I Bet These 16 Over-the-Top Runway Dresses Will Be on the Red Carpet This Year

We had very few red carpet fashion moments to indulge in last year, but they will no doubt resume at some point in 2021—and we’ll be there to cover them. Red carpet events are always a huge team effort, as they require hardworking stylists, tailors, makeup artists, and more, and the final product is always a glorious look for the fashion history books.

Looking ahead to the return of red carpet events—whenever that may be—I mined runway images to come up with some predictions about what celebrities will wear. For instance, I thought the sultry Versace S/S 21 collection was rife with dresses that Blake Lively would love, and Molly Goddard’s show had Gemma Chan’s name written all over it. Scroll down to see my predictions for award season 2021. 

This inventive Halpern S/S 21 dress might be too forward-thinking for the Oscars, but here’s hoping it pops up on the Met Gala red carpet. Katy Perry, are you listening? 

This intricate gown from the Chanel Métiers d’Art 2021 show is giving me Natalie Portman vibes. 

Christopher John Rogers is a master of both color and shapes, and this S/S 21 dress proves it. I can picture Zendaya in this cheery number. 

British designer Molly Goddard is known for her poufy dresses, but this one from S/S 21 just might be my favorite. Fashion chameleon Gemma Chan would pull this off with aplomb. 

We all know Tracee Ellis Ross loves metallic dresses, so I think she’d fancy this Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture S/S 21 look. 

I’ll be very disappointed if Blake Lively doesn’t don this Versace S/S 21 dress at some point next year. 

Sarah Paulson loves a statement red carpet moment, so I’m envisioning her in this Givenchy F/W 20 caped look. 

This bold Roksanda S/S 21 dress would suit Lizzo’s penchant for extraordinary red carpet outfits. 

If I had to predict who would choose this Schiaparelli S/S 21 minidress, I’d go with supermodel Gisele Bündchen. 

The jewel of Copenhagen, Cecilie Bahnsen, is known for her confectionary designs. I can picture Olivia Palermo looking radiant in this S/S 21 number. 

Kate Bosworth came to my mind immediately after seeing this frothy pink Giambattista Valli F/W 20 dress. 

Emilia Wickstead took the statement-collar trend to the next level for S/S 21 and it’s giving me Katie Holmes vibes. 

This LaQuan Smith S/S 21 dress is giving me major Jennifer Lopez vibes. 

Versace S/S 21

Elle Fanning gravitates towards princess gowns and this stunning one from Erdem S/S 21 is more than worthy of her consideration. 

This Paco Rabanne S/S 22 suit of armor is destined to be worn by Solange Knowles on the no-rules red carpet of the Met Gala. 

Next, nine ways to wear Ugg boots like Jennifer Lopez, Katie Holmes, and more