Riley Green’s Cowboy-Cool AMAs Look—and 7 More Stars Who Wowed Us on the Red Carpet

The 2026 American Music Awards red carpet rolled out Monday, May 25, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, and the looks did not disappoint. From sparkly gowns to suits with a twist, the stars served up the kind of glamour that makes you want to dig through your own closet and reimagine what you already own.

Queen Latifah hosted the night, while Taylor Swift led the nominations with eight nods. Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Dean, sombr and Morgan Wallen each earned seven, with Alex Warren and Lady Gaga close behind at six apiece. But before the trophies were handed out, the fashion did the talking. Here are eight standout looks worth a second look—the kind of red carpet inspiration you can actually borrow for your next date night, anniversary dinner or special occasion.

Riley Green: the suit-meets-cowboy-hat moment

Leave it to country’s “you look like you love me” singer to remind Us that personal style is the best style. Riley Green hit the carpet in a sharp blue suit, then layered on a brown cowboy hat and brown shoes, splitting the difference between boardroom and back porch. It is the kind of mix-and-match confidence that works at any age—pair something polished with something unexpectedly you, and the whole look comes alive. Take note for your next event: a great blazer plus one signature piece (a hat, a scarf, a statement boot) goes a long way.

Queen Latifah: ice-queen glamour done right

The host of the evening absolutely owned the carpet in a white and black fur coat cinched at the waist with a white belt, layered over an off-white gown. The cinched-waist trick is one every woman should keep in her back pocket—a belt over a coat or cardigan instantly creates shape and pulls a look together. Queen Latifah’s monochromatic palette also proves that sticking to a tight color story (whites, creams, soft neutrals) reads as effortlessly elegant. File this one under “wedding guest” or “milestone birthday dinner” inspiration.

Paula Abdul: a vision in sheer white

The American Idol alum looked stunning in a white sheer gown with an asymmetrical neckline and a flowing trumpet train. Paula’s look is a master class in how to wear something romantic and feminine without veering into “too young.” The asymmetrical neckline draws the eye upward, the trumpet silhouette skims and flatters and the soft white reads fresh against any skin tone. For a real-life translation, think about an asymmetrical-neckline blouse with wide-leg trousers for your next anniversary dinner.

Chrissy Teigen: tangerine dream

Chrissy Teigen brought serious wow factor in an orange strapless gown with gold detailing. That punchy citrus shade is having a moment, and it is surprisingly forgiving—warm oranges, corals and tangerines tend to flatter mature skin beautifully, adding instant brightness. If a strapless gown is not your speed, look for the same color in a wrap dress or a structured top. The gold accents Chrissy chose are the cherry on top: a little shimmer elevates any color.

Hilary Duff: silver-screen sparkle

Hilary Duff dazzled in a silver gown that caught every flashbulb on the carpet. Metallics are a perennial special-occasion winner, and silver, in particular, plays beautifully against gray, white or salt-and-pepper hair. The takeaway? Do not shy away from shimmer just because the calendar says you have outgrown it. A silver shell top under a black blazer—or silver flats with a navy dress—delivers the same glow with a fraction of the drama.

Lisa Rinna: the menswear moment

Lisa Rinna went full menswear in an oversized brown suit jacket and wide-legged slacks, topped with a quirky blue and yellow polka-dot tie featuring an image of former President John F. Kennedy. The personality detail is fun, but the real lesson here is the silhouette: an oversized blazer paired with wide-leg trousers is one of the most flattering, comfortable and modern looks a woman over 50 can wear. Add a graphic tee or a crisp white shirt and you are set for brunch, travel or a casual dinner out.

Billy Idol: a pop of magenta

The ’80s icon kept things classic in a black suit and slacks but added a magenta button-up collared shirt for a jolt of color. It is a brilliant styling trick that works for women too—anchor your outfit in a neutral (black, navy, camel) and let one bright piece do the heavy lifting. A fuchsia blouse under a black blazer, or a magenta scarf with a gray sweater, gives that same energy without committing to a head-to-toe statement.

Alysa Liu: leather with a twist

The Olympic figure skater stayed true to her edgy style in a black leather top under a cropped black leather motorcycle jacket, a black floor-length skirt with a thigh-high slit and pointed-toe shoes. A floor-length skirt with a moto jacket is a surprisingly versatile combination at any age—swap the leather for ponte or a soft knit, lose the slit if you prefer and you have a look that feels both grown-up and a little bit rock ‘n’ roll.

The takeaway from this carpet? Great style is not about your age—it is about knowing what makes you feel like you.