The Top 5 Best Costumes To Ever Hit The Dancing With The Stars Stage

When most people think of "Dancing with the Stars," glitter immediately comes to mind. But after a closer look at the show's huge catalog of costumes over its two-decade run, it's clear the best outfits are much more than rhinestone embellishments and tassels. They're pieces that stand out, whether it's because they carry meaning for the wearer, or because their intricate designs are unforgettably glamorous.

According to the show's costume designer Daniela Gschwendtner, the design process for creating these striking outfits can be meticulous. "Sometimes the ones that look really intricate and difficult come together much faster," Gschwendtner told TV Insider in 2025. Celebrities are also involved in the costume process. "We may hold drawings up to the screen or text them. If something's not right, we can pivot right then and there," she explained, adding that rhinestones are added to the outfits the day before performances. The show's costumes have also showcased a remarkable range of styles over the years, so there's been lots of competition for the 'fits that aimed to leave an impression. In 2008, reality star Kim Kardashian graced the "Dancing with the Stars" stage wearing a vibrant orange minidress with a ruffled tutu and daring cutouts. Then in 2016, athlete Paige VanZant wore a sparkling '60s-inspired ensemble that included a geometric-print dress and crystal-encrusted socks. 

But in our opinion, the cream of the crop took it that extra step by displaying creativity in their looks, both in the design but also in the symbolism, while others drew inspo from fashion trends from previous decades. Some of the most heartwarming looks, like Maura Huggins' 2026 nod to Ireland, have also stood out for the personal stories they tell.

In 2026, reality star Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas performed a heartfelt Irish-themed paso doble during Season 35 of "Dancing with the Stars." Higgins wore a green ensemble consisting of an embellished leotard featuring a deep-V neckline and leaf adornments. Her flowing train in the Irish tricolor tones of orange, white, and green was a dramatic nod to Higgins' Irish roots. Ahead of the episode, Higgins wrote a touching ode to her country on Instagram. "Tonight, I'm dancing for home," she wrote. Even in dancewear, the "Traitors" star's fashion icon status just can't be denied.

In 2017, professional dancer Mark Ballas coupled up with violinist Lindsey Stirling for Season 25 of "Dancing with the Stars." For their quickstep performance, Stirling donned a vibrant orange butterfly-inspired gown that has long been considered one of the show's best looks. The dress featured a rhinestone-covered bodice that extended into a high neckline with butterfly adornments. "I feel like this is one of the best costumes we've done," costume designer Steven Norman Lee told TV Insider. Lee went on to explain that the imaginative looks made a profound impact by challenging traditional quickstep costumes.

In 2023, actor Xochitl Gomez and professional dancer Valentin Chmerkovskiy took home the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy at the end of Season 32. For her lively paso doble, Gomez wore a colorful ensemble inspired by traditional mariachi fashion, paying homage to her Mexican heritage. She donned a sheer blue blouse with balloon sleeves and a deep-V neck. Gomez also wore a yellow skirt featuring striped edging and a thick floral waistband. A vibrant floral headband completed her look. Gomez's mariachi-inspired costume certainly made its mark, and the "Dancing with the Stars" winner's bright look stood out alongside her iconic red-carpet outfits.

In the season finale of Season 34 in 2025, social media influencer Alix Earle and "Dancing with the Stars" professional Val Chmerkovskiy performed a vibrant samba routine. Earle certainly deserved to make the final, but her '60s-inspired fringe pants featuring a neon ombré color palette deserved the trophy. She also donned a crystal-encrusted bralette with sheer sleeves featuring ribbon and rhinestone adornments. "Will be taking these pants to the club," Earle wrote under an Instagram post that showcased her playful outfit. Her fans readily agreed. "The pants are everything," one person wrote.

For her cha-cha with "The Bachelor" star Joey Graziadei in Season 33 of "Dancing with the Stars," professional dancer Jenna Johnson wore a shimmering turtleneck two-piece that dazzled under the spotlight. Ideal for the swiveling movements within a cha-cha, Johnson's pink ensemble featured intricately placed tassels, each one adorned with rhinestones. According to Daniela Gschwendtner, the fabric was among the most expensive ever purchased for the show. Not only are fringe dresses a super-extra fashion trend, but the costume designer went on to note that the embellished fringe detail also helped blend glamour and Western aesthetics.