A Complete Rundown of Meryl Streep's Red Carpet Style

Updated on 1/7/2018 at 7:30 AM

We can sum up Meryl Streep's red carpet style in one word: elegant. She's been attending award shows since the '70s, which means she's been honing her signature look for quite some time. You won't ever see the actress in a flamboyant dress or barely-there midi; instead, she keeps her outfits modest and timeless.

Just what types of dresses does Meryl gravitate toward? In particular, she has a preference for draping and sleeves, going with designer Lanvin time and time again. In addition, Meryl has long belted her gowns to show off her waistline — a trick no doubt she learned from the pros over the years.

But just because she sticks to modest choices doesn't mean she won't take a fashion risk here and there. She's done the plunging-neckline look and worn off-the-shoulder pieces on several occasions. She even hired Lupita Nyong'o's stylist, Micaela Erlanger, to step up her outfit game for last award season.

Read on to see all her best red carpet moments, then stay tuned for what she'll wear on Sunday night at the Golden Globes.

Meryl wore a Valentino dress and Fred Leighton jewels to the 2017 SAG Awards.

Meryl wore a Givenchy suit with Jimmy Choo shoes to the 2017 EE British Academy Film Awards.

Meryl wore a custom-made Givenchy Haute Couture gown to the 2017 Golden Globe Awards.

Meryl wore an ivory silk draped Lanvin gown to the 2014 Oscars.

Meryl wore an Alberta Ferretti chiffon gray dress to the 2009 Oscars.

Meryl wore a cobalt blue Lavin gown to the opening night of the BFI London Film Festival in 2015.

Meryl wore a white gown by Chris March to the 2010 Oscars.

Meryl wore a custom Lanvin gown by Alber Elbaz to the 2013 Oscars.

Meryl belted her Balenciaga maxi dress for the 2010 Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Meryl wore a two-toned satin dress to the 2010 Critics' Choice Movie Awards.

Meryl wore Donna Karan Resort to the UK premiere of Mamma Mia in 2008.

Meryl wore a tri-colored wrap dress to the 2004 Emmy Awards.

Meryl wore a Vivienne Westwood Couture gown with Fred Leighton jewels to the 2012 Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Meryl wore a blush seersucker chiffon gown by Carolina Herrera to the 2007 Golden Globe Awards.

Meryl wore a custom draped gold lamé draped Lanvin gown to the 2012 Oscars.

Meryl wore a Stella McCartney dress to the 2014 Screen Actor Guild Awards.

Meryl wore a purple Rogelio Velasco gown to the 2006 Oscars.

Meryl wore a skirt and blazer set with a Lavin belt to the 2015 Oscars.

Meryl wore an embellished gold gown with sleeves to the 1983 Oscars.

Meryl wore a pearl choker, off-the-shoulder top, and skirt to the 1989 Oscars.

Meryl wore a crisp white suit and pants set for the premiere of Bridges of Madison County in 1995.

Meryl wore a shoulder-baring black gown to the 1996 Oscars.

Meryl wore a crystal embroidered silver gown to the 1999 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

Meryl wore a metallic gold suit with velvet gloves to the 1989 Golden Globe Awards.

Meryl covered up her black jumpsuit with a beaded jacket at the 2000 Golden Globe Awards.