The Most Jaw‑Dropping Red Carpet Looks at the Academy of Country Music Awards
Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert—these women are not just country music superstars, they’re also serious style icons. One of the best moments for them to show off their fashion sense is the red carpet at the American Country Music Awards (ACMs).
From bold cut-outs to classic glam gowns, the ACM Awards fashion is full of surprises. Whether stars go for edgy trends or timeless elegance, these celebrity outfits definitely turn heads. Sometimes the risks work—and sometimes, not so much. But one thing’s for sure: country music red carpet fashion never disappoints.
Here are some of the most unforgettable looks from the 2019 ACMs. Can you guess who made the list?
Miranda Lambert, 2019
Miranda Lambert, known for hits like The House That Built Me, lit up the red carpet in a neon green halter dress by Alex Perry. The latex-like fabric hugged her curves perfectly, and the bright color made her stand out.
She styled it with a metallic multicolor clutch and purple pointed heels, giving her look a fun, futuristic vibe. Plus, this was her first red carpet appearance with new husband Brendan McLoughlin, who kept it simple in a classic black tux—letting Miranda steal the spotlight.
Maren Morris, 2019
Maren Morris wore one of the most talked-about outfits of the night. Her lavender two-piece gown by Christian Siriano featured a dramatic ruffled skirt with a long train—and yes, it had pockets!
The look was soft, playful, and elegant. She matched her eye shadow to the dress and posted her look with the caption: “Lavender dreams.” That’s exactly what this dreamy ensemble was.
Nicole Kidman, 2019
While Nicole Kidman isn’t a country music singer, she’s often seen at country award shows supporting her husband, Keith Urban. At the 2019 ACMs, she wore a gold sequin gown by Michael Kors that turned heads.
The dress featured a high neckline, long sleeves, and a surprising cut-out back, showing just the right amount of skin. Her look was finished with a low messy bun and minimal makeup, letting the dress shine.
Kacey Musgraves, 2019
Kacey Musgraves, known for her hit Rainbow, chose a colorful Christian Cowan suit that shimmered with iridescent ombré tones. The bell-sleeve blazer was worn open with no top underneath—creating a powerful fashion moment.
The wide-leg pants flowed beautifully and added drama to her already standout look. With a fresh pink manicure and long loose waves, Kacey proved that red carpet suits can be just as glamorous as gowns.
She also had a huge night, winning both Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year.
Carrie Underwood, 2019
Just three months after giving birth to her second child, Carrie Underwood looked absolutely stunning in a black and silver one-shoulder gown by Nicolas Jebran. The dress featured not one, but two daring thigh-high slits, showing off her toned legs.
The “Cry Pretty” singer joked on the red carpet:
“I am zipped so tight in this dress. It’s pushing things up to places where it doesn’t normally go.”
Rebecca Romijn, 2018
Rebecca Romijn wowed fans in a glittery Uel Camilo beaded gown with sheer sides and back. The former model and X-Men actress made a strong case for sheer fashion done right—elegant, tasteful, and powerful.
Accompanied by her husband Jerry O’Connell, she presented an award and stole the spotlight while doing it.
Kelsea Ballerini, 2017
“Peter Pan” singer Kelsea Ballerini looked like a real-life fairy tale in a Monique Lhuillier gown. The dress blended shades of green, from dark emerald to soft mint, and featured floral embroidery and a playful thigh-high slit.
She styled her hair in a chic updo, showing off statement earrings and subtle, romantic makeup.
Lindsey Vonn, 2018
Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn turned heads in a yellow Christian Siriano ball gown that looked straight out of a fairy tale. With a turtleneck top and full princess skirt, Vonn gave major Beauty and the Beast “Belle” vibes.
And the twist? She wore white sneakers underneath the gown—comfort meets couture!
Jennifer Nettles, 2018
Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles wowed in a burgundy J. Mendel runway gown from the Fall 2018 collection. The dress featured sheer black netting and velvet diagonal lines, giving the look depth and sophistication.
She finished the look with cranberry quartz earrings and eye makeup that perfectly matched the dress.
Savannah Chrisley, 2016
Savannah Chrisley, former Miss Teen Tennessee and reality star, made a bold statement in a barely-there Amato Couture gown. With sheer fabric and sparkling embellishments, the dress walked the line between edgy and elegant.
Walking the carpet with her dad Todd Chrisley, Savannah proved she could hold her own among music’s biggest stars.
Julianne Hough, 2011
Julianne Hough looked radiant in a coral-peach backless halter gown by Randi Rahm. With her background in dance, she brought extra grace and movement to the look.
