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There’s only one word that comes to mind when I think of actress Sheryl Lee Ralph: joy. The legendary actress—known for her performances in the Broadway musical Dreamgirls and, most recently, the TV hit Abbott Elementary—never skips out on bright colors and bold silhouettes whenever she steps on the red carpet. And with nearly three decades on the spotlight under her belt, it’s safe to say no one else in Hollywood does dopamine dressing like Ralph.
More recently, Ralph has taken her red carpet style even further, with the help of her stylist (and daughter!) Ivy-Victoria Maurice. The mother-daughter duo has made a splash on the red carpet by upending the traditional notions of “age-appropriate,” dressing Ralph, who is 67, in everything from thigh-high slits to bold sequined looks. It’s all inspired by Ralph’s decades-long commitment to serving on the red carpet: latex, sequins, and geometric prints have all been part of her sartorial arsenal since she first stepped on a red carpet decades ago.
Ahead, see Ralph’s best red carpet looks through the years.
NAACP Image Awards, 2024
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Ralph made everyone go green with envy via a sequined one-shoulder Georges Hobeika gown, the flowy cape-like detail allowed the actress to dance her way through the red carpet.
Critics’ Choice Awards, 2023
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Ralph took home a trophy at the 2023 Critics’ Choice Awards. But even before the ceremony began, she embodied a golden statue via a strapless gold gown by Haitian designer Jovana Louis. She paired the metallic gown with jewelry by Misho Designs, matching the pieces to the wrinkled texture of her dress.
Golden Globe Awards, 2024
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The award-winning actress kept her look classic at the 2024 Golden Globe Awards. She wore a black Safiyaa gown with chartreuse voluminous sleeves and train.
Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards, 2023
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Even her casual looks radiate joy. Ralph appeared at the 2023 NAACP Image Awards in a burnt orange shirt dress and gold jewels tying it all together with a braided wrap belt.
NAACP Image Awards, 2023
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Ralph gave a nod to traditional Ghanaian dress via a custom Pistis Ghana off-the-shoulder gown. A multi-layered, sprawling skirt gave the gown a showstopping factor. Ralph added gold jewelry from Misho and Nikos Koulis.
Golden Globe Awards, 2023
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For the 2023 Golden Globe Awards, Ralph was a vision in purple, wearing a custom Aliétte gown. The metallic mirror discs served as enough bling for the actress, who kept the jewelry to a minimum with her shiny look.
Emmy Awards, 2022
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If anyone knows how to serve, it’s Sheryl Lee Ralph. In an unapologetic move, the actress appeared at the 2022 Emmy Awards wearing a velvet black strapless gown with an ultra-high slit by New York-based designer Brandon Blackwood. The orange lining perfectly matched her bag from the same designer.
Tony Awards, 2021
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Ralph upended a classic silhouette with a bright choice for the 2021 Tony Awards, wearing a neon yellow boatneck gown with long sleeves. A pair of Amina Muaddi heels was all she needed to accessorize the sequined look.
American Black Film Festival Honors Awards, 2020
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Sometimes all you need to make a showstopping appearance is a gold dress. Ralph wowed in a long-sleeved gold gown with a flared hemline and matching hoop earrings.
Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards, 2019
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Ralph proved a dress over pants could actually be chic via a color-blocked look. To tie it all together, a pair of clear-heeled sandals let all the clashing colors do the talking.
Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences’ Annual Governors Awards, 2017
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Never one to shy away from sequins, Ralph opted for a shimmery long-sleeved gown for the 2017 Governors Awards. The metallic-hued dress also featured shades of orange and pink, both colors that Ralph is fond of in her red carpet style.
NAACP Image Awards, 1998
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Before Kim Kardashian made latex dressing happen, Ralph had already pulled off the style via a black tank top version with a flared skirt. While we’re used to seeing Ralph wearing bright colors today, this looks proves her style is as versatile as her on-stage talent.
NAACP Image Awards, 1988
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Proving she’s been an icon for decades, Ralph’s look for the 1988 NAACP Image Awards is the epitome of ’80s fashion. Bold and bright colors, shimmery details, and big geometric earrings take us back to the era.
