Each year brings its own wave of sultry red carpet ensembles [1], and when it comes to 2019, celebrities and their stylists certainly didn't do things by half. That being said, this year's sexiest red carpet looks weren't exactly what we had expected. Instead, they were fresh, modern, and, surprisingly, more demure than ever.
Perhaps a sign of things to come as this decade draws to a close, this year's hottest looks came with longer sleeves, fuller skirts, and décolletés that weren't necessarily any riskier than what we've become used to. Chic lingerie-inspired ensembles replaced the naked dress trend [2] that once reigned over the red carpet, thigh-high slits remained a firm favourite, and interesting necklines proved, once and for all, that modest can also be incredibly sexy. And as for the sexiest colour of the year? Black was it, and it's easy to see why.
From what Jennifer Lopez wore to the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty [3] to Jorja Smith's sexy take on the Disney princess gown [4] and Gigi Hadid's beautiful column dress [5], read on to take a closer look at the sexiest red carpet looks of 2019. But fair warning: these outfits are so damn hot, they might actually steam up your screen.
Priyanka Chopra at the 2019 Chasing Happiness Premiere
Back in June, Priyanka Chopra supported her husband, Nick Jonas [7], at the premiere of his Amazon documentary Chasing Happiness. The 36-year-old actress chose a sultry high-low dress for the occasion [8], which featured a plunging neckline and fishnet detailing.
Jennifer Lopez at the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscars Afterparty
After wearing a mirror-mosaic gown by Tom Ford [9] on the Oscars red carpet, Jennifer Lopez [10] switched into a strapless Zuhair Murad gown [11] for the Vanity Fair afterparty. It featured black, purple, blue, and green sequins and even had a feathered accent across the bodice.
Ella Balinska at the 2019 UK Premiere of Charlie's Angels
For the London premiere of Charlie's Angels, Ella Balinska wore a black custom Prada gown that featured a sexy thigh-high slit. She accessorised her look with Christian Louboutin heels and an incredible Cartier necklace, which she wore backward.
Hailey Baldwin at the 2019 Met Gala
For the 2019 Met Gala, Hailey Baldwin chose a pink Alexander Wang gown [12] that looked modest . . . until she turned around. The whole back of the dress was cut out, revealing Hailey's tiny tattoos and a diamond "Wang" piece that held strings together and looked like a G-string.
Ashley Graham at the 2019 Harper's Bazaar Icons Party
Ashley Graham could not have looked any sexier at the Harper's Bazaar Icons party. For the occasion, the model wore a custom black sleeveless dress from 16Arlington [13], which featured a daring slit, a sheer skirt, and black feathered trim.
Selena Gomez at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival
This year, Selena Gomez [14] made her first-ever appearance at the Cannes Film Festival. When she stepped out on the red carpet for the event's opening ceremony and screening of The Dead Don't Die, she was dressed to the nines in a sultry yet edgy Louis Vuitton ensemble [15].
Zendaya at the 2019 Emmy Awards
This year, Zendaya [16] totally owned the Emmy Awards red carpet. For the occasion, she wore a custom Vera Wang gown [17], which featured a sheer corset-like top and thigh slit. She completed the look with matching emerald pumps and a glitzy cuff and earrings by Cartier.
Sophie Turner at the 2019 Chasing Happiness Premiere
For the premiere of Chasing Happiness, Sophie Turner wore a Paco Rabanne chain-mail midi dress [18], which was pieced together by small metal circles that provided just enough coverage.
Camila Cabello at the 2019 MTV VMAs
Back in August, Camila Cabello made a serious style statement in a silky white gown by Balmain [19], which featured sexy cutouts, a really high slit, and a plunging neckline.
Gigi Hadid at the 2019 CMA Awards
At the 2019 CMA Awards, Gigi Hadid shimmered on the red carpet in a delicate pleated column dress by Helmut Lang [20]. While the look was demure and angelic, it still managed to be sexy thanks to its sheer finish and figure-hugging shape.
