We're used to seeing a black-and-white color palette on the red carpet when it comes to actors—after all, how many ways can you interpret "black tie?"—but it's rare for a red carpet to be dominated by gowns in understated shades of black, white, and gray. At the 2024 Golden Globes, stars turned up and turned out in vibrant reds and dreamy romantic pinks and pastels. Yet, one color trend stood out in stark contrast and welcome change. Many of the best-dressed leading ladies on the 2024 Golden Globes red carpet opted for black-and-white looks, from jewel-encrusted gowns to elegant maxi skirts and blouses.

Some stars like Carey Mulligan opted for asymmetry with their black-and-white looks, using one shade as a backdrop to highlight intricate beading or stonework. Others, like Gina Torres and Karren Gillan, used separate pieces or prints to create stark and stunning contrast. However they achieved their color balance, these 11 actresses proved that less can absolutely more when it comes to red carpet color palettes.

Carey Mulligan in Schiaparelli

You don't need equal parts black and white to deliver a stunning red carpet look. Carey Mulligan's asymmetrical Schiaparelli gown used white as an accent to highlight its stunning craftsmanship.

Lily Gladstone in custom Valentino

Sometimes, the simplest of red carpet looks can deliver the most drama as was the case with Lily Gladstone's custom Valentino ivory sheath gown and opera coat.

Elizabeth Banks in Dolce & Gabbana

The best thing about black and white on the red carpet is how the lack of vibrant colors brings detail into sharp focus. Case in point: The pearl beading on Elizabeth Banks’ curve-hugging Dolce & Gabbana gown might have felt like an afterthought if not for the inky black backdrop. 

Ariana Greenblatt in Saint Laurent

We never thought we'd be swooning over a cummerbund, but here we are. Ariana Greenblatt's deconstructed Saint Laurent tuxedo was proof positive that sometimes less is more when it comes to a red carpet color palette.

Pom Klementieff in Dolce & Gabbana

The dark academia aesthetic isn’t going anywhere if Pom Klementieff's buttoned-up Dolce & Gabbana look is any indication. We stan a bib and cuffs.

Zanna Roberts Rassi in David Koma

Zanna Robert Rassi's take on the black and white trend featured abstract cut-outs and a sky-high thigh slit. The liquid metallic edges of her David Koma gown were echoed in her gunmetal sleek pumps.

Jeannie Mai in Carolina Herrera

Another pearl-focused look, Jeannie Mai's Carolina Herrera gown was dripping in pearls set against sequins. Like Banks' look, the artistry of Mai's Herrera 'fit was heightened by the contrast between opalescent pearls and jet black.

Meryl Streep in Valentino

Meryl Streep, Queen of acting award nominations opted for sequins and suiting for the 2024 Golden Globes. Her custom Valentino look, accented with Fred Leighton jewelry, featured an exquisite maxi skirt that had all the drama and elegance of a gown minus the fuss.

Gina Torres in Oscar de la Renta

Like Streep, Golden Globes presenter Gina Torres chose an elevated maxi skirt for the occasion. Her full and floral Oscar de la Renta skirt’s oozed sophistication. Pairing it with a sheer silk blouse turned the drama level up to 10. 

Karen Gillan in Iris Van Herpen

One of Sunday's most sculptural standout looks, Karen Gillian's Iris Van Herpen jumpsuit featured a scaled print, illusion paneling, and a whole lot of black-and-white wonderment.

Hari Nef in Alexandre Vauthier

We always try to look for a silver lining and, in the case of Hari Nef's FW18 Alexandre Vauthier Couture gown, we found it. The delicate silver edges on her tiered and pleated gown added just enough pop to take her Golden Globes look out of the realm of all-black and into the world of black-and-white.