How to Get the Best Emmy Looks on a Budget

These celebrities dressed to kill at the 2021 Emmy Awards, and you can too without breaking the bank.

Let’s be honest. The best part of Emmy night is becoming a fashion critic from the comfort of your couch. The 2021 Emmy looks ranged from elegant to over the top, and we loved every minute of it.

From the best outfits of the night, we also got some stellar ideas to spice up the contents of our own closets. These best-dressed celebrities stole the show, and now you can do the same. And all for way, way less money.

Kaley Cuoco Single-Handedly Bringing Back Neon

Kaley Cuoco lights up the red carpet. Danny Moloshok / Danny Moloshok/Invision/AP

Kaley Cuoco is best known for playing Penny from “The Big Bang Theory,” and her neon dress was hard to miss. The split skirt showed off her long legs, and the ruffles put a new spin on spaghetti straps.

Neon colors aren’t the easiest to wear, but she pulled it off without a hitch.

Get the look:

A neon yellow dress with fun, flutter sleeves: Romewe Women’s Ruffle Trim Swing Dress, $19.99-$35.99

Comfortable heels to match: Bella Marie Women’s Strappy Open Toe Block Heel Sandal, $15.99-$36.99

A Purple Star

Nicole Byer nailed it. Chris Pizzello / Invision/AP Photo

What can we say? Not many people can wear this much purple tulle and make it look good, but Nicole Byer was an absolute queen.

Since a purple tulle gown would be a bit much for us ordinary folks, we picked out some gorgeous tulle skirts that are perfect for fall and winter evenings out.

Get the look:

A dramatic purple tulle skirt: EllieHouse Split Tulle Maxi Skirt, $24-$39

A more wearable, tea-length version: Dresstells Knee Length Tulle Skirt, $25.99

Elizabeth Olsen’s Dress Designed by Her Sisters

Style runs in Elizabeth Olsen’s family. Danny Moloshok / Invision/AP Photo

Elisabeth Olsen could have picked any dress, but she chose one designed by her sisters, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. The long, loose sleeves and billowing silhouette offset a plunging neckline.

All in all, the effect of Olsen’s Emmy look was classic, yet modern.

Get the look:

An ivory dress with a deep V-neck: My Whole Heart Cream Long Sleeve Wrap Maxi Dress, $74

Silver tassel earrings: Selovo Dangling Chain Earrings, $11.39

America Ferrera’s Sleek Plum Gown

America Ferrera is living the American dream. Danny Moloshok / Invision/AP Photo

Dark purple is definitely America Ferrera’s color. Her Emmy look proved that you don’t have to dress up in some ornate, puff-sleeved monstrosity to turn heads.

The cut and color are super flattering, and it was one of the most wearable styles of the night.

Get the look:

A dark purple maxi dress: Vera Wang Asymmetric Ruffle Spaghetti Strap Bridesmaid Dress, $35.99

Silver earrings: Bassion Boho Dangle Earrings, $11.99

Anya Taylor-Joy’s Silky Halter Dress Arguably Won the Night

Anya Taylor-Joy looking chic. John Salangsang / Invision/AP Photo

Anya Taylor-Joy arguably stole the night in her pale yellow satin dress. It was completely backless, and the bright gold cape she wore took the look to a whole different level of elegance.

Finding such a pale shade of yellow is tough, but we did manage to find a gorgeous golden dress with a similar silhouette.

Get the look:

A gold satin maxi dress: Total Beauty Golden Yellow Satin Backless Maxi Dress, $92

Sparkly studs: 14K White Gold Plated Sterling Silver Post Halo Cluster Cubic Zirconia Stud Earrings, $12.95

The perfect shade of long-lasting lipstick: Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick, Spiced Edition, Exhilarator, $7.98

Allison Janney’s White, Layered Look

Allison Janney wore it well. Danny Moloshok / Invision/AP

White dresses can look a bit too bridal, but not this one. Allison Janney’s geometric, off-the shoulder white gown had the perfect combination of structure and flow.

We’re normally not into fringe, but Janney’s case it was very tastefully done.

