The Best-Dressed Stars Over 40 In Academy Of Country Music Awards History

The Academy of Country Music Awards is one of the biggest nights of the year for country stars. Every year, singers, songwriters, and performers of all ages put on their best ensembles to shine during the ceremony. However, many of them don't necessarily succeed in creating a great look; the biggest fashion flops in Academy Of Country Music Awards history tend to involve outfits that are either lackluster or over-the-top campy. That being said, the ACM Awards red carpet has also seen some amazing looks over the years — and many of those outfits came from women over 40.

Mature women are often some of the best-dressed at major events in the entertainment industry; in 2026, many of the most stunning looks at the Cannes Film Festival came from older women. Whether it's due to their elevated taste level, honed sense of style, or knowledge of what looks good on them, women over 40 have dominated the red carpet with fabulous, age-defying outfits. From eye-catching sparkle and glitz to chic and simplistic gowns, the best-dressed stars at the ACM Awards have made their mark on the event's fashion history. 

LeAnn Rimes often is one of the best-dressed attendees of the Academy of Country Music Awards, but her gown from the 2025 ceremony takes the cake as the singer's top look. Rimes wore a flesh-toned dress made of sheer tulle, with a nude corset and short skirt underneath. The off-the-shoulder gown featured gorgeous draping across Rimes' chest and waist. Rimes paired the elegant dress with simple flesh-toned pumps, understated diamond jewelry, and softly-curled hair. 

Overall, Reba McEntire's awards show outfits are a mixed bag, but the iconic country singer has certainly worn some stunning gowns over the years. Interestingly, most of Reba McEntire's best and worst red carpet looks come from the Academy of Country Music Awards. McEntire, who was 45 years old at the time, attended the 2000 ACM Awards in a simple periwinkle lace gown. The dreamy color paired beautifully with McEntire's signature red hair, and the cut of the dress would be just as stylish on the red carpet today as it was in 2000.

Unlike the worst-dressed stars at the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards, Kimberly Perry kept her look simple — to great effect. The 42-year-old singer wore a black satin gown with a subtly sculpted bodice, voluminous draping at the hips, and a floor-length skirt. Perry, who won two ACM Awards with her former group "The Band Perry," paired the gown with a simple drop necklace; she styled her signature blonde hair simply for the evening, allowing her beautiful gown to take center stage.

Singer and "Knots Landing" star Lisa Hartman Black made a statement on the 2000 ACM Awards red carpet in a lacy two-piece set. Hartman, then 44 years old, opted for a slinky pale blue top and maxi skirt for the evening; both pieces were lined with a flesh-toned nude illusion mesh, which made the outfit extra sultry. That year, Hartman and her husband, Clint Black, took home the ACM Award for Vocal Event of the Year for their hit song "When I Said I Do."

As the host of the 2022 Academy of Country Music Awards, Dolly Parton rocked several stunning outfits over the course of the evening. In addition to the mirrored jumpsuit and glittering flesh-toned dress she wore while hosting the ceremony, Parton started the evening with even more glitz and glamor. The "Jolene" singer wore a metallic silver and bronze gown, which was decorated with black fringe on the sleeves and the skirt.

Another of the best looks from the 2026 ACM Awards (and one of the greatest of all time) came from Kimberly Schlapman. The 56-year-old country singer-songwriter went high fashion for the red carpet, donning a black gown from the Ese Azenabor Fall 2026 collection. Schlapman's stunning dress featured an asymmetrical bodice and partially-sheer skirt covered in flower-shaped appliqués. Schlapman wore her gorgeous curly hair in an updo, with her long bangs pulled down to frame her face.

Reba McEntire made a power move on the 2025 ACM Awards' red carpet with an all-black pantsuit. The "I'm a Survivor" singer wore an oversized blazer and blouse embroidered with sparkling beads, as well as skin-tight black trousers. The most eye-catching piece of the look is McEntire's over-the-knee glittery boots, which provide a bit of extra flash to the entire ensemble. While Reba McEntire's bland makeup brings down her look overall, the suit is certainly one of her best outfits.