Great Outfits in Fashion History: Lucy Liu at the 2000 Screen Actors Guild Awards

There are perfectly good celebrity style moments, and then there are the looks that really stick with you, the ones you try desperately to recreate at home. In 'Great Outfits in Fashion History,' Fashionista editors are revisiting their all-time favorite lewks. 

Whether she's a sword-wielding assassin or kicking ass in the courtroom, Lucy Liu knows how to captivate her audience. That's as true on screen as it is on the red carpet. A few months before starring in the 2000s crime-fighting cult classic "Charlie's Angels" alongside Drew Barrymore and Cameron Diaz, she attended the 6th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2000 as a nominee for role as the hard-hitting lawyer Ling Woo in "Ally McBeal".

Though many of the actor's characters stock their wardrobes with structural pieces that command power (or instill fear), Liu wore an elegant turquoise cowlneck gown with a draped skirt and a slight train to the ceremony. Paired with a knotted diamond necklace, a single silver bracelet and stud earrings, the dress stood out as one of the best looks of the night. Continuing the silver theme, Liu donned strappy metallic slip-on heels — it was 2000, after all.

The real star of this outfit, though, is Liu's statement purse: a rectangular gold bag featuring an intricately embroidered landscape that departed from the actor's all-silver accessories.

We also need to take a moment for this dreamy hairstyle: Liu wore a half-up hairdo with romantic fly-away strands that framed her face and let her dress' neckline shine. For her makeup, she kept it subtle with rosy lips, slightly flushed cheeks and just the suggestion of a smokey eye. It's an effortless look that works with the vibrant blue gown, instead of pulling focus from it.

For those looking to channel Liu's style, check out our picks, below.

Cult Gaia Asal Dress, $598, available here (sizes 0-12)

Diarrablu Maya Exaggerated Long Sleeve Satin Wrap Dress, $295, available here (sizes XS-3XL)

Et Ochs Laura Twist Halter Gown, $1,695 $423, available here (sizes 0-6)

Tove Kerolynn Dress in Turquoise, $1,118, available here (sizes FR 34-42)

Katie May So Juicy Cowlneck Gown, $250, available here (sizes XS-XL)

Karen Millen Cowl Neck Jersey Maxi Dress, $152 $91, available here (sizes 2-12)

Please note: Occasionally, we use affiliate links on our site. In no way does this affect our editorial decision-making.

Want the latest fashion industry news first? Sign up for our daily newsletter.