She accessorized with a bold emerald-stone cuff and a gold clutch, making the ensemble both eye-catching and elegant.
Taylor Swift, 2015
At just 25 years old, Taylor Swift received the ACM Milestone Award from her mother. She stunned in an ice blue Reem Acra gown with side cut-outs, sparkly embellishments, and a thigh-high slit.
Of course, she wore her signature red lips and winged eyeliner, making this look both elegant and youthful.
Shania Twain, 2013
Shania Twain took a unique route on the red carpet with a black strapless high-low gown paired with thigh-high leather boots. Though more relaxed than others, the look gave off superhero vibes with an edge of confidence.
Her signature long, wavy hair completed the look that blended country glam with rock ‘n’ roll flair.
Sheryl Crow, 2014
Sheryl Crow brought high fashion to the red carpet in a dramatic black and nude Christian Siriano gown featuring a broken-glass pattern and a sweeping train. The fitted silhouette perfectly highlighted her golden skin and toned arms.
Her edgy dress was paired with gold jewelry and her signature blonde waves, proving she knows how to merge rock-chic fashion with red carpet glam.
Savannah Chrisley, 2017
At 19, Savannah Chrisley made a bold fashion statement at the 52nd ACM Awards, stepping out in a daring Bao Tranchi gown. Known for her more conservative style, this revealing look signaled a new chapter in her image.
Earlier that year, she launched her own HSN fashion line, showing her transition from reality star to fashion entrepreneur.
Kimberly Schlapman, 2015
Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman accepted her group’s award in a bright pink Reem Acra gown. While the bold color turned heads, critics argued the strapless, belted bodice and full skirt didn’t flatter her figure as well as it could have.
Still, she gets points for embracing vibrant spring colors and standing out.
Cassadee Pope, 2015, ACM Party For a Cause Festival
Though not on the official red carpet, The Voice winner Cassadee Pope looked show-ready in a black lace jumpsuit with a deep V neckline at the ACM Party for a Cause Festival.
The look was modern, flirty, and red carpet-worthy—proving that jumpsuits can be glam too.
LeAnn Rimes, 2012
LeAnn Rimes went bold in a one-shoulder Stella McCartney mini dress with a wild swirl print, mesh cutouts, and asymmetrical hem. She paired it with a retro art-deco clutch and a sleek top bun.
While some loved the daring combo, others felt it was too much in one look.
Bebe Rexha, 2018
Bebe Rexha, the voice behind Meant to Be, made a dramatic entrance in a black velvet Yanina Couture gown with a tulle ruffle neckline and beaded long sleeves. The look was bold and luxurious.
For her performance, she swapped into a metallic ruched dress with a plunging neckline—perfect for stage glamour.
Shakira, 2014
Shakira wowed in a teal sequined Zuhair Murad gown with strategic cutouts running from the waist to the thighs. She kept her long blonde hair loose, which softened the edgy dress.
Later that night, she performed Medicine with Blake Shelton, wearing a short red mini dress and thigh-high leather boots—a total stage slay.
Danielle Peck, 2013
Danielle Peck wore a form-fitting yellow gown with a ruffled mermaid tail, a bold and risky choice for the red carpet. While the color was vibrant, many felt the feathered bottom resembled Big Bird more than high fashion.
Still, her minimal makeup and diamond accessories kept the look polished.
Eve, 2018
Rapper and The Talk co-host Eve wore a baby pink gown with ruffled tulle collar, off-shoulder sleeves, and button details. Critics said the gown had too much going on, but Eve added edge with oversized silver hoops and pointy white pumps.
While it wasn’t her best, she showed us that fashion is about fun and fearless self-expression.
Kaley Cuoco, 2013
Kaley Cuoco stunned in a Max Azria Atelier gown with sheer geometric panels that created a sculpted mermaid silhouette. The halter-style top hugged her curves while the slight flare at the bottom added classic elegance.
She kept the look sharp with a pompadour spike bun and fierce white stiletto nails, telling reporters,
“The higher the hair, the closer to God.”
Katy Perry, 2016
Katy Perry brought her signature bold style in a metallic blue cowgirl outfit by Jeremy Scott, featuring fringe, a fuzzy pink crop top, and hot pink cow print boots. The pop star paired the outfit with star earrings and a western belt.
Later, during her performance with Dolly Parton, she rocked a shiny pink and yellow fringe mini dress with fishnets and statement boots.
Jana Kramer, 2015
Jana Kramer turned heads in a black and white chevron print Jay Godfrey gown. The plunging neckline and geometric pattern created an eye-catching, figure-flattering effect.
