The glam and glitz of the 2024 Emmy Awards got everyone buzzing on September 15, and of course, it wasn’t just about the awards—fashion steals the spotlight too! A parade of stunning looks graced the red carpet, giving us plenty of fodder for discussion and admiration. Alan Cumming and Jennifer Aniston were among the standout stars, each showcasing their unique style, which ignited conversations both on and off the carpet.
Alan Cumming, the witty host of The Traitors, made quite the entrance, sporting his signature plaid motif—this time, it was even more pronounced. He showed up wearing an ivory suit complemented by a matching plaid shawl, which was, no surprise, perfectly harmonized with the pattern of his button-up shirt and tie. The crowd couldn’t help but notice the similarities between Cumming’s outfit and one worn by pop superstar Taylor Swift just days prior at the MTV Video Music Awards. When quizzed by Entertainment Weekly about Swift potentially stealing his style, Cumming joked, “Bitch stole my look,” proving he was both amused and reveling in the playful rivalry.
Swift had turned heads on September 11 with her bold, yellow plaid dress from designer Dior, offering the audience another angle on how plaid can take center stage at high-profile events. Cumming, who won the Emmy for Outstanding Host of Reality/Competition Program for The Traitors, was clearly having his moment too, as his show nabbed the award for Outstanding Reality Competition Program during the ceremony.
Meanwhile, Jennifer Aniston made her grand appearance at the 2024 Emmys with an elegant flair, drawing on classic charm for her choice of outfit. The 55-year-old star was breathtakingly beautiful, arriving solo and draped in a stunning silver gown by Oscar de la Renta. Simple yet impactful, Aniston kept her makeup minimal and accessorized with vintage Tiffany & Co. jewelry, proving once again she knows how to glimmer on the red carpet without going overboard.
Aniston’s effortless style extended to her hair, which she styled in soft waves, reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour. Her look did not go unnoticed, especially since she was one of the nominees for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her acclaimed role as Alex Levy on The Morning Show. Aniston’s co-star, Reese Witherspoon, also received the same nomination, placing friendly competition at the forefront.
The 2024 Emmy Awards weren't just about the excitement of big wins. The ceremony itself was particularly special, having been postponed from January 2023 due to strikes from both writers and actors. It stood as the culmination of creativity and talent over the past year, set against the backdrop of the Peacock Theatre, buzzing with energized fans and industry insiders.
Although neither Aniston nor Witherspoon walked away with the award—Anna Sawaï for Shōgun took home the trophy—it was clear Aniston was still very much part of the spotlight. With The Morning Show itself receiving multiple nominations, including for Outstanding Drama Series, it remains clear the actress continues her reign as one of the leading figures on television.
The buzz around Cumming’s and Aniston’s looks at the Emmys highlights just how impactful red carpet fashion can be. Viewers often tune-in not just for the winners but also to see how different celebrities interpret trends, styles, and personal flair. While each personality has their unique approach to fashion, Cumming’s playful plaid and Aniston’s timeless elegance came together to add to the rich fabric of this year’s Emmys fashion narrative.
Attending A-list events like the Emmys naturally leads celebrities to draw inspiration from one another, creating fun moments like the style overlap between Cumming and Swift. Following his Emmys appearance, Cumming shared more about his fashion choices, mentioning how he often leans on his Scottish heritage for his signature look, stating, “They kind of did this type of thing of matching my outfits to the missions this year.” His delightful personality shone through, echoing the essence of this year's event—an unspoken recognition of how fashion connects stories and people.
For Swift, it seems her wardrobe choices are closely tied to her artistic expression. Recently, she made headlines not just for her music, winning seven trophies at the VMAS, but also for her distinctive style at various events. Just days before the Emmys, Swift was spotted attending a Kansas City Chiefs game to support her boyfriend, Travis Kelce. At the game, she sported her own local chic look—a vintage Chiefs shirtdress paired stylishly with chic boots and adorned with accessories.
Going beyond the fashion, the Emmys this year took on additional significances. The dual ceremonies were not just about celebrating the previous year but allowing the industry to reflect and rejuvenate after a challenging few years marked by strikes and changes. Aniston’s candidness about the peculiarities of standing on the red carpet highlights the real struggle behind the polished exteriors viewers often admire. “I don’t know how to stand on the red carpet, but you do the best you can,” she shared, reminding everyone the red carpet can feel less glamorous behind the scenes.
So, what will the fashion world take away from the 2024 Emmys? First and foremost, it’s not only about the latest trends but also about every celebrity owning their unique style on such high-profile platforms, from plaid to shimmering gowns. The playful exchanges, such as Cumming jokingly commenting on Swift’s outfit, only add to the charm of these star-studded events—the recognition of similarities, nods to each other’s style, and the creative expression we all cherish.
The Emmys have always been about storytelling, whether through the medium of television or through fashion, setting the stage for budding talents and experienced actors alike. A stand-out fashion moment can speak volumes, just as winning awards does, making these days memorable for celebrities and fans alike.
While the awards ceremony wrapped up, the conversations surrounding who wore what and the subtle interactions between stars continue to keep the spotlight on fashion. We look forward to seeing how these stars progress through the awards season, wearing their stories through the ensembles they choose.
