Glee Star Amber Riley Has Worn Some Daring Red Carpet Looks: Photos Of Her Boldest Outfits

Actor and musician Amber Riley rose to fame in 2009 thanks to her portrayal of Mercedes Jones in the musical comedy-drama series "Glee." The show wrapped up in 2015, and since then, she has also expanded her career into music, releasing her debut EP "Riley" in 2020. And while all of the leading ladies of "Glee" look fabulous today, there is no doubt that among them, Riley has the most daring style.

From glitter to fringe, the stars' red carpet looks are anything but boring. In fact, back in 2009, she already admitted she likes controlling her look and picking outfits for herself. "I don't like people picking out clothes for me," she told Twin Cities back then. In 2023, the star opened up on TikTok about her confidence and beauty, sharing things she's been told in the past: "Black is not beautiful, fat is not beautiful, my nose is too wide, my face is too round, my belly is too big. But here's what I'm going to say: I will always fight to be the best me that I possibly can be." And her authenticity and personality are often reflected in her red carpet fashion choices, which have only gotten more daring with time. Riley, who entered her 40s in 2026, has shown us that style can evolve, and if the dramatic fashion moments she has given us so far hint at anything, it's that Riley isn't afraid of pushing fashion's boundaries.

In March 2026, Amber Riley attended the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards in a daring see-through black maxi skirt. While many might make that the sole statement piece of their outfit, the actor didn't stop there. Riley paired the skirt with an eye-catching royal blue glitter top with an off-the-shoulders silhouette and puffy long sleeves. "Styled myself, did my hair and makeup," the actor revealed on Instagram.

The same day she stunned at the 2026 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards, Amber Riley also attended a Macro pre-Oscar party in Los Angeles, California. For the occasion, Riley donned a maxi skirt with a tight high slit and a chic blazer. Underneath, the actor wore a lace bra, which certainly spiced up the rather simple black combination. Paired with black tights and flat shoes, the look was modern and unexpected, and right up Riley's alley.

There is a perfect LBD type no matter what your style is, and it's safe to say that Amber Riley has found hers. The actor showed up to the Recording Academy Honors held in February 2023 in a little black dress that was everything but plain and simple. The latex mini number featured long sleeves with poofy shoulders, but Riley didn't stop there. She accessorized the look with matching chunky platform boots, a gold purse, and large gold hoop earrings.

Another great LBD that Amber Riley has stunned in is the voluminous halter mini dress she wore to Elton John's annual Academy Awards party in March 2026. While the dress itself was stunning on the star, it is the accessories that pulled the entire look together. The "Glee" actor wore it with layered necklaces, statement earrings, and fun sunglasses. To balance it out, Riley also wore black tights and simple black heels.

While Amber Riley loves an edgy black dress, the actor also pulls off colors. In March 2025, she attended the GLAAD Honors event in a colorful, silky wrap dress with yellow fringe along the sleeves and hemline. Thanks to the color and the fringe, the look had a subtle nostalgic '70s feel to it. Paired with copper-red curls, the look is another example of how much fun Riley loves having with her look.

Amber Riley loves bold fashion statements, and fashion with fringe is a look she often gravitates toward, most likely because of the dramatic movement and texture it adds to any fit. This black fringe mini dress paired with strappy silver glitter heels and statement earrings landed her among the worst-dressed stars at the CMT Awards held in April 2024. However, there is no denying it's still one of the boldest outfits she's rocked on red carpets.

Elton John's annual Academy Awards party is a great occasion for Amber Riley to showcase her willingness to have fun with her appearance. In March 2024, she showed up to the bash in a black dress covered with pearls and with a pearl fringe along the bottom. The piece itself was a daring choice, which is why Riley paired it with black tights and boots. The actor added more drama to the look by wearing large sculptural pearl earrings, so now it's one of her most iconic fits.

Amber Riley looks fabulous in silver, but the actor loves spicing it up. At Elton John's Academy Awards party in March 2023, the "Glee" star rocked a form-fitting dress covered in silver pieces that mimicked a disco ball. Strappy glitter heels and a beige silk coat finished the look, adding a variety of different textures. Riley's outfit was a statement, but so was her hair, which was gathered into a large bun on top of her head.

In March 2023, Amber Riley attended an Oscar party by Macro, where she combined a variety of different styles for an eclectic look. The actor wore a patterned silk dress that wrapped in the front and featured voluminous sleeves. For something unexpected, Riley added sneakers to the look, which, along with the sunglasses, helped create a more relaxed fashion moment. The "Glee" star styled her hair in Bantu knots, with a couple of loose pieces showing off her stunning hair texture.

We already established that silver is Amber Riley's best color, and the look she rocked at CMT Smashing Glass in November 2023 is a great example. In another wrap dress, this time with a matching bra, the actor once again showed off her fearlessness when it comes to metallic fashion. While many would have let the dress have its moment, Riley is not one to shy away from accessories. The actor added a choker necklace and hoop earrings to the outfit, adding even more sparkle to the look.