From her iconic Versace gown to her favorite Zuhair Murad dress(es), these outfits are legendary..
Jennifer Lopez has been known to wear the heck out of a sweatshirt and a pair of leggings, so it’s no surprise that when it comes to glamorous events, this style star doesn’t hold back. J.Lo has been making us audibly gasp with her red carpet looks since at least 1997 (and definitely since 2000, when her belly-button-baring Versace gown first made an appearance) and there’s rarely a moment when we aren’t impressed or envious over what she’s wearing.
It’s hard to narrow down over 20 years of best dresses and gowns — there have been so many wins — but somehow, we did it. Check out all the times Lopez solidified her title as ruler of the red carpet, whether she was wearing silver, animal print, or a sexy naked dress.
1997
Early on in her career, the star went with sweet and classic, wearing a Badgley Mischka gown to the Oscars that year.
1997
For the premiere of Anaconda, Jennifer showed a little leg in a lacy brown number.
1998
This multi-colored number would go on to inspire others — particularly Sienna Miller’s look from the 2020 Golden Globes.
1998
Clearly, this woman isn’t afraid of a statement-making accessory. She paired her suit with a large cowboy hat back at the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards
1999
A full, strapless ballgown and a sparkly choker necklace made for the perfect princess moment at the 1999 Oscars.
1999
A few years before Paris Hilton partied in a slinky silver dress, J.Lo wore a similar one to the launch of Notorious Magazine.
2000
The Versace dress that broke the Internet — and inspired a million recreations — popped up at the Grammy Awards at the start of the millennium.
2000
Yes, J.Lo’s top from the 2000 MTV Awards does say Sean John. She, of course, paired it with a bandana and an embellished silver belt.
2001
Lopez showed some skin — and embraced leopard print — at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards.
2002
The star looked like she stepped out of old Hollywood at the Oscars, wearing a pretty pink Versace gown.
2002
The sheer top, the flower, the dreamy ’60s vibe — what isn’t there to love about this look from the premiere of Enough?
2003
Lopez had a minty moment at the 2003 Oscars, where she showed up in a one-shouldered Valentino gown that featured material draped over her arm.
2004
Metallic and marigold proved to be the perfect color combination at the 2004 Golden Globes, where she walked the red carpet in a bright Michael Kors gown.
2006
Why wear new when you can wear vintage? That was likely J.Lo’s thought process when she stepped out in this gorgeous green throwback number by Rita Watnick.
2007
This empire-waisted Marchesa gown reminded us of ancient Greece, and J.Lo looked like a true goddess at the 2007 Oscars.
2009
Going for the gold — at the Golden Globes — in Marchesa
2010
This Armani Privé dress looked stunning at the Oscars, but we could easily see it being worn as a wedding dress, too.
2011
Met Gala glam. We love how the fiery color of this Gucci gown with floral embellished shoulders makes its way into J.Lo’s purse and pout. The result is stand-out.
2011
A cutout Emilio Pucci gown gave us a peek at J.Lo’s abs at the 2011 BAFTA Awards.
2012
We have a feeling that this star really loves Zuhair Murad. She wore yet another sparkly number from the brand to the 2012 Oscars.
2012
Her sequined Zuhair Murad dress for the Vanity Fair afterparty incorporated the ombré trend, going from a dark plum shade on top to a lighter cranberry on the bottom
2013
The star gave us glamour — and a bit of skin — at the 2013 Golden Globes, where she showed up in a lace Zuhair Murad gown and sparkly drop earrings.
2013
Sure, the black Anthony Vaccarello dress that Lopez wore to the 2013 Grammy Awards was nice, but she couldn’t forget to show off those Tom Ford shoes with a full leg pop. The little extras were what made the look: Neil Lane for Forevermark and Norman Silverman jewels and a Jimmy Choo bag.
2014
J.Lo’s Charbel Zoe dress almost looked like glam armor at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards. Jimmy Choo shoes, a Thalé Blanc clutch, and Norman Silverman rings and earrings made the look complete.
2014
The 2014 Billboard Music Awards were red hot — mostly because of this caped Donna Karan bodysuit that featured floor-grazing panels as a skirt.
