Lupita Nyong’o’s Best Style Moments Prove She Is Red Carpet Royalty

In 2013, Lupita Nyong’o’s scene-stealing role in 12 Years a Slave catapulted her into the public eye. Immediately, the actress was a much sought after presence on the red carpets of premieres and major award shows, and it wasn’t long before she proved her style chops. Nyong’o has a great eye for color, something that is obvious with just one scroll through her best style moments. While she has worn black in the past, it’s much more common to see the actress in rich blues or soft purples. When she does keep her palette more simple, however, she makes up for it with embellishments, texture, and, of course, attitude. Usually, Nyong’o sticks with her go-tos of Versace, Gucci, and Prada when it comes to major events, as they seem to always provide those bright, show-stopping moments she’s drawn toward, but the actress is always up for throwing a new designer in the mix. Check out all of the actress’ best red carpet moments below, from the 12 Years a Slave premiere to The Odyssey press tour.

The star went for gold in a couture gown from Nicholas Oakwell’s spring 2026 collection. To finish the opulent ensemble? A pair of $110 Aldo pumps.

Nyong’o kicked off The Odyssey press tour in a sheer, crystal-embellished gown with gaping side cut-outs, courtesy of Christian Cowan.

Though Nyong’o rarely wears all black, this floral-adorned sheer Chanel design presented the perfect opportunity for risqué red-carpet layering.

In accordance with the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” theme, Nyong’o opted for sharp tailoring and a dapper top hat, made custom by Chanel. With its pastel blue hue, the look felt undeniably her.

The actor exuded regal glamour in a powder blue Giorgio Armani Privé gown, which was intricately lined in feathers.

Nyong’o was the the President of the International Jury at the 2024 festival, and she dressed the part in a custom, sequin-covered dress by Boss.

The actress looked ethereal in a tiered, lace Chanel spring 2022 haute couture dress, which she topped with a flower crown.

Like many of the LACMA Gala’s other attendees, Nyong’o wore Gucci for the celebration of art and film.

The breastplate, designed by Pakistani artist and designer, Misha Japanwala, which Nyong’o wore to the 2023 Tony Awards landed her a stop on our list of best red carpet moments of the year.

Nyong’o wore a custom look by Jonathan Cohen to the Mexico premiere of Wakanda forever, which featured a black leather dress, as well as a red silk opera coat which she wore on top for a portion of the night. The look was titled “Birth of a Rose” and was inspired by Nyong’o and Cohen’s shared Mexican heritage.

For the Africa premiere, Nyong’o opted for a gold Vivienne Westwood haute couture dress with a draped neckline and high slit.

Nyong’o had a lot of great looks throughout the Wakanda Forever press tour, but this strapless, high-neck Alexander McQueen spring 2019 gown might just top the list.

Nyong'o wore a white version of a Balmain spring 2023 dress to the premiere of Wakanda Forever, but it was her crown of shells and thread-braided hair that really brought the look to the next level.

The actress shined in a gold, sequin-covered Prada dress at the 2022 Oscars.

Nyong’o wore a custom Atelier Versace gown inspired by the brand’s couture jeans to the 2021 Met Gala.

Wearing a strapless, black and white floral custom Louis Vuitton gown, Nyong’o attended the SAG Awards in 2020.

Nyong’o went for a bold look in this Erki Orleans spring 2016 dress with clashing prints.

The actress was hard to miss in a star-embroidered Atelier Versace gown with tulle rainbow shoulders at the 2019 Met Gala.

The edgy elements of this Balmain fall 2019 PVC gown covered in spikes made it perfect for the premiere of Us.

Nyong’o really embraced the horror film vibes in a sequin-covered Attico fall 2018 wrap dress, which she paired with a dark lip.

The actress embraced the drama at the Vanity Fair Oscar party when she showed up in an Oscar de la Renta fall 2019 feather-covered dress with an asymmetric high-low hem.

The tailored top of this off-the-shoulder Vera Wang dress made for the perfect contrast against the sheer, embroidered skirt.

Nyong’o looked like royalty in this cobalt blue Calvin Klein by Appointment column dress which was literally dripping in jewels.

The actress wore a Christian Dior spring 2018 haute couture dress with a sheer caged turtleneck top and ruffled skirt to the Cannes Film Festival in 2018.

Nyong’o looked like an Oscar trophy when she wore this one-shoulder Atelier Versace gown with an embellished crossbody detail and slit up the leg to the 2018 award show.

The subtle beadwork on this low-cut Armani Privé gown with side cutouts is what makes it so special.

Elie Saab couture is to thank for this beautiful black gown with an intricately cut out top and exaggerated hips.

Nyong’o loves to add the drama with some dark makeup, which is exactly what she did with this embellished, long-sleeved Atelier Versace gown at the European premiere of her Marvel film.

The actress looked as regal as ever in this flowing purple Atelier Versace gown with a beautifully embroidered harness on top.