The Most Jaw‑Dropping Red Carpet Looks at the Academy of Country Music Awards
Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert—these country music superstars are style icons. And the American Country Music Awards red carpet is where they show their best fabulous gowns and fashion.
From daring backless gowns to classic silhouettes, the ACM Awards fashion brings bold couture. Whether it’s sheer beading, bright hues, or edgy cut-outs, these gowns are glamorous—and some become talk‑of‑the‑town. Let’s explore stand‑out looks and decide: hit or miss?
Miranda Lambert, 2019
The “House That Built Me” singer stunned in a neon green shimmery latex dress by Alex Perry. The curve‑hugging halter style was 2019’s top trend color. She added a futuristic rainbow clutch and purple pointy heels. Husband Brendan McLoughlin kept it classic in a black tux, letting her bright gown shine.
Maren Morris, 2019
Lavender was everywhere in 2019, and Maren wore it perfectly. She chose a Cristian Siriano two‑piece gown: a ruffled sleeveless top and a mini skirt with a long train—yes, those pockets count! She matched lavender eye shadow and captioned it “Lavender dreams.” The playful yet elegant design nailed the ACM awards fashion category.
Nicole Kidman, 2019
Not just country stars shine on the red carpet. Nicole Kidman, here to support husband Keith Urban, looked radiant in a gold sequin high‑neck Michael Kors gown with cuffed sleeves and a surprising back cut‑out. Her hair in a messy bun and minimal makeup let the dress do the talking—simple and stunning.
Kacey Musgraves, 2019
Inspired by her “Rainbow” hit, Kacey wore an iridescent ombré suit by Christian Cowan. Bell sleeves, flared trousers, blazer unbuttoned—she dared to go bold. She kept it sleek with pink nails and soft waves. That night she won Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year—and owned the ACM Awards best dressed list.
Carrie Underwood, 2019
Just three months after having her second child, Carrie stunned in a black‑and‑silver asymmetrical gown by Nicolas Jebran. The one‑shoulder dress featured daring thigh‑high slits. On ET’s red carpet, she laughed, “I am zipped so tight—it’s pushing things up to places where it doesn’t normally go.” Clearly, postpartum fashion at its finest!
Rebecca Romijn, 2018
Sheer elegance was on full display when Rebecca, known for X‑Men and The Punisher, stepped out with Jerry O’Connell. She wore a Uel Camilo glittery beaded gown, sheer on the sides and back, looking both classy and daring. A sheer‑beading masterpiece at the country music awards ceremony.
Kelsea Ballerini, 2017
Like a modern fairy, Kelsea glowed in a Monique Lhuillier green floral gown. Shades moved from dark green top to mint skirt. A thigh‑high slit added flair. With an up‑do, gemstone earrings, and smoky eye paired with pink lips, she brought spring red carpet elegance to life.
Lindsey Vonn, 2018
Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn proved that athletes can own the red carpet too. She wore a bright yellow Christian Siriano ballgown that looked like something straight out of a fairy tale. With a full skirt and long-sleeve turtleneck top, she looked like Disney’s Belle from Beauty and the Beast.
What made this celebrity fashion moment even cooler? She wore white sneakers under her dress! Comfort meets couture.
Jennifer Nettles, 2018
The Sugarland singer turned heads in a burgundy J. Mendel runway gown that was both edgy and elegant. The dress mixed sheer black netting with velvet textures, giving a luxurious and modern red carpet look. The peek-a-boo design added the right touch of drama.
Jennifer completed her outfit with cranberry quartz earrings and burgundy eye makeup to match—an excellent example of celebrity beauty trends.
Savannah Chrisley, 2016
Reality star and Miss Teen Tennessee, Savannah Chrisley, made a bold statement in a barely-there Amato Couture gown. The sparkling nude dress featured delicate detailing that highlighted her figure while keeping it classy and elegant.
Her dad, Todd Chrisley, wore a sequin blazer, but it was Savannah who totally stole the spotlight. The gown is a great example of youthful glamour and red carpet sparkle.