Get the look:

A white, one-shoulder maxi dress with a flattering silhouette: Make an Entrance White One-Shoulder Mermaid Maxi Dress, $78

A white shawl: Women’s Silky Scarf Pashmina Shawl, $13.99

A white suede clutch: Milisente Evening Bag, $24.99

Glittering statement earrings: Sweetv Teardrop Wedding Earrings, $18.99

Tracee Ellis Ross’ Drapey Dress Matched the Red Carpet

Isn’t Tracee Ellis Ross lovely? Chris Pizzello / Invision/AP Photo

Tracee Ellis Ross did, admittedly, blend in with the carpet behind her. While wearing a floor length red dress on the red carpet does have a few drawbacks, against any other backdrop it’s an amazing color.

It’s the color that leading ladies wear, and we found a similar, off-the-shoulder option for your big night.

Get the look:

A one-shoulder red maxi dress: Law of Attraction Red Satin One-Shoulder Asymmetrical Midi Dress, $68

A chunky silver bracelet: Lucky Brand Women’s Large Silver Cuff Bracelet, Silver, $31.20

Tran Jeong’s Flowing Silver Gown With a Glittering Neckline

Ken Jeong, left, and Tran Jeong dressed to impress. Chris Pizzello / Invision/AP Phot

Ken Jeong might have been the one nominated, but his wife, Tran, was the one who stole this Emmy look.

Her silver, silky gown came with romantic, long flutter sleeves, a fitted waist and tasteful rhinestones along the neckline.

Get the look:

A silver satin midi dress: Asos Design Sleeveless Satin Midi Dress, $50

Simple silver earrings: Sterling Silver Vertical Bar Dangle Earrings, $16.60

A silver handbag to match: LovyoCoCo Sparkling Party Handbag, $18.32

Marian Wang’s Short Sequin Number

Marian Wang is ready to have some fun. Danny Moloshok / Invision/AP Photo

How fun is this? Sequins can come off as cheap or trashy, but Marian Wang’s sequin mini dress is proof of how gorgeous they can be.

The colorful, leg-bearing number was short, but tasteful, and it would make for such a fun New Year’s Eve look.

Get the look:

A sparkly sequin wrap dress: Weekender Navy Blue Sequin Faux-Wrap Mini Dress, $84

A patent leather clutch: Glossy Envelope Evening Clutch, $15.90

Strappy black stilettos: Allegra K Women’s Suede Ankle Strap Stilettos, $35.99

Gillian Anderson Went the Two-Piece Route

Gillian Anderson was fashionable and comfortable. Joel C Ryan / Invision/AP Photo

Most Emmy looks are fashionable, but few are comfortable. Gillian Anderson’s Emmy dress managed to be both.

Her two-piece “dress” was modest, yet flattering, with eye-catching fringe that added some dimension and flair.

Get the look:

A cream maxi dress: I’m All Yours Cream Ruffled Maxi Dress, $78

Christine Lahti’s Coral Cocktail Dress With a Flattering Fit

Christine Lahti knows how to put a look together. Dan Steinberg / Invision/AP PHoto

Christine Lahti’s structured coral dress wasn’t the most jaw-dropping 2021 Emmy look, but there was a lot to love about it anyway. The sharp, asymmetric cut of the neckline highlighted her collarbone, and her gold bar necklace made it even better.

She carried a simple black clutch, and her pointed, black and coral heels tied it all together.

Get the look:

An asymmetrical coral dress: Amazon Brand – Lark & Ro Women’s Asymmetrical Flounce Neckline Sheath Dress, $28.76-$53.90

A black clutch: Lola Mae Simple Quilted Crossbody Bag, $17.96

A simple gold necklace: Pavoi 14K Gold Plated Swarovski Crystal Birthstone Bar Necklace, $12.95

Michaela Coel’s Dress Could Have Literally Stopped Traffic

Michaela Coel looked like an Emmy winner. Chris Pizzello / Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

Neon was definitely a thing at the 2021 Emmy’s, and we’re not mad about it. Michaela Coel’s dress was, admittedly, brighter than the safety vests cyclists wear, but she rocked it.

