An Ode To Parker Posey’s Singular Red Carpet Style

Some people are not equipped to fully appreciate the power of Parker Posey’s red carpet work over the years, but that’s okay. Posey’s best work has never been for just anyone. Dubbed the “Queen of the Indies” in the ‘90s thanks to breakout roles in Dazed and Confused, The Doom Generation, and (of course) Party Girl, she later found herself as indelible member of Christopher Guest’s improv troupe in films like Best in Show and Waiting For Guffman. Along the way, she’s stolen scenes in everything from Superman Returns to The Staircase to Scream 3 and The White Lotus. No one else in the American entertainment landscape has had a career quite like her’s, and, naturally, no one approaches the red carpet quite like her.

It’s not about chasing trends, designer pulls, or landing on the tabloid’s best dresses list. On the red carpet, Posey is a force of self, accessorizing a leather jacket with a McDonald’s bag or mixing oversized sunglasses, a turban and her dog on a leash. Here, see Parker Posey’s best fashion moments over the years.

1995: Unzipped Premiere

Attending the premiere of Isaac Mizrahi’s Unzipped documentary in Westwood, Calfornia, Posey was the epitome of ‘90s cool girl.

1995: Charity Basketball Game

Maybe this was her version of cheerleader? Here she attends the Teamsters vs. Shotting Gallery charity basketball game in New York.

1996: Details Magazine Party

At a 1996 party for Details magazine, she brought the main course.

1996: Cold Comfort Farm Party

Who’s “That Girl?” It’s Parker Posey.

1996: Diesel Store Opening

She was bundled up at a Diesel Jeans store launch party February 29, 1996 in New York City.

1997: House of Yes Premiere

She coordinated her jewelry with her crochet cardigan at the House of Yes premiere.

1997: Mimic Premiere

At the premiere of Mimic in New York on August 18, 1997.

2000: Taller Than a Dwarf Premiere

Blue snakeskin print was trending in the Y2K era, and Posey draped herself in it during this 2000 premiere party.

2002: Punch-Drunk Love Screening

Admit it: this is giving you Bella Hadid street style vibes.

2002: The Mercy Seat Party

Enjoy!

2003: Golden Globes Awards

A nominee at the 2003 Golden Globes, Posey temporarily trading in her New York style for colorful red carpet glam.

2004: Talk to Her Premiere

She opted for a textured top and sleek black skirt at the Talk to Her premiere during the closing of the 40th New York Film Festival.

2005: Hurlyburly After Party

Blown-out hair, lots of jewelry, and a boho-chic dress was the order of the night at the opening night of Hurlyburly after party at AER in New York City.

2005: Drama Desk Awards

She opted for a fur jacket and a dreamy dress at the 50th annual Drama Desk Awards nominations.

2006: Adam and Steve Premiere

Ring! Ring! Who’s there?

2006: Superman Returns Premiere

Yes, even Posey did a stint in a comic book film Here she attends the Superman Returns premiere in Los Angeles on June 21, 2006.

2007: Met Gala

Posey attended the Met Gala in 2007. That year’s theme? Poiret: King of Fashion.

2008: Metropolitan Opera Opening Night

Posey opted for full dramatic glamour at the opening night of the Metropolitan Opera’s 2008-2009 season.

2008: National Design Awards Gala

She redefined the neckline at the 2008 National Design Awards Gala in New York.

2009: Rachel Comey Show

She attended the Rachel Comey spring 2009 show in an orange-patterned dress.

2011: Tribeca Ball

It’s important to stay hydrated.

2012: Ali Forney Center Benefit

She was on hosting duty that night.

2012: Paley Center Benefit

She opted for a floral dress at the Paley Center benefit dinner in New York.

2013: The Glass Menagerie Opening Night

A little optical illusion for the opening night of The Glass Menagerie on Broadway in New York.

2015: Cannes Film Festival

Posey attended the 2015 Cannes Film Festival as a modern Norma Desmond, this time with a crop top.

2015: Metropolitan Opera’s 125th Anniversary Gala

This look was all about the chain.

2015: Tribeca Ball

The tubular belt makes a statement on this Studio 54-ready gold dress.

2015: Irrational Man Screening

She kept it shimmering at a screening of Irrational Man at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

2016: She Loves Me Opening Night

She kept it comfortable for this Broadway opening in a chic, textured coat.

2016: Coach Party

Never be afraid to mix patterns like Posey did at Coach and Friends Of The High Line Summer Party.

2016: Anton Corbijn Exhibit

Or like she did at the opening reception for the Anton Corbijn photo exhibition 'Number 5' at Istanbul 74 on June 3, 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey.

2018: Lost In Space Premiere

A belted boho dress got even more sparkly thanks to Posey’s metallic collar necklace.

2023: Beau Is Afraid Premiere

Posey was the perfect lady at the Beau Is Afraid premiere in a ruffled baby doll dress and rosette choker.

2024: Emmy Awards

Bold florals and even bolder hair at the 2024 Emmys.

2025: White Lotus Season 3 Premiere

The actress has always marched to the beat of her own drum, but this semi-sheer Gucci number at The White Lotus premiere was right on-trend.