The Evolution of Viola Davis' Red Carpet Style: PHOTOS

When Viola Davis makes her way to the red carpet, you know all eyes are going to be on her. Davis has always been fabulous, but for the past few years, her red carpet looks have been next level. It’s clear the How to Get Away with Murder star has always had an affinity for the vibrant outfits that designers create.

It’s rare to see Davis not looking like a confident superstar, rocking a colorful dress or pantsuit at a premiere or award ceremony. But Davis doesn’t want you to only call her “pretty” or “beautiful” when you see her, telling InStyle in 2020, “We need to stop that with girls. We need to stop saying that all of their value is in the way they look, and whether they’re pretty or not,” she said. “I hate it when people say things like, ‘She has a lot going for her because she’s beautiful.’ But what else is she?

The Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom star added, “Because by the time she’s 65 and doesn’t have that tight rear end anymore, then you’re saying she has no value? That needs to stop. It’s the most detrimental thing to suggest that’s the only value you have.”

Davis is all about feeling confident in your own skin, and in the same interview, she said, “My go-to saying is that a privilege of a lifetime is being who you are, and I would tell my younger self exactly that—you are absolutely perfect the way you are.”

To honor Davis and her incredibly bold fashion, let’s take a look back at her fashion evolution over the years.

A version of this article was originally published in November, 2023. 

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‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’ Premiere (2023)

Viola Davis looked incredible at the premiere of her upcoming movie, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, in this shimmering emerald green mini dress with black tights. Talk about a head-turner!

The Albies (2023)

At the Clooney Foundation for Justice’s ‘The Albies,’ Viola Davis took our breath away in this figure-hugging one-shoulder lavender dress with silver detailing. Loving the matching eyeshadow look too!

Cannes Film Festival (2023)

Not sure what we love more: Viola Davis’ incredible Valentino look of a one-shoulder dress and a feathered coat or her blissful smile that shows she knows exactly how stunning she looks.

Met Gala (2023)

For the 2023 Met Gala, Viola Davis wowed everyone in this feathered Barbiecore custom Valentino gown.

Chaplin Awards (2023)

For the 2023 Chaplin Awards, Viola Davis mixed up her red carpet fashion in a truly divine way. Instead of rocking her usual vibrant colored dresses, she opted for her darker color palette from years ago, but added a fun, colorful fringe that really made this Jason Wu look wow everyone.

SAG Awards (2023)

Viola Davis rocked her go-to golden shade when she stepped out at the 2023 SAG Awards in this vibrant Valentino gown.

NAACP Image Awards (2023)

At the 2023 NAACP Image Awards, Viola Davis kept the purple motif going with this stunning custom halter Christian Dior dress, which she paired with a black Rodo clutch and silver DeBeers jewelry.

BAFTAs (2023)

For the 2023 BAFTAs, Viola Davis looked absolutely breathtaking in this sparkling, caped purple gown that screams 1930s vibes.

AFI Awards Luncheon (2023)

At the AFI Awards Luncheon in 2023, Viola Davis decided to show some leg in this vibrant, baby blue look from Lafayette, which she paired with a chic bob and pointed white heels.

Golden Globes (2023)

For the 2023 Golden Globes, Viola Davis stole the show in this incredibly vibrant royal blue Jason Wu gown!

Toronto International Film Festival (2022)

For the premiere of The Woman King at the 2022 TIFF, Viola Davis wowed in a vibrant colorblock gown from Greta Constantine

Women in Motion Awards (2022)

Viola Davis attended the annual Kering “Women in Motion” awards at Cannes, France, in an all neon green pantsuit from Alexander McQueen that definitely stole the show.

Women in Motion Awards (2022)

For the photocall of the Kering “Women in Motion” awards, Viola Davis wowed in a vibrant all-red custom pantsuit from Alexander McQueen.

CinemaCon (2022)

Viola Davis won the esteemed CinemaCon Trailblazer of the Year Award during CinemaCon, looking gorgeous in a hot pink pantsuit.

Oscars (2021)

Davis stunned in a white custom-made Alexander McQueen gown and Forevermark jewelry at the 93rd Annual Academy Awards, where she’s nominated for Best Actress for her role as Ma Rainey in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. 

Emmy Awards (2019)

One of her most iconic looks to date, Davis’ one-shoulder, black velvet and white satin Alberta Ferreti dress made instant fashion history

Oscars (2018)

Two years after her Fences win, Davis returned to the Oscars in a swoonworthy hot pink Michael Kors dress.

Golden Globes (2017)

While looking like a total ray of sunshine in yellow, Davis won her first Golden Globe this year for Fences.

Emmys (2016)

Davis went for a bright pink a-line gown at the 2016 where she was nominated for the Best Actress in a Drama Series award for her role in How to Get Away With Murder.

Golden Globes (2016)

This gown was a totally different look from what we’re used to seeing Davis in, but we still love it

SAG Awards (2015)

Davis looked mesmerizing in white at the SAG Awards year she took home Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series for How to Get Away With Murder.

Emmys (2014)

Is there a color this woman can’t wear perfectly?

Oscars (2014)

Davis showed off total old-school glamour at the 2014 Academy Awards in an Escada gown.

FGI Annual Night Of Stars (2012)

Davis showed off a daring buzzcut and looked elegant in a Max Mara gown at a fashion event in 2012.

‘Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close’ Premiere (2011)

Davis once again proved that pink is definitely her color the premiere for Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.

Tony Awards (2011)

After winning a Tony for her role in Fences in 2010, Davis attended the award show the following year in another stunning pink gown.

Oscars (2008)

Davis celebrated her first ever Oscar nomination, for her role in Doubt, in a stunning metallic gown.

‘Nights in Rodanthe’ Premiere (2008)

Davis stunned in anoter metallic look at the 2008 premiere of her movie Nights in Rodanthe.

‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’ Premiere (2005)

Davis was totally on trend for the early ’00s at the Get Rich or Die Tryin’ premiere.