Julianne Hough, 2011
Triple threat Julianne Hough wowed the crowd in a coral-peach backless gown by Randi Rahm. The halter-style dress turned her into a real-life doll. The look was perfectly finished with a gold cuff and a sparkly emerald stone, along with a simple gold clutch.
This style still gets attention years later—it’s a perfect example of classic red carpet elegance.
Taylor Swift, 2015
Taylor Swift had a magical moment at the Academy of Country Music Awards when her mom presented her the Youngest Entertainer of the Year award. The “Style” singer looked like a queen in an ice-blue Reem Acra gown that featured sparkly embroidery, side cut-outs, and a thigh-high slit.
With her classic red lips and winged eyeliner, Swift brought Frozen vibes and pure grace to the red carpet.
Shania Twain, 2013
Did Shania Twain’s look impress you much? The country music icon rocked a black strapless high-low dress with a relaxed twist. The front of her outfit was a short mini, while the back flowed into a dramatic split train. Paired with thigh-high leather boots, she gave off serious superhero vibes.
Shania kept her signature long wavy hair, proving some things never go out of style.
Sheryl Crow, 2014
Sheryl Crow’s gown was pure red carpet magic. She wore a Christian Siriano black and nude cutout gown with a broken-glass effect and long train. The sleek silhouette flattered her figure, and the edgy design showed off her toned arms. Gold accessories and her flowing blonde hair completed this bold and classy look.
Savannah Chrisley, 2017
In 2017, Savannah Chrisley made it clear she was no longer just a teen reality star. She stunned in a daring Bao Tranchi gown, turning heads at the 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards. The bold look was a big shift from her earlier, more conservative style.
That same year, she launched her own fashion collection with HSN, stepping confidently into the world of celebrity fashion design.
Kimberly Schlapman, 2015
Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town accepted the Vocal Group of the Year award in a bright pink Reem Acra gown. The strapless dress featured a tight belted bodice and full skirt. While opinions were mixed, there’s no doubt the bold color stood out on the red carpet.
Sometimes risks bring attention—even if the fit isn’t perfect.
Cassadee Pope, 2015, ACM Party For a Cause Festival
Though not on the main red carpet, Cassadee Pope still delivered a glam look at the ACM Party for a Cause Festival. She wore a lacy white jumpsuit with a plunging V-neckline that was stylish enough for any awards stage.
It’s refreshing to see stars taking time for fan meet-and-greets, even with a packed schedule.
LeAnn Rimes, 2012
LeAnn Rimes went bold with her one-shoulder Stella McCartney mini dress. The red, white, and black swirl print was full of details—mesh cut-outs and a standout shape. Paired with an art deco clutch and a high bun, she definitely turned heads.
Was this fashion risk a hit or miss? You decide.
Bebe Rexha, 2018
Pop star Bebe Rexha stunned in a black velvet Yanina Couture gown. The floor-length dress had a dramatic ruffled tulle neckline and detailed beaded sleeves—elegant yet over-the-top.
Later, she performed with Florida Georgia Line in a slinky metallic ruched dress with a deep neckline—perfect for the stage.
Shakira, 2014
Shakira wowed in a teal sequined Zuhair Murad gown with sexy cut-outs. The fitted design highlighted her curves while long hair softened the look. Later, she rocked a short red mini dress and thigh-high leather boots for her performance with Blake Shelton.
Danielle Peck, 2013
Yellow can be tricky, but Danielle Peck dared to wear a form-fitting yellow ruffled gown. With feathered details and a mermaid bottom, the look drew comparisons to Big Bird—but she made it memorable.
She kept her beauty simple with loose waves and diamond jewelry.
Eve, 2018
Rapper Eve showed up in a baby pink gown with ruffles and off-shoulder sleeves. Though the dress had mixed reviews, she tried to toughen it up with silver hoops, rings, and white pointed heels. And that thigh-high slit? It flaunted her amazing legs.
Kaley Cuoco, 2013
Kaley Cuoco rocked a Max Azria Atelier halter gown with sheer geometric panels. The modern mermaid silhouette hugged her figure and her spiky pompadour bun added drama. She matched her fierce look with white stiletto nails.