The unique cut of the dress really sold the piece, with dramatic, geometric layers and matching stilletos.

Get the look:

A neon yellow dress: Bright Neon Yellow Lace One-Shoulder Bodycon Midi Dress, $89

Shoes to match: Elisabet Tang High Heels, Neon Yellow, $42.99

Catherine Zeta-Jones’s Elegant Burgundy Gown Came With a Glamorous Train

Ladies and gentlemen, Catherine Zeta-Jones. Chris Pizzello / Invision/AP Photo

What can we say about this one? Catherine Zeta-Jones has always been gorgeous, and her rich, burgundy gown showed off her natural beauty.

Her black heels actually matched her long, thick hair, while her deep red lipstick matched her dress.

Her sparkling choker was just the icing on the cake.

Get the look:

The dress: Kaia Strapless High Slit Formal Dress, $54.90

Classic black pumps: Elisabet Tang High Heels, $39.99

Madeline Brewer Rocked a Shimmering Brown Body Con Dress

Madeline Brewer is rocking. Chris Pizzello / Invision/AP Photo

Not too many celebs can pull off such a form-fitting dress, but Madeline Brewer’s curve-hugging number was incredible. It was a shimmering chocolate brown, matching her smokey brown eyeshadow and smudged roots.

The blue heels were a surprising choice, but it makes the outfit stand out.

Get the look:

A form-fitting copper dress: Silk Satin Slip Midi Dress, $98

Eye-catching blue heels: Lace Up High Heeled Sandals Chunky Block Ankle Tie Strap Heels, $38

A tiered gold necklace: Benevolence LA Opal Layered Gold Necklace, $23.95

Carl Clemons-Hopkins Used His 2021 Emmy Look to Make a Statement

Carl Clemons-Hopkins got the people talking. Chris Pizzello / Invision/AP Photo

Carl Clemons-Hopkins used their Emmy look to make a statement.

Their outfit was inspired by the non-binary flag, commemorating a major milestone in Emmy history: Clemons-Hopkins became the first openly non-binary performer to be nominated for the award.

Whether you love the look or not, the meaning behind it makes it an outfit worth remembering.

Get the look:

A geometric button-down: Oksana White Off Shoulder Blouse, $55.30

High-waisted palazzo pants: High Waisted Seamed Front Wide Leg Pant, $64.99

A non-binary inspired scarf: Under Zero Women’s Long Purple Plaid Shawl, $7.24

Jaime Lee’s Steel-Toned Sequin Dress

Jaime Lee passed the fashion test. Danny Moloshok / Invision/AP Photo

Again, wearing sequins isn’t the easiest to pull off, but Jaime Lee passed the sequin test with flying colors.

The unique structure of the dress is what really made it work, and the steely, slate blue shade looked incredible on her.

Get the look:

A charcoal sequin number: Glam Party Charcoal Grey Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress, $48

A cute clutch: Dasein Women Faux Suede Evening Clutch, Rose, $21.99

Silver bangle bracelets: Nine West “Classics” Trio Stretch Bracelet, $20.99

Billy Porter’s All Black Ensemble Paired With a Million Dollars Worth of Jewelry

Billy Porter’s necklace alone was worth $1 million. Danny Moloshok / Invision/AP Photo

Sure, most of the eye-catching Emmy looks are gowns, but Billy Porter’s all-black look was too good not to acknowledge.

The sleek, modern look would be stunning and tasteful on men and women alike, but his necklace was the real stunner. The bold, sparkling statement piece was reportedly worth one million dollars.

Don’t worry, though. You can get a gorgeous necklace on Amazon for less than 20 bucks.

Get the look:

A copycat version: Norma Kamali Long Sleeve Turtleneck Jumpsuit, $175

A more affordable sleeveless option: INC Walkthrough Jumpsuit, $99

The shoes: Vince Camuto Faiva Pump, $69.99

A bold statement necklace: Fsmiling Fashion Statement Collar Necklace, $17.99