Angelina Jolie at the 2019 European Premiere of Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
For the European premiere of Maleficent: Mistress of Evil in Rome, Angelina pulled out all the stops in an Atelier Versace look [21] that was embellished throughout and featured an exaggerated sweetheart neckline.
Bella Hadid at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival
At the Rocketman premiere back in May, Bella Hadid stunned in an ethereal Dior Haute Couture gown [22], which she paired with embellished Christian Louboutin heels and diamonds by Bulgari.
Rihanna at the 2019 Queen & Slim Premiere
For the Queen & Slim premiere in November, Rihanna [23] slipped into a silk John Galliano robe [24], which she paired with a David Webb necklace and bracelets and Jimmy Choo's delicate Tatiana clutch.
Margot Robbie at the 2019 UK Premiere of Once Upon a Time . . . in Hollywood
Margot Robbie brought the heat to the UK premiere of Once Upon a Time . . . in Hollywood in a fiery Oscar de la Renta gown [25], which featured a plunging neckline and gaping cutouts along the upper sides, with a wraparound scarf detailing.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley at the 2019 Revolve Awards
When she attended the third annual Revolve Awards, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley stunned in a low-cut, wrap-style dress that she paired with black pointed heels and a clutch.
Normani at the 2019 Harper's Bazaar Icons Party
For the Harper's Bazaar party, Normani wore a gown by Rami Kadi, Gianvito Rossi heels, and jewels from CZ by Kenneth Jay Lane.
Halsey at the 2019 CMA Awards
For her debut at the CMA Awards, Halsey stunned in a princess-style gown [26] that featured an allover floral print, a plunging neckline, a soft off-the-shoulder silhouette, and black lace sleeves that gave the style a sexy finish.
Bebe Rexha at the 2019 Spotify Best New Artist Party
Back in February, Bebe Rexha wore a purple minidress, which featured a plunging neckline and puff sleeves. She finished her look with shiny black midcalf boots and pendant earrings.
Carrie Underwood at the 2019 ACM Awards
When Carrie Underwood [27] walked the 2019 ACM Awards red carpet, she stunned in a sparkly Nicolas Jebran gown [28] that was covered with intricate beading and came with not one but two daring thigh-high slits.
Jennifer Lawrence at the 2019 X-Men: Dark Phoenix Premiere
For her first red carpet appearance in over a year, Jennifer Lawrence [29] wore a plunging silk gown from the Dior Cruise 2020 collection [30], which was cinched at the waist with a black leather belt.
Naomi Campbell at a 2019 London Fashion Week Event
Naomi Campbell [31] blew us away when she stepped out in a stunning Thierry Mugler naked dress [32] at a London Fashion Week event back in September.
Jorja Smith at the 2019 Harper's Bazaar Women of the Year Awards
Jorja Smith gave Princess Belle a run for her money when she attended the Harper's Bazaar Women of the Year Awards in a golden Zuhair Murad gown [33] that featured a bustle in the back, a sexy hip-high slit, and a plunging neckline.
Kendall Jenner at the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscars Afterparty
Kendall Jenner took sexy to a whole new level at the Vanity Fair Oscars party. For the occasion, she wore a black and silver dress by Rami Kadi [34], which was backless, slashed to the navel, and cut so high on the sides that it resembled two sashes rather than a skirt.
Joan Smalls at the 2019 MTV Europe Music Awards
For the 2019 MTV Europe Music Awards, Joan Smalls wore a black strappy bra top with a pink slip skirt from Brandon Maxwell [35]. She finished her look with stilettos by Jessica Rich.
Emilia Clarke at the 2019 Emmy Awards
Emilia Clarke made our jaws drop when she stepped out wearing this plunging-neck Valentino dress, which she accessorised with David Webb jewels.
Naomi Scott at the 2019 UK Premiere of Charlie's Angels
The Richard Quinn dress and bodysuit combination [36] Naomi Scott wore to the UK premiere of Charlie's Angels was equal parts sexy and conservative.
