Let’s face it, the Golden Globes are just as much about fabulous fashion as they are standout film and television. And with the entire world scrutinizing everything from their gowns to their manicured hands, there’s a lot of pressure riding on Hollywood’s leading ladies to hit the red carpet in flawless head-to-toe looks.
But throughout the show’s legendary red carpet history, there have been certain gutsy gals who have dressed more for themselves than the critics. Take Cate Blanchett, who skipped a standard dress in favor of a pinstripe pantsuit in 2002 or Lara Flynn Boyle, who lived out many a little girl’s dream, by wearing ballerina garb outside the dance studio. And then there’s Renée Zellweger, who turned up at the 2009 show in a more traditional gown, but nevertheless set tongues wagging with her gothic Carolina Herrera number and bold curly updo.
Whether or not you like these ladies’ unique looks, one thing’s for sure: They definitely don’t lack guts when it comes to making a style statement!
10. Sarah Michelle Gellar
Tie-dye is usually reserved for t-shirts, but that didn’t stop the blond beauty from turning up at the 2012 Golden globes in a voluminous Monique Lhuillier dress in the psychedelic print.
9. Amanda Peet
At the 2012 Golden Globes, the stunning star opted for an unabashedly frilly look in a tiered Marc Jacobs one-shoulder gown that added a level of volume most women avoid.
8. Nicole Kidman
Despite being well into the new millennium, the leggy lady donned a sequined 1920s-inspired dress for the 2004 Golden Globes. A colorful headscarf and short curls completed her look from another era.
7. Renee Zellweger
With its nude illusion bodice, mermaid tail and cut-out shoulders, there was a lot going on with the actress’ 2009 Golden Globes Carolina Herrera dress, but
that didn’t stop her from confidently strutting down the red carpet in her curly updo.
6. Cate Blanchett
The star went for a bold look at the 2002 Golden Globes, skipping a dress in favor of a pinstripe pantsuit that was made even bolder with its ballooning sleeves.
5. Bjork
At the 2001 Golden Globes, the singer nestled her sparkly owl purse under a boxy pullover. The abstract sequined print on her dress and red shoes topped with pink bows added additional quirky touches.
4. Vanessa Williams
Between her fur coat and voluminous hair, the singer-turned-actress added a lot of visual interest to her Carmen Marc Valvo dress at the 2007 Golden Globes.
3. Sharon Stone
The star’s gothic Versace dress and her pointy-toed lace-up boots caused a lot of jaws to drop at the 2003 Golden Globes.
2. Helena Bonham Carter
Never one to let the critics influence her red carpet wardrobe, the star boldly stepped out in a colorful pair of mismatched shoes at the 2011 Golden Globes. Her floral Vivienne Westwood gown with tulle detailing was just as attention-grabbing as her quirky footwear.
1. Lara Flynn Boyle
The actress made a gutsy move by donning a ballerina-style dress complete with a flouncy tutu at the 2003 award show. Her lace-up heels completed the one-of-a-kind red carpet look.