How Sarah Paulson Became a Red-Carpet Risk-Taker

In celebration of the horror series, Paulson went understandably dark in a frothy Valentino gown with an edgy fish-net neckline.

Danielle Frankel’s ballooning bridal frock proved to be the perfect statement gown for the TIFF premiere of Paulson’s new film Closing Night.

Paulson embraced bow-adorned femininity in this drop-waist, two-toned gown by Erdem.

The actor had money on her mind—or rather, her face—at the 2026 Met Gala. Her voluminous ensemble, complete with white opera gloves and a one-dollar-bill eye mask, was made by Parisian label Matières Fécales.

Paulson delivered silhouette severity in a blunt bob and a structured waist-cinching white ballgown by Matières Fécales.

At the world premiere of the Ryan Murphy series, Paulson proved that a white T-shirt pairs quite well with a multicolored fuzzy skirt—courtesy of Bottega Veneta.

Prada slime green and periwinkle purple were a punchy combination to kick off the All’s Fair press tour.

Paulson put a gothic twist on statement feathers in this moody Marc Jacobs dress.

The star reworked the classic ballgown silhouette in Schiaparelli’s drop-waist couture creation.

This crimson Marc Jacobs confection takes bubble hems to new, very abstract heights.

Paulson leaned into more-is-more plumage in this texturally rich Elie Saab gown.

She donned a black skirt and a stark white top—all Altuzarra—at the 2024 LACMA Art+Film Gala.

The actor went for an ab-baring Prada number at the 2024 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles.

Bow overload (Prada, of course) at the 2024 Met Gala.

Wearing Alexandre Vauthier, Paulson looked in charge at the opening night of Appropriate.

Paulson turned to Louis Vuitton for her structural navy 2022 Emmys look.

Paulson attended the Impeachment: American Crime Story premiere in a regal, sparkling Alexandre Vauthier number.

Paulson slipped into this dotted Prada number in 2019.

The actress reworked the classic black evening gown in a one-shoulder Moschino design for the 2019 Met Gala.

Paulson attended the Game Of Thrones New York Premiere in a gilded Gucci dress.

Paulson was pretty in pink—courtesy of Brandon Maxwell—at the 2019 Academy Awards.

She stood out in this bright Prada look at the UK Premiere of Glass.

Paulson was early to the Brat green trend in a Prada dress festooned with sequin fringe.

The actor struck an ethereal image in Prada at the Met Gala.

Paulson donned butter yellow Marc Jacobs at the 2018 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. For a hit of contrast, she paired the look with velvet opera gloves.

Wearing Carolina Herrera, Paulson shone bright the 2018 Emmy Awards.

The actress made a splash in Ronald van der Kemp at the the 2017 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

Paulson did color-blocking and feather trim in Prada at the 2017 Met Gala, themed "Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between."

This glistening Marc Jacobs gown matched her Golden Globe statuette—which she won for her portrayal of Marcia Clark in Ryan Murphy’s The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.

She opted for a plunging, emerald Prada gown at the 2016 Emmy Awards.

The premiere of Carol called for a metallic Etro ensemble.

Paulson’s Monique Lhuillier power shoulders commanded the red carpet at the premiere of American Horror Story.

Zac Posen’s metallic cobalt design proved to be the perfect moody pick for the premiere of American Horror Story.

Armani Privé’s conceptual ballgown—complete with gauzy tufts of tulle and pops of red—turned heads at the 66th annual Emmy Awards.

Paulson was feeling Prada’s geometric lines at the 2014 Met Gala.

Paulson opted for a severe Vivienne Westwood corset dress at the premiere of 12 Years a Slave.

Playing with color on the red carpet, Paulson wore a pink Carolina Herrera dress with a column silhouette, a plunging neckline, and a tonal, waist-cinching bow.

Feathery, floral appliqués turned this lovely Reem Acra A-line dress into an avant-garde statement.

The black statement belt added a hit of contrast—and 2010s fashion—to this Reem Acra ballgown.

Paulson served pure movie-star glam in a strapless, romantically draped gown—and a blonde blowout—at the 2007 Golden Globes.

Paulson went classic in a simple black sweetheart number at the 2005 Tony Awards.