgrath.
Kate Winslet in Valentino
Kate Winslet won more than an Oscar at the 2007 Academy Awards. Before standing up on the podium to receive her award for best leading actress in “The Reader,” the star strolled down the red carpet in a dress that nobody could possibly wear as she did.
The British actress opted for a pale green Valentino dress with exquisite draping work. She paired the look with Chopard jewelry and a Bvlgari clutch, adding an air of stately luxury. Allegedly, her daughter Mia helped her pick the dress, probably hoping that someday she would let her borrow it.
Stella Maxwell in Pretty Little Thing
Pretty Little Thing is a fast-fashion brand that makes its presence known on the red carpet. With hundreds of celebrity ambassadors, it has become very common to see at least one of their looks on the red carpet, especially at cocktail and party events, where media personalities tend to unwind.
In this case, former Victoria’s Secret model Stella Maxwell was seen with a $61 dress at a perfume launch event. The lace details and ruffled skirt are a perfect complement to the pale pink mini dress that seems to pop out from the rose-filled background.
Jada Pinkett-Smith in Jacquie Aiche
Jada Pinkett and Will Smith have been in the negative spotlight of the press since their incident at the 2022 Academy Awards, but that hasn’t stopped Jada from looking stunning as always. The actress stunned with her attire at the 2022 Critic Choice Awards, which included a diamond-embellished headpiece.
She wore a gorgeously structured, gold brocade dress, beautiful black and gold makeup, and a berry lip stain. But the attention was on her custom-made headpiece, which was designed personally by LA-based artist Jacquie Aiche. It had an array of 53 diamonds for the price of $46,250.
Gabrielle Union in New York & Co.
Most celebrities don’t actually pay for the gowns they wear at high-profile events. They mostly make contracts with fashion houses and brands and get stylists to do the rest. But sometimes, stars become so endeared with certain styles that they just have to get their dibs on the goods.
This is the case for Gabrielle Union, who not only is the face of New York & Company but she’s also managed to embark on designing a line herself. She’s been seen on and off the red carpet wearing pieces from the brand, including this one-shoulder black jumpsuit that she wore at the Fast & Furious movie premiere.
Cate Blanchett in Armani Privé
Cate Blanchett was born for the red carpet. The actress never fails to delight and has such a distinct style. She’s easily one of the celebrities with the best taste in the business. In the 2007 Academy Awards, she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Notes on a Scandal.
But even if Jennifer Hudson took the gold statue that night, Blanchett proved to leave a memorable legacy by wearing Armani Prive haute couture. The gown was embellished with Swarovski crystals and skin-tight armor-like fabric. It might’ve also been amongst the most expensive gowns worn that night.
Winona Ryder in a Thrift Shop Treasure
American actress Winona Ryder is an icon. She will forever be remembered as the unique girl from 90’s films, but she’s also an actress that has maintained her unique style, even in a world where stylists and agents seem to dominate the say-so of celebrity fashion.
Winona wore this $9 dress to not only one special occasion but, *gasp*, two! One was a movie premiere in 2005, and another was in a charity gala hosted by Sean Penn in 2014. She has mentioned that many of her looks are pre-worn and has no trouble encouraging others to imitate this behavior. It makes us ponder why we expect celebrities to wear a new gown at every event.
Lupita Nyong’o in Calvin Klein
Mexican-Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o is no stranger to luxurious designer gowns. She’s well known for always being a stunner on the red carpet—and this was no exception. At the 2015 Academy Awards, she wore a dress that was so extravagant that someone stole it from her hotel room.
The dress was fortunately found later that night under a bathroom counter in the London West Hollywood Hotel, but not without a scare. Someone probably did the maths as to how much the dress could cost and how hot it would be to sell, as it was covered in over 6,000 Akoya pearls.
Janel Parrish in Pretty Little Thing
Another Pretty Little Thing appearance! This time, by actress and singer Janel Parrish. The Pretty Little Liars star has become very fond of her Pretty Little Thing dresses. As an example, check out this pale pink romper, which she paired with minimal jewelry and Rosey lipstick.
The UK brand hasn’t only stirred conversation on the red carpet but in many activist circles as well. The brand has been the subject of controversy, having been accused of greenwashing, labor rights issues, and creating large amounts of waste. The brand has made considerable efforts to diminish these accusations.
Rooney Mara in Givenchy
This piece probably belongs in a museum. Givenchy's Ricardo Tisci era was full of gothic and space-age minimalism, making him one of the most recognizable creative directors the fashion house has had in the last decades.
Rooney Mara’s look at the 2016 Oscars was a custom-made white slit dress with long sleeves and a lacey fabric. Giving a modern Audrey Hepburn vibe, the Givenchy muse decided to bring a high-fashion, unique look to freshen up the red carpet from all of the boring, conventional dresses.