2014
She struck a pose at a Fashion Rocks event, popping up on the red carpet in a sexy, cut-out Versace design and holding a Thalé Blanc clutch.
2015
Lopez made a dramatic entrance at the 2015 Golden Globes in a caped Zuhair Murad design that was styled with Stuart Weitzman shoes and Lorraine Schwartz jewels.
2015
For the 2015 Oscars, the choice was a whole lot of tulle, courtesy of Elie Saab.
2015
J.Lo’s Atelier Versace gown at the 2015 Met Gala was embroidered with a red dragon that wrapped around her body, giving a nod to the theme that year, China: Through the Looking Glass. Her accessories included a Swarovski clutch and jewelry by Sutra, Harry Kotlar, and Jack Vartanian.
2015
No stranger to showing some skin, she wore a peek-a-boo sheer Charbel Zoe gown to the Billboard Music Awards.
2015
At the 2015 Tony Awards, Lopez channeled Old Hollywood glamour in a strapless navy gown with gold sequined detailing by Valentino Couture.
2016
Hello, yellow! We’re still swooning over this Giambattista Valli Haute Couture gown from the 2015 Golden Globes, which was perfectly accented with Harry Winston, Jimmy Choo heels, and a clutch by Judith Leiber.
2016
Lopez brought the drama for the finale of American Idol, wearing a champagne Elie Madi gown, Christian Louboutin heels, and Le Vian jewels.
2017
This semi-sheer, blue Valentino gown featured a regal cape and made J.Lo look angelic. It was a top-notch choice for the Met Gala that year.
2017
Lopez wore another winning look to the NBCUniversal Upfronts, showing up in an off-the-shoulder Elie Saab dress with a knotted detail and a major side slit. She coordinated with a matching clutch, Narcisa Pheres and Le Vian diamond rings, and sky-high platform sandals.
2018
At the Time 100 Gala, J.Lo opted to show a little leg in a Zuhair Murad Couture gown. She added even more shine to her look with some metallic Jimmy Choo heels and a Judith Leiber clutch.
2018
Sleek, sexy, silver — this one-shouldered Versace gown from the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards is definitely one of our favorites.
2018
This jaw-dropping, gem-encrusted Balmain gown that Lopez wore to the 2018 Met Gala was custom-made just for her.
2018
Say no to subtle. We have a feeling that’s pretty much J.Lo’s motto, especially after she wore this bright pink, tulle Giambattista Valli gown for the world premiere of Second Act.
2019
The star’s Ralph & Russo Couture gown was straight off the runway, and she made sure to accessorize it with Niwaka jewels, a Judith Leiber clutch, and Jimmy Choo platform heels.
2019
She sure likes the color silver. The Tom Ford dress she wore to the 2019 Oscars was right in line with J.Lo’s signature style.
2019
Bringing matching sets to the red carpet, Lopez showed up to the CFDA Fashion Awards wearing a sparkly, orange crop top and a voluminous skirt from Ralph Lauren Collection.
2019
It was a power pose — and a whole lot of sparkle! — for the 2019 Met Gala Celebrating Camp: Notes on Fashion. J.Lo wore a silver, fringed Versace gown with a plunging neckline.
2020
The star made quite the statement for the Emmy Awards, showing up in a Valentino gown that featured a big bow.
2020
For the 2020 SAG Awards, Lopez went classic and elegant, wearing a black Georges Hobeika gown with a casual $9 million worth of Harry Winston jewels.
2021
JLo went risqué with her wardrobe at the VMAs, proving she knows how to dress for the occasion. After all, less is more, right?
2021
Lopez exuded elegance in this flowy Elie Saab gown at the LA premiere of Amazon Studio’s The Tender Bar. The silver belt adds a nice touch, cinching at the waist and flattering her figure.
2022
Suggestive, yet tasteful, Jennifer Lopez reinvents the classic LBD with this sheer cut-out gown.
2023
A semi-transparent dress is a head-turner all on its own. But to give it that JLo touch, throw in some sparkle and add a pop of color à la yellow sash. The result is next-level.
2015
There’s a lot going on with this Gucci gown — unitard, sheer skirt, and rhinestones galore — but it all works.