She kept her accessories minimal: diamond earrings, a Swarovski clutch, and a bold white diamond ring.
Hillary Scott, 2017
Lady A’s Hillary Scott went with a Proenza Schouler wrap dress, previously worn by Selena Gomez, but made it her own with bold red and blue patterns and a peek of midriff.
She styled the look with green strappy heels and a bold smoky eye, blending comfort and style.
Hannah Blaylock, 2012
Edens Edge singer Hannah Blaylock wore a Jean Fares Couture ivory gown with an open back and one-sleeve draped design. The gold floral brooch detail made the look extra regal.
Her dark pulled-back hair and smokey eye makeup added a high-contrast look that emphasized her glowing skin and dramatic gown.
Laura Bell Bundy, 2012
Laura Bell Bundy showed off her Broadway sparkle in a metallic backless gown with a peek-a-boo panel. She told the press,
“I can barely walk in it, it’s awesome.”
Before her performance, she swapped into a leather crop top and chaps—a total country-glam transformation!
Karen Fairchild, 2017
Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town chose a sheer black Raisa & Vanessa dress with flowy layers and satin detailing. Her accessories included chunky turquoise cuffs and rings, giving her a mix of high fashion and southwestern vibes.
She told Rached,
“I love antiquing and flea markets. It’s my favorite thing on the road.”
Meghan Linsey, 2013
Meghan Linsey, from Steel Magnolia, walked the ACM red carpet in a black and white gown with lace peplum detailing. The fitted bodice peeked over a black bra and extended into a straight column skirt with a mini train.
Her multi-design nail art on each finger made the look even more standout.
Kimberly Perry, 2013
Kimberly Perry of The Band Perry wowed in a white and silver Dior gown that looked straight out of a wedding style lookbook. The mini dress with a silver sequin bodice and an elegant overskirt showed off her toned legs while keeping things modern and bridal-inspired.
She completed the look with natural curls and a soft pink lip, letting her style feel effortless and chic.
Tobi Lee, 2013
Singer Tobi Lee of Mustang Sally went full glam-rock in a sequined animal print bustier and a three-tiered brown skirt. The outfit, paired with cherry red ankle boots and spiky red hair, was bold, but not everyone was on board.
This was definitely one of the more daring looks—memorable, yes, but not for the right reasons.
Shawna Thompson, 2014
Shawna Thompson of Thompson Square brought florals to life in a red poppy print tulle gown. The nude base and 3D floral design gave the illusion of flowers painted on her skin—like a walking work of art.
Lauren Daigle, 2017
Lauren Daigle looked stunning in a boho chiffon gown with gold and navy floral and polka dot details. With a sheer overlay and a soft slip underneath, the look blended vintage charm with modern elegance.
Before her duet with Reba McEntire, she changed into a bold floor-length red gown for a performance that earned a standing ovation.
Cam, 2018
deep plunging neckline, and tiny silver keyhole details. She paired it with silver heels and kept her short blonde curls soft and bouncy.
The pastel color suited her skin tone perfectly, giving off ethereal vibes.
Lindsay Ell, 2019
Lindsay Ell lit up the red carpet in a neon yellow-green dress with a dramatic asymmetrical cutout and high slit. It was a risky color, but it worked beautifully on her.
She kept her makeup soft and simple, allowing the bright dress to speak for itself.
Mickey Guyton, 2019
Mickey Guyton looked like a real-life Disney princess in her powder blue lace gown. The dress featured sheer sleeves, delicate button details, and a floor-length silhouette that made her glow.
She added a touch of charm with a patterned clutch in soft blue tones.
Brittany Kerr, 2017
Jason Aldean’s wife, Brittany Kerr, turned heads in a shimmering rose gold sequin jumpsuit that was all glam and a little bit country. With cutout details and a plunging neckline, the figure-hugging outfit gave off major disco-meets-Nashville vibes.
Standing beside Aldean, who rocked an off-white textured blazer and dark jeans with animal print details, Brittany absolutely stole the spotlight.
Kellie Pickler, 2014
Kellie Pickler, former American Idol star and country favorite, looked like a dream in a lavender strapless silk-chiffon gown by Romona Keveza. The sweetheart neckline and flowy circle skirt were paired with a jeweled belt, and her short blonde bob completed the soft romantic look.
She arrived with husband Kyle Jacobs, who was nominated for producing Lee Brice’s “I Drive Your Truck.” But Kellie didn’t stop at just looking good—she later auctioned off her Pandora bracelets to raise funds for ACM Lifting Lives, a charity that uses music to help people in need.