Angelina Jolie in Wasteland Vintage
Angelina Jolie isn’t only a millionaire actress, filmmaker, and model. She’s also a philanthropist, activist, and special envoy to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. That’s why it's no surprise that she’s also an advocate for re-wearing clothes and buying vintage.
From her classic denim to her iconic split-leg dress looks, her style is known for being eclectic, simple, and elegant. In the premiere of 2007’s A Mighty Heart, she stunned the red carpet with a crushed velvet gown she picked up at Wasteland, a high-end, second-hand shop on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles.
Lana Del Rey In Aidan Mattox
Lana del Rey was meant to wear a high couture dress for the 2020 Grammy awards, but a trip to the mall that morning convinced her otherwise. Del Rey impulsively bought a dress but ultimately wore it like the star she is. Whatever her stylist had in mind was probably not even close to the unpredictability of this gown.
As a nominee for the most prestigious awards of the night, she had to look the part, and she excelled at the task as if coming straight from an art-deco speakeasy. Aidan Mattox was probably one of the few designers that weren’t expecting any attention that evening, as his dress was only listed at Dillard’s and wasn’t meant to be the iconic look Del Rey turned it into.
Priyanka Chopra in Lorraine Schwartz
Priyanka Chopra looked heavenly at the Academy Awards with a structured geometric couture gown, designed by Ralph & Russo. Her minimal makeup and sleek straight hair were appropriate choices to enhance her beauty. But the winners of the show? The jewelry.
Worth around $3.2m, the cuffs and earrings the Indian actress wore were absolutely spectacular. The designer is a favorite amongst A-listers, as she has also made bespoke pieces for Beyonce, Kim Kardashian, and Angelina Jolie.
Avril Lavigne in Abbey Dawn
When it became obvious that Avril Lavigne’s legacy was here to stay, the pop-punk singer continued to explore her creativity through fashion design. As an icon of the now-gone emo era, she continues to stand strong and true to the style she paved the way for in the 2010s.
Most celebrities that release fashion brands wear one or two pieces at certain events for publicity reasons, but Lavigne proves that she’s not doing a marketing stunt and is constantly rocking her self-designed looks.
Amy Adams in Valentino
Haute couture’s place is on the red carpet. If anyone can make the pieces we see on the runway appealing, it's Amy Adams. The American actress has demonstrated incredible talent on screen. Still, we also admire her magnificent public presence.
For the 2014 Golden Globes, Adams went for one of the most expensive looks we’ve seen so far, wearing a Valentino Haute Couture dress from the Shanghai collection: 10-karat diamond earrings and a 30-karat diamond pendant. Her look added up to an unspeakable price.
Nicole Ritchie in H&M
The sweet-life star has been on the red carpet since she was in diapers, so it should come as no surprise that she knows her way around it. But the fashionista doesn’t always go for high couture. Lately, she’s been seen with ensembles that come from more humble backgrounds.
This H&M piece was available in stores for $40, and it was likely sold out after these pictures came to light. Ritchie styled the look with Christian Louboutin pumps and a cape from designer brand Tadashi Shoji, maximizing the elegance and presence of the final ensemble.
Paris Hilton in August Getty
Nicole Ritchie’s BFF isn’t really interested in bargains and often sees herself on the rather luxurious side of the range. The socialite that defined a generation’s fashion decisions can only be seen wearing the best of the best.
For the 2017 Hollywood Beauty Awards, Paris shined bright by wearing a gown that exuded stardom through 500,000 Swarovski crystals. She entrusted the task to the young designer August Getty, a designer who worked on the dress with a team of five people for around eight months.
Aisha Tyler in Zara
T.V. Host and actress Aisha Tyler isn’t afraid to show off her sense of style. Even when wearing outfits that are on the affordable side, she makes them look expensive. The Emmy winner was seen at a movie premiere in 2017 donning a jacquard floral mini-dress.
To the spectator's surprise, the dress was from the Spanish fashion brand Zara, easily available in high streets around the globe. The brand has been targeted by controversy, as many consumers didn’t consider it fast-fashion because of its higher price point. Unfortunately, many issues make the brand fall into this category.
Rihanna in Guo Pei
We couldn’t talk about red carpet looks without mentioning one of the most memorable MET gala looks of all time. The circular train of this yellow floor-length gown has transcended into the collective memory through fashion analysts—and a lot of silly internet memes.
The popstar assigned Chinese designer Guo Pei for the task, the theme of the night being “China: Through The Looking Glass,” and he excelled, to say the least. “The Yellow Empress dress” weighed 25 kgs and took 6,000 hours to make, but in the end, it won people’s hearts and made Riri the best dressed of the night.
