Kelly Ripa Wore the Most Elaborate Red Carpet Dresses Back in the ‘90s
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Kelly Ripa may have inspired some of our more recent purchases — including a comfy pair of party shoes and printed workout leggings — but her fashion icon status isn't exactly new. Rather, the talk show host has been breaking out A+ outfits from day one, even dating as far back as her soap opera days (she acted, and even met her husband, Mark Consuelos, on All My Children).
In the '90s, Ripa walked the red carpet in a variety of elaborate pieces. She loved sparkles. She loved sequins. She was even spotted rocking net-like material and fringe. Plus, that naked dress trend often associated with stars like Kim Kardashian Kardashian or Bella Hadid? Ripa wore her own sexy, sheer look in the year 1999, long before either of those women were famous.
Obviously, Ripa's throwback style is worth revisiting, so we've compiled a list of her best '90s dresses. These pieces will either make you say, "Whoa, Kelly — is that you?" or cross your fingers and hope she wears them again. Considering so many old styles are making a comeback, it's entirely possible she would!
1991
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A super sweet, early '90s look. Ripa made quite the statement in this red, off-the-shoulder number.
1993
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The styles we said we would totally wear now? This is one of them. We're tempted to add a metallic turtleneck dress to our own closet, ASAP.
1993
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No, this isn't Ripa's wedding dress...but it easily could have been.
1993
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The fringe! That gold! It's extremely fun and seems perfect for dancing the night away.
1993
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We're getting some prom and pageant vibes (especially thanks to that voluminous hair) but we're not too mad about it.
1995
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The white corset top and long, flowy skirt makes this piece truly timeless. If we saw it on a runway, we wouldn't even question it. Please say it's hiding somewhere in storage, Kelly!
RELATED: I'm Ready For a Holiday Rom-Com Starring Kelly Ripa's Sparkly Burgundy Dress
1996
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At first glace, this seems dress seems like a simple red option, but a closer look reveals it's actually printed with a bunch of roses.
1997
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Ripa still brought us style inspiration while she was pregnant. A spaghetti-strap babydoll dress with a pair of tights? Classic '90s.
1998
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One of Ripa's more daring red-carpet outfits. The netting gives it just enough spice without going overboard. Someone, please, quick — bring back this trend!
1999
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She ended the decade with a bang in a super-sheer dress with Britney Spears "Toxic" vibes. Ok, Kelly!
