The 2025 Emmys rolled out the red carpet at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 14, and stars arrived ready to dazzle. While many celebrities stuck to the tried-and-true formula of glittering gowns and sleek tuxedos, others took bold risks that sparked plenty of chatter online. From Old Hollywood glam to outfits that drew comparisons to Christmas ornaments and chandeliers, the 77th annual Emmy Awards red carpet gave fans a lot to talk about.

Sydney Sweeney leaned into classic Hollywood beauty, opting for a look that felt timeless and polished. On the other hand, Jenna Ortega stole much of the spotlight—not only for her daring outfit but also for the mixed reactions it triggered across social media. Her red-carpet appearance quickly became one of the night’s most talked-about fashion moments.

Jenna Ortega’s Bold Fashion Choice

Jenna Ortega, best known for her role in Wednesday, showed up in an outfit that pushed boundaries and got people buzzing. She wore a sleek black skirt with a thigh-high slit that added drama, but the centerpiece of her look was a jeweled Givenchy top designed by Sarah Burton. The top was made almost entirely of oversized jewels and little else, held together with delicate construction and what fashion journalist Zanna Roberts Rassi described as “very precariously taped tape.”

According to Rassi, the extravagant piece even arrived in a coffin-shaped box—fitting for Ortega, who’s closely tied to her gothic Wednesday persona. Interestingly, Anne Hathaway had worn the very same jewel-encrusted top earlier this year for a Vogue magazine spread, but Ortega’s interpretation on the Emmy red carpet drew much sharper criticism.

The Internet Reacts

Fans online didn’t hold back their opinions. Some loved the risk Ortega took, while others were quick to roast the look. One person bluntly declared, “This is awful,” while another joked, “She looks like a chandelier or a table lamp.” Others compared the sparkling top to holiday decorations. “Hobby Lobby has Christmas ornaments that look like this right now!” one commenter quipped.

Another person teased, “Did she run out of time and have to choose between putting on eyebrows or throwing on a chandelier to come out on stage?” Meanwhile, others couldn’t resist poking fun at her makeup, with one user writing, “I feel like drawing on her eyebrows lol.”

The comparisons didn’t stop there. “She’s wearing my grandma’s chandelier,” one person joked, reinforcing the viral theme that her top looked less like couture and more like something hanging in a living room. Beyond Ortega’s outfit specifically, one fan even noted a broader vibe on the carpet, asking, “Is it me or does everyone look really anxious & awkward walking the red carpet this year?”

Why It Worked—and Why It Didn’t

Jenna Ortega’s choice captured exactly what makes red carpet fashion so fascinating. On one hand, it was daring, different, and memorable—qualities that designers and stylists often strive for. In a sea of glittering gowns, her outfit stood out immediately. On the other hand, the execution left many viewers scratching their heads. While couture pieces are meant to push the envelope, audiences often judge red-carpet looks based on relatability, elegance, or sheer aesthetic appeal. Ortega’s Givenchy top, with its coffin-box delivery and chandelier comparisons, leaned so far into avant-garde territory that it alienated some fans.

Still, that kind of polarizing fashion isn’t necessarily a bad thing. For an actress like Ortega, who is building her reputation as both a style icon and a rising star in Hollywood, sparking conversation is half the goal. Whether people loved it or hated it, they were talking about her.

The Emmys Red Carpet Takeaway

The 2025 Emmys red carpet once again proved that award shows are about more than trophies—they’re cultural moments where fashion becomes just as important as the winners announced on stage. Sydney Sweeney embodied timeless glamour, while Jenna Ortega reminded everyone that taking risks comes with both applause and critique.

Love it or hate it, Ortega’s look won’t soon be forgotten. The comparisons may have been brutal, but her daring choice ensured she stood out from the crowd. At the end of the day, isn’t that exactly what red-carpet fashion is supposed to do?