Zendaya in Daya
It's clear that the Z in Gen Z stands for Zendaya. We don’t have proof, but we have no doubts about it either. The actress has rapidly become one of the loudest voices of her generation, and we’re here for it. With a timeless style sense, she has defied the industry in a world full of fast fashion and disposable trends.
At the 2017 Kids Choice Awards, she shimmered on the red carpet with a beautiful slip dress that she designed herself. With the exposure and knowledge she has on the topic, it was obvious she would sooner or later endeavor in the field.
Jessica Biel in Chanel
Chanel never ceases to portray elegance and beauty, the brand has one of the most consistent and recognizable styles in the industry, and yet, it never disappoints. On this occasion, a wonderful haute couture metallic pale pink gown with a long row of buttons in the back.
The strapless dress was complimented with luxurious jewelry pieces from Tiffany Blue Book Collection, a side part hairdo, and muted natural makeup. Styled by Estee Stanley, Jessica Biel looked simply stunning on the 2014 Academy Awards red carpet.
Kelly Osbourne in H&M
We’re glad 2010 fashion is a thing of the past because, let's be honest, animal print and fake, shiny leather aren’t great combinations. Kelly Osbourne managed to pull it out because she’s a fashion icon, and back then, we all swooned over her looks.
The rock princess attended a magazine party in an H&M dress, an oversized clutch, and a leather gilet—a classic ensemble of that era. At the time, she was a presenter in the enigmatic TV show “Fashion Police.” We wonder what she would say about this look now.
Charlize Theron in Dior
The Academy Awards are the night of the year the film industry leaves their call sheets at home and dresses up wearing the best of the best. Although many of these celebrities are well-known for being acquainted with the red carpet, there’s something exceptional about this specific event.
Charlize Theron looked like a million dollars, or should we say $4,600,000? The actress and model is no stranger to luxury, but at the 2013 Academy Awards, she looked regal. Wearing a Christian Dior white structured peplum dress and diamond Harry Winston cuffs and earrings, she made heads turn with her appearance.
Julianne Hough
Professional dancer and actress Julianne Hough has made a name for herself through several wins on the T.V. show Dancing with the Stars. Her success has been so great that she’s landed a position on the judges' panel. She’s been nominated three times for Emmy Awards and won once in 2015 next to her brother.
For the 2017 pre-show red carpet, she wore a one-sleeved slit-leg dress that made her look spectacular. It immediately caught everyone's attention as she strolled through. The cut-out gown was immediately a favorite look of the press and made it to Pinterest boards across the internet.
J-Lo in Versace
The MET Gala is famously fashion’s biggest night out, and every year, celebrities go out of their way to be regarded in the magazines’ best-dressed lists. Jennifer Lopez is one of those constantly seeking the throne, and she never disconcerts. The singer looks great in anything.
Another big name we love to see at the MET gala is Versace. With its flamboyant and distinct style, the fashion house is the perfect match for this event. Always delivering on theme and dazzle, they did an extraordinary job dressing up our dear Jenny from the block for the 2019 theme: Camp: notes on fashion.
Emily Ratajkowksi in Zara
EmRata could wear anything and make it look like high couture. She’s been on best-dressed lists since she started appearing in red-carpet events and doesn’t stop making showstopping appearances in beautiful luxury wear. When asked about her fashion inspiration, she doesn’t fret about mentioning Princess Diana and Carrie Bradshaw.
The supermodel was caught wearing a red bodycon dress from Zara, and she looked fabulous. The bold color choice accentuates her silhouette, and the simplicity of the cut is marvelous. In 2017 Emily launched her own swimwear brand, Inamorata, so that anyone can wear an Em-approved bikini.
Jennifer Lawrence in Dior
This gown is worth of a fairytale princess, and Jennifer Lawrence played the part spectacularly. That night marked the Academy Awards history when she won the award for best leading actress and gracefully tripped down the staircase. Fortunately, she wasn’t hurt, but the internet did go wild with memes and references to a scene in the Disney movie Cinderella.
The gorgeous Dior Couture dress came with a robust price tag but no instruction manual. Luckily, her stylist told her to kick before taking any steps. Unfortunately, with the excitement of being awarded the prize, she didn’t remember to stick her leg forward. It might be one of the most memorable Oscar looks in the past decade.
Natalie Portman in Topshop
While high couture tends to be the name of the game on the red carpet, it's also true that, unless custom-made, brands aren’t very size-inclusive. This includes maternity clothes, and with a rising belly, it can get tricky dressing up for a top-tier event.
Luckily, some celebrities aren’t fussy and don’t mind wearing cheaper apparel. In this case, Natalie Portman wore a Topshop draped black dress from the maternity section for the 2017 Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon, in which she looked lovely. The actress was, unfortunately, unable to attend the main event that year because her due date was very close.
