Claire Danes Turns 45: Her Best Red Carpet Looks From the 1990s to Today

Claire Danes became a household name after starring in ABC’s short-lived teen drama, “My So-Called Life.” Thirty years on, the award-winning actress has continuously made headlines for her style — most notably when she appeared at the 2016 Met Gala wearing a glow-in-the-dark gown.

In honor of Danes’ 45th birthday, WWD looks back at her best red carpet fashions through the years.

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1995 — Golden Globes

Claire Danes during 1995 Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc)
Claire Danes at the 1995 Golden Globes.

To accept her first Golden Globe for “My So-Called Life,” Danes channeled ’90s minimalism in a black gown with a velvet bodice and beaded straps.

1997 — Academy Awards

Claire Danes at the 1997 Academy Awards.
Claire Danes at the 1997 Academy Awards.

Danes eschewed the traditional gown and instead opted for a two-piece Narciso Rodriguez for Cerruti ensemble. Consisting of a scoop neck T-shirt and a patchwork maxiskirt, Danes accessorized with an ivory satin purse, heels and floral jewels.

2010 — Emmy Awards

LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 29: Claire Danes attends the 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on August 29, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic)
Claire Danes attends the 2010 Emmy Awards.

At the 2010 Emmys, Danes sparkled in a strapless Armani Privé gown from the label’s fall 2010 couture line, which was covered in iridescent sequins and Swarovski crystals. That evening, Danes won her first Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie for her performance in “Temple Grandin.”

2012 — Emmy Awards

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 23:  Actress Claire Danes arrives at the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on September 23, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)
Claire Danes at the 2012 Emmy Awards.

Danes brought a burst of sunshine to the red carpet at the 2012 Emmys. The actress opted for a strapless silk crepe gown by Lanvin, which highlighted her growing baby bump. Metallic Barbara Bui sandals and Lorraine Schwartz jewels completed her look. At the ceremony, Danes received her second Emmy, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role in “Homeland.”

2013 — Met Gala

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 06: Claire Danes attends the Costume Institute Gala for the "PUNK: Chaos to Couture" exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Rabbani and Solimene Photography/WireImage)
Claire Danes at the 2013 Met Gala.

At the punk-themed Met Gala in 2013, Danes wore a black tulle Oscar de la Renta gown dripping with metallic embellishments. She added on heels and a box clutch by the designer, completing her look with diamond jewelry.

2016 — Met Gala

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 02:  Claire Danes arrives for the "Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology" Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City.  (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)
Claire Danes at the 2016 Met Gala.

Danes made a dazzling entrance at the 2016 Met Gala in a structured Zac Posen ballgown crafted from fiber optic organza. The actress’ custom couture glowed in the dark.

2022 — “Fleishman Is in Trouble” Premiere

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 07: Claire Danes attends FX's "Fleishman Is In Trouble" New York premiere at Carnegie Hall on November 07, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/WireImage)
Claire Danes attends the premiere of “Fleishman Is In Trouble” in 2022.

Danes sported a dove gray Zac Posen halter gown with a flowing train to attend the premiere of FX’s “Fleishman Is in Trouble.” The actress accessorized with silver Elsa Peretti cuffs from Tiffany & Co.

2022 — Met Gala

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 02: Claire Danes attends The 2022 Met Gala Celebrating "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 02, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images)
Claire Danes attends the 2022 Met Gala.

At the 2022 Met Gala, Danes donned a pale yellow Lanvin gown featuring lace details and a floor-length train. The actress added on a black netted veil headpiece and Gismondi diamond jewels.

2023 — Golden Globes

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 10: Claire Danes attends the 80th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 10, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Claire Danes attends the 2023 Golden Globes.

Danes showed off her baby bump at the 2023 Golden Globes in a white Giambattista Valli gown from the label’s fall 2022 couture collection, which featured floral appliqués, rhinestones and a skirt lined with feathers. Cartier jewels and Jimmy Choo platforms completed her look.

2024 — Emmy Awards

Claire Danes at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Peacock Theater on January 15, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images)
Claire Danes at the 2024 Emmy Awards.

Danes looked pretty in pink at the 2024 Emmys, wearing a vintage Balmain gown featuring jeweled straps.

Claire Danes’ Best Red Carpet Style Moments [PHOTOS]

Claire Danes during 1995 Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc)
Claire Danes during 1995 Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc)
HOLLYWOOD - OCTOBER 27:   Actress Claire Danes attends the "Romeo + Juliet" Hollywood Premiere on October 27, 1996 at Mann's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
HOLLYWOOD - OCTOBER 27: Actress Claire Danes attends the "Romeo + Juliet" Hollywood Premiere on October 27, 1996 at Mann's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Claire Danes (Photo by Ke.Mazur/WireImage)
Claire Danes (Photo by Ke.Mazur/WireImage)

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Launch Gallery: Claire Danes' Best Red Carpet Style Moments [PHOTOS]

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