The most iconic red carpet dress ever has been revealed

three red carpet dress looks from Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon in smartphone templates on a brown and light green background

(Image credit: Future/Getty)

published 25 March 22

With the Oscars coming up this weekend, we're pondering on our favorite red carpet dress looks from over the years. And with last year's show being held virtually because of the pandemic, we're expecting to see bigger and better looks than ever before. But what's the standard that needs to be beaten?

Well, research conducted by SaveOnEnergy looked at 50 awards season dresses to find out which would be voted the most iconic red carpet dress of all time. The company also found that 7 in 10 women say that seeing a celebrity in a vintage or recycled outfit encourages them to think about sustainable living shop more secondhand.

Taking the top spot for the most iconic red carpet dress ever is none other than Jennifer Aniston in vintage John Galliano for Christian Dior at the 2020 SAG Awards—one of her many iconic red carpet looks. Keep reading for the top 10 most iconic vintage gowns to have ever graced the red carpet.

The most iconic red carpet dress looks of all time

These are the most iconic award season red carpet dresses of all time. Because there's nothing quite like a little red carpet nostalgia...

1. Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston in the aforementioned John Galliano gown for Christian Dior, at the 2020 SAG Awards.

Jennifer Aniston attends the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 19, 2020 in Los Angeles, California

2. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen also in John Galliano for Christian Dior at the 2015 Met Gala Ball.

Actors Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen attend "China: Through the Looking Glass", the 2015 Costume Institute Gala, at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 4, 2015 in New York City

3. Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon wore this beautiful 1955 vintage Christian Dior gown to the Oscars in 2006.

4. Kim Kardashian

Yet another ranking for John Galliano for Christian Dior, Kim Kardashian wore this vintage number from 1997 on the American Influencer Awards red carpet in 2019.

Kim Kardashian attends the 2nd Annual American Influencer Awards at Dolby Theatre on November 18, 2019 in Hollywood, California

5. Kate Moss

Kate Moss wore this black feathered gown on the red carpet at the 1998 Cannes Film Festival.

The Strairs of "Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas" In Cannes, France On May 15, 1998-Johnny Depp and Kate Moss

6. Amal Clooney

Amal Clooney attended a dinner celebrating The Prince's Trust at Buckingham Palace in 2019 wearing this beautiful Jean-Louis Scherrer by Stephanie Rolland gown.

7. Renée Zellweger

This 1950s yellow gown by Jean Dessès was worn by Renée Zellweger on the 2001 Oscars red carpet.

Renee Zellweger at the 73rd Annual Academy Awards in 2001

8. Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman wore this red polka dot Christian Dior number from 1954 to the 2012 Oscars. The dress was then sold at auction for $50,000 later that year!

Actress Natalie Portman arrives at the 84th Annual Academy Awards held at Hollywood & Highland Centre on February 26, 2012 in Hollywood, California

9 & 10. Jennifer Lopez

Tying in ninth place is Jennifer Lopez's vintage pastel green Valentino gown from the 73rd Oscars in 2003.

Jennifer Lopez during The 75th Annual Academy Awards - Deadline Room at The Kodak Theater in Hollywood, California, United States

9 & 10. Julia Roberts

The other vintage dress in ninth and tenth place is also by Valentino, a monochrome ballgown worn by Julia Roberts to the Oscars in 2001.

Julia Roberts at the 73rd Academy Awards in 2001

Don't know about you, but we do love a vintage ballgown!

Which of these iconic red carpet looks is your favorite?

Lucy Abbersteen

Lucy is a beauty journalist who has written for titles including Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, OK!, woman&home and Women's Health, as well as regularly contributing to My Imperfect Life. Her work covers everything from skin and haircare tips to trying and testing the latest beauty launches, and interviewing celebrities and experts. A certified dog person, her other interests include mental wellbeing, books, piña coladas and not getting caught in the rain.