Heidi Klum in Marchesa
Heidi Klum seemed to predict the ’70s revival we’re living through now with this look. Just look at those bangs! The model looked fabulous in this outfit. It’s fresh and fun while also staying elegant enough for the occasion.
For the 2014 Golden Globes Awards, Klum wore a Marchesa dress from the spring collection adorned with jewelry that pumped up the overall price of this look. The 200-karat necklace, diamond ring, and earrings made this ensemble’s price skyrocket to one million dollars.
Connie Britton in ASOS
This little black dress was an excellent decision by American actress Connie Britton. With so many film festivals, movie premieres, and formal events, celebrities don’t always have the time and resources to splurge on a high couture gown, and with a vast amount of options in the high street, why bother?
This classic little black dress from Asos made its way through the red carpet. While probably intended for less glamorous occasions, it's refreshing to see attire we could find at the mall and purchase for ourselves.
Julia Roberts in Valentino
Valentino himself claimed that this was a proud moment in his career when actress Julia Roberts claimed the Best Actress award at the 2001 Academy Awards wearing a beautiful vintage dress from the acclaimed Maison. The Erin Brockovich lead looked like a classic Hollywood star in this attire, which was paired with subtle diamond earrings.
The floor-length, black velvet dress had an elegant Y-shaped bust and a tulle train—a perfect addition to such an important moment in the life of the celebrity. The dress was swooped from the Valentino archives for $95,000, but we wonder, with the added historical importance, how much would it cost now?
Octavia Spencer in Eliza J
The A-List actress is known for her fashionable red-carpet looks. She tends to wear bold colors and wonderful high-couture gowns. For the 2017 Palm Springs Film Festival Awards Gala, she wore a two-piece mock gown that looked amazing on her.
That year, Octavia was extremely productive in her career. She landed five different roles in major productions that included various nominations, specifically for her role in the movie Hidden Figures. The Eliza J outfit could easily be replicated with a trip to Nordstrom, but bearing it with the presence, Octavia wore it? Impossible.
Anne Hathaway in Valentino
Another Valentino gown on the most expensive looks list? Groundbreaking. But we think it’s worth mentioning this red silk faille dress. The beloved Anne Hathaway wore this gown to host the 2011 Academy Awards ceremony. The actress didn’t disappoint with her look and was heavily appraised by the press.
The star didn’t only stun with her wardrobe decisions, but she also bedazzled the attire with Tiffany Jewelry. She’s been a muse for many jewelry brands, including Tiffany, Cartier, and as of late, Bulgari. Being one of the most coveted actresses in the industry comes with bling.
Miranda Kerr in H&M
Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr isn’t always in Stella McCartney or Dior. On this occasion, she wore a humble red lace dress to a promotional event in 2017. Even though the celebrity made this dress look expensive, the gown was easily available for purchase at H&M for only $85. That’s a steal!
The former Victoria’s Secret Angel was the face of H&M in 2014, so it should come as no surprise that she has acquired a certain esteem for the brand. Styled with matching red pumps and red lipstick, she perfected the gown’s summer look with her radiant smile.
Helen Mirren in Reem Acra
Dame Helen Mirren is one of the most accoladed actors of all time, with awards that range from Oscars to a Triple Crown of Acting in both the U.K. and the U.S. She’s nothing short of a queen, who she has also imitated in the big screen, but makes sure to always look like one.
Wearing a custom couture Reem Acra dress, the ensemble stars were the jewelry. A set of stunning sapphire and diamond encrusted earrings and necklace took all of the attention at the 2017 Academy Awards Ceremony red carpet.
Kate Middleton in Self-Portrait
The Princess of Wales has the excellent taste anyone would expect her to have with that title. She is fond of maxi dresses and long sleeves but also likes to take some royal-approved fashion risks. The future queen always seems very in her skin when wearing high-couture designers, but she’s also known to be fond of shopping on London High Street.
On this occasion, she gleamed through the red carpet in a white lace gown from UK brand Self-Portrait. The brand was founded in 2013, and the designer Hang Chong has ensured the success of this company through relatively affordable prices for exclusive luxury wear.
Kim Kardashian in Marilyn Monroe
To top this list, we couldn’t look past the latest MET Gala jaw opener. Kim Kardashian was probably not expecting to get this amount of attention and criticism from her stunt at the 2022 MET gala. The celebrity wore the same iconic dress Marilyn Monroe used to sing “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” to JFK.
Kim wasn’t allowed to alter the dress and instead altered her body through a rigorous diet that made her lose over 7kgs, which can’t possibly be healthy, but that was the price she decided to pay to look the part (that, and 5 million dollars for the dress). The stunt sparked a massive debate amongst costume historians, tabloid agencies, and fashion experts.