Last year was the year of the red dress and no one did it better than Elena Gilbert herself, Nina Dobrev. The mermaid gown by Donna Karan fit the Vampire Diaries star like a glove with its hip-hugging, beautifully silhouetted fabric. Dobrev looked like a true old-Hollywood beauty as she shimmied her way down the 2011 Emmys red carpet.

Although this was Brook Shield’s first time at the Emmys, her fashion sense proved to be that of a red carpet veteran. The Lipstick Jungle star took a bold chance with fuchsia, a color rarely seen on the Emmys red carpet, but stood out among fashion critics across the board as the belle of the ball. (Photo can be found on People.com)

The original classic red trendsetter, Jennifer Anniston still receives praises for this minimalistic Prada gown. With then-hubby, Brad Pitt on her arm, the   'Friends' nominated-actress proved that natural beauty is all you need to shine. (Image can be found here.)

Stepping out of the plain-Jane garb seen on 'Law and Order: SVU', Mariska Hargitay literally shone at the 2008 Emmys. Donning a simple one-shoulder gown, the actress looked bronzed and beautiful in canary yellow.

 

 

 

 

'Glee' star, Naya Rivera simply did not receive enough praise about this uber-chic, black-tuxedo gown. The young-starlett is known for her vibrant character on America’s favorite show about singing teens, but verified her versatility by donning this sophisticated and beautifully structured piece at the 2008 Emmys.

 

 

Opting for the radical opposite of her primed and poised 'Mad Men' character Betty Draper, January Jones looked chic and modern in Atelier Versace. The crisp, white, futuristic gown boasted a geometric bodice and long-running train, giving even Jane Jetson a run for her money.

 

Jennifer Aniston is the definition of a California-girl. Wearing a simple, off-white gown by Chanel and loose beach-waves, Aniston truly makes us believe she “just woke up like that.” We wouldn’t be surprised if she spent the day at the beach and went surfing right before she hit the red carpet. (see image here)

 

 

 

Olivia Wilde looked absolutely stunning in a cap-sleeved gown by Reem Acra. While the cat-eyed actress usually opts for more modern pieces, this ultra feminine, angel-esque gown glided down the carpet at the 2008 award show.

Why fix what isn’t broken, right? January Jones seems to believe so with her second Atelier Versace choice for the Emmys…and we don’t blame her. While the shape of the gown stayed true to her 1950'-inspired roots, the electric blue, fishscale-textured material gave a futuristic vibe. It’s the best of both worlds combined in one, what could be more perfect?

We couldn’t do a “Emmys Best Dressed of All-time” list without including the world’s most famous, beloved, and flamboyant television fashion-afficianado, Carrie Bradshaw herself, Sarah Jessica Parker. Wearing a sweet, cotton-candy inspired gown by Chanel, Parker truly channeled her long-time alternate personality, Carrie. (Image can be found here)

-Reach writer Fatima here