Katy Perry, 2016
Katy Perry was a full-on country glam cowgirl in a metallic blue fringed skirt, matching jacket, and pink fuzzy crop top. With pink cowboy boots, a western belt, and star earrings, she turned heads.
Later, she wowed on stage with Dolly Parton in a pink-and-yellow fringe dress and fishnets.
Jana Kramer, 2015
Jana Kramer took a fashion risk in a black and white chevron gown by Jay Godfrey. The plunging neckline and bold print gave the illusion of motion. She kept accessories simple—diamond earrings, white ring, and Swarovski clutch
Hillary Scott, 2017
Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott wore a Proenza Schouler wrap dress with red and blue patterns. It hugged her shape with tasteful cutouts and showed off her curves. She added strappy green heels and smokey eyes for a chic finish.
Hannah Blaylock, 2012
Hannah Blaylock looked elegant in a one-sleeve ivory gown by Jean Fares Couture. The open back and gold floral brooch added glam, while her dark hair and bold eye makeup highlighted her natural beauty.
Laura Bell Bundy, 2012
Laura Bell Bundy shimmered in a metallic backless gown with peek-a-boo design. She joked, “I can barely walk in it—it’s awesome.” Later, she changed into a leather crop top and chaps to perform like a true country queen.
Karen Fairchild, 2017
Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild wore a sheer black Raisa & Vanessa dress with satin layers and turquoise jewelry. Her accessories—chunky cuff and bold rings—gave it a boho edge. She revealed her favorite hobby: antiquing with her bandmate!
Meghan Linsey, 2013
Peplums were a major trend, and Meghan Linsey brought that to the red carpet in a black and white gown featuring a lace peplum top and long straight skirt with a small train. A glimpse of a black bra underneath gave it a bold twist.
But the showstopper? Her unique nail art—each nail had a different design!
Kimberly Perry, 2013
Kimberly Perry from The Band Perry looked bridal chic in a white and silver Dior gown. With a sequin mini dress base and an overskirt layer, she showed off her toned legs. Her natural curls and pink lipstick made the look effortlessly elegant.
Tobi Lee, 2013
Tobi Lee went full punk with her animal print bustier, tiered brown skirt, and bright red platform boots. Add a red belt, spiky hair, and we’ve got a look no one will forget—even if it’s not for the best reasons.
Shawna Thompson, 2014
Floral prints are rare on red carpets, but Shawna Thompson’s red poppy tulle gown broke the mold. The dress featured layers of nude fabric and floral patterns that looked like they were painted onto her skin—a runway-to-museum level masterpiece.
Lauren Daigle, 2017
Lauren Daigle proved florals can be classy. She wore a boho-chic gold and navy chiffon gown with polka dots and flowers, layered over a slip. Later, she changed into a stunning red gown for her duet with Reba McEntire. They got a standing ovation!
Cam, 2018
Cam glowed in a pleated seafoam green ankle-length dress with voluminous sleeves and silver details. The deep V neckline and cinched waist gave her a flattering silhouette, while her bouncy blonde bob and silver heels completed the dreamy look.
Lindsay Ell, 2019
Lindsay Ell rocked two major trends—neon and lace—in a yellow-green dress with cutouts and a high slit. Her soft shimmer makeup and simple hairstyle let the bold color stand out. She credited her glam squad with the look that lit up the night.
Mickey Guyton, 2019
Mickey Guyton looked like royalty in a powder blue lace gown with sheer long sleeves, button detailing, and a dreamy silhouette. The Disney-princess look was finished with a patterned clutch and soft glam makeup.
Brittany Kerr, 2017
Brittany Kerr, wife of Jason Aldean, dazzled in a rose gold sequin jumpsuit with cutouts and a plunging neckline. The jumpsuit gave major disco-meets-country vibes and fit her perfectly. She totally upstaged Aldean with her bold look!
Kellie Pickler, 2014
Kellie Pickler looked like a dream in a lavender Romona Keveza silk chiffon gown with a sweetheart neckline and flowy circle skirt. Her short bob was the perfect match. After the show, she auctioned her bracelets for ACM Lifting Lives, showing her heart is as beautiful as her style.
