27 of Madonna's Most Iconic Red Carpet Moments

63rd annual academy awards after party at spago's hosted by swifty lazar
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Madonna’s style through the years is unmatched. There's no doubt that elaborate costumes and dramatic fashion are some of the first things to come to mind when you think of the “Material Girl” singer. The Michigan-born performer, who rose to superstardom in the '80s, is known not only for her chart-topping music but for her show-stopping style, too.

Whether performing on stage or flashing a smile to the paparazzi while out and about, Madonna always has people talking about her next-level ensembles. In honor of the award-winning singer and actress, we took a stroll down memory lane and rounded up some of her most iconic red carpet looks. From her larger-than-life Met Gala getups to the lacy designer duds she wears to premieres, award shows, and more, here are some of our favorites.

September 1984

Madonna captured everyone’s attention when she attended the first MTV Video Music Awards in a lacy white number paired with a boundary-pushing “Boy Toy” belt.

madonna attends the mtv video awards
Sonia Moskowitz - Getty Images

January 1985

The singer wore another layered necklace look when she posed for a photo at the American Music Awards in a black bustier styled with fingerless gloves.

madonna
ABC Photo Archives - Getty Images

March 1985

Madonna arrived at the opening of her film Desperately Seeking Susan in an all-white ensemble featuring a white fur stole, plenty of pearls, and a deep red lip.

entertainer madonna at movie premier with bucket of popcorn
Bettmann - Getty Images

January 1987

The singer stunned on the 1987 American Music Awards red carpet when she posed in an iridescent off-the-shoulder gown and dark makeup.

14th annual american music awards press room
Ron Galella - Getty Images

March 1991

The “Express Yourself” songstress opted for a dark gray two-piece set for the 1991 Cannes Film Festival.

france cinema madonna portrait
MARIO GOLDMAN - Getty Images

March 1991

She wore a custom Bob Mackie gown to the 1991 Academy Awards. The getup was nothing short of glamorous. Between the extravagant diamond jewelry and the meticulously styled hair, how could you not love this look?

63rd annual academy awards after party at spago's hosted by swifty lazar
Ron Galella - Getty Images

May 1991

How fun is this bedazzled bodysuit she wore to the Truth or Dare film premiere?

truth or dare new york city premiere
Kevin.Mazur - Getty Images

June 1992

Madonna looked oh-so-cool while rocking a pair of dark shades at the premiere of A League of Their Own.

a league of their own new york city premiere
Ron Galella - Getty Images

March 1995

For the Bedtime Story premiere in 1995, she strolled down the red carpet in a slinky white slip dress and a printed leopard ankle-length coat. Her pinned curls and red lips sealed the deal.

madonna's bedtime story party march 18, 1995
Kevin.Mazur - Getty Images

September 1995

The award-winning singer chose a more casual look for the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards. She wore a silky teal top tucked into belted black pants. Her pulled-back hair complemented her outfit perfectly that night.

the 12th annual mtv video music awards
Kevin.Mazur - Getty Images

January 1997

The singer shined at the 1997 Golden Globe Award in a black bustier gown with matching opera gloves. She won the award for Best Actress that night for her role in Evita.

madonna at the golden globes
Vinnie Zuffante - Getty Images

June 1998

She sported a gorgeous floral cape while walking into a Tony Awards party in 1998.

tony awards party june 5, 1988
Ron Galella, Ltd. - Getty Images

November 2000

The superstar attended the 2000 MTV European Music Awards in a sequined red two-piece set.

2000 mtv european music awards
Jeff Kravitz - Getty Images

March 2004

Madonna bundled up in a tweed-trimmed coat while walking the Cannes Film Festival red carpet in the early 2000s.

nrj music awards in cannes, france in cannes, france on january 24, 2004
Alain BENAINOUS - Getty Images

November 2005

In 2005, she donned a stunning purple ensemble featuring black fishnets and knee-high croc-embossed boots.

2005 mtv european music awards lisbon press room
David Lodge - Getty Images

May 2008

For the I Am Because We Are premiere in Cannes, the singer wore a drapey sequined gown by Chanel.

2008 cannes film festival i am because we are premiere
Mike Marsland - Getty Images

May 2008

Madonna chose a rose-pink long-sleeved silky number to attend amfAR's Cinema Against AIDS event.

2008 cannes film festival amfar's cinema against aids 2008 red carpet
Jeff Vespa - Getty Images

May 2009

Madonna wowed fans at the Met Gala red carpet when she arrived in an intricately designed blue ensemble that featured a sculptural headpiece.

the model as muse embodying fashion costume institute gala at the metropolitan museum of art arrivals
Kevin Mazur - Getty Images

May 2011

Two years later, she attended the Met Gala again, this time in a satin Stella McCartney gown, vintage Cartier jewels, and a Christian Dior clutch.

alexander mcqueen savage beauty costume institute gala at the metropolitan museum of art arrivals
Dimitrios Kambouris - Getty Images

January 2012

The singer wore a gorgeous green Reem Acra gown to the 2012 Golden Globes. The metallic bodice and basket-weave skirt are something else.

69th annual golden globe awards press room
Kevin Winter - Getty Images

May 2013

Madonna turned heads in a plaid Givenchy outfit complete with fishnet tights, leather gloves, and no shortage of studs.

punk chaos to couture costume institute gala
Jamie McCarthy - Getty Images

January 2014

The singer and her son both posed on the 2014 Grammys red carpet outfitted in sleek Ralph Lauren suits.

56th grammy awards red carpet
Jeff Vespa - Getty Images

February 2015

She flaunted a bold, beaded look at the 2015 Grammys.

the 57th annual grammy awards red carpet
Kevin Mazur - Getty Images

May 2016

It’s all in the details. For the 2016 Met Gala, she went with a daring black ensemble designed by Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy styled with Lynn Ban rings.

manus x machina fashion in an age of technology costume institute gala arrivals
George Pimentel - Getty Images

May 2017

Although Madonna wore a camouflage-inspired dress to the 2017 Met Gala, she still stood out. The show-stopping look was designed by none other than Jeremy Scott for Moschino.

rei kawakubocomme des garcons art of the in between costume institute gala arrivals
Karwai Tang - Getty Images

May 2018

She looked like the queen of the costume gala in a Jean-Paul Gaultier-designed ensemble and this is a photo of Madonna with the designer.

heavenly bodies fashion the catholic imagination costume institute gala
Sean Zanni - Getty Images

September 2021

Madonna’s recent look at the Madame X premiere was reminiscent of her earlier ensembles. It's certainly one for the books!

madame x world premiere
Jamie McCarthy - Getty Images

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