Quinta Brunson Is Already My Awards Season Red Carpet Winner

At the Independent Spirit Awards—where she, of course, won—Brunson wore this multi-textured, very fun dress that would risk looking Big Bird adjacent if it wasn’t also subtly quite sexy.

I couldn’t find a full shot of this outfit on our photo services, though it appears it was knee-length). She and Javar have hit such a sweet spot for sculptural dresses that are actually wearable, and she noted in her caption that this one made her feel “like a music note,” which is adorably appropriate for this hosting gig. (Also, my god can this woman pose.)

Sparkly leopard print, cleavage, a high pony?? Absolutely no notes.

The pattern of this dress is that of a sophisticated disco ball, and it looks amazing.

I think this may be one of my favorite red carpet looks ever, and it’s a cheeky little nod for a writer to wear a dress that is also a reference—because this has to be inspired by Venus on the Half-Shell, right? Beyond the architectural bodice, I looove the beaded fringe of the skirt; I bet this looked so cool in motion.

Dramatic, fun, super flattering. A dress that makes the wearer look like a star and a winner, and she’s obviously both.

This fit feels a little more understated, which tracks given that the WGA Awards are slightly less high profile. (I say that as a proud WGA member!) But I love the color-coordination between her makeup and dress—and, apparently, with the step-and-repeat backdrop.

My New Year’s Eve styling default is: what I’d usually wear (mostly, if not all, black) but with as many added sparkles as possible. Brunson and Javar (who’s tagged here, so I presume he’s responsible for this A+ getup) put together the coolest possible version of that.

The chicly over-the-top ruffles here are reminiscent of her Globes dress, and I think I prefer this one. The juxtaposition of the ruffles with the sparkly body-con dress is a dream, and the discreet sheerness makes the whole thing subtly sexy.

The color! The pattern! The ability to wear a jacket off the shoulder and look unbothered rather than frazzled!

The color of this gown is absolutely divine, and being able to see the texture of the silk feels so lux. This looks like the evening dress version of a garden party dress, which is exactly what you should wear to an art museum gala, I think.

I’m not sure I’ve ever seen an unstated theme executed so well.

I primarily included this to point out that Brunson can wear the hell out of Christopher John Rogers’ bright colors and dramatic silhouettes.

The dress alone risks looking a little too Jackie O, but the addition of scalloped over-elbow gloves? Adorable.

This look, in September, combines many of the Brunson/Javar favorites: strapless, dramatic leg slit, over-the-elbow gloves, contrasting textures. But repeatedly drawing on a handful of style choices that work for you is not lazy; it’s just good practice. When there’s a very strong chance you’re going to be accepting an award (which she did at the Emmys), you want to look amazing but also feel like yourself. She and Javar more than pulled that off here.

Another dress that combines a classic silhouette with an edgy detail (the bustier element) and some fun (the colorful layers).

One thing about me: I will be obsessed with something covered in feathers. So even this wasn’t technically awards season (the ESPYs are in July), I’m including this look, because it’s yet another example of her ability to dominate a red carpet. (She wore another feather dress in People a month later that is also just delightful.)