The Most Daring ACM Awards Red Carpet Dresses Of All Time

Published on October 21, 2022
The Academy of Country Music Awards is a night that sets out to celebrate the greats of country music, but it also provides us with a look at some of the most glamorous dresses ever created. While there are always classic looks, many stars use the opportunity to wear dresses that are most daring and interesting. These are some of the most inspiring styles from the ACM Awards throughout the years.

Carrie Underwood

Country star and winner of American Idol Carrie Underwood shows off her impressive legs with this stunning sequined dress that features a daring buckle design and a hip-high slit in her 2020 look.

Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood

Kelsea Ballerini

Country pop singer Kelsea Ballerini challenges the red carpet itself with a sweeping long-sleeved asymmetrical red dress that plays with different textures and shades of crimson. She wears matching cowboy boots in a nod to classic country fashion.

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Kelsea Ballerini

Kelsea Ballerini

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Maren Morris

The Highwomen member Maren Morris wears a variation of a classic dress that features a plunging neckline and bejeweled embroidered lime green designs. She accessorizes with matching lime heels and a thing gold belt.

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Maren Morris

Maren Morris

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Miranda Lambert

Country staple Miranda Lambert gives off serious witchy-glam vibes with this look. Her neon green Alex Perry dress features a thin neckline that accentuates her strong shoulders and clavicles, while her purse gives off an almost chic potion bottle look.

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Miranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert

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Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman accompanies her country crooner beau Keith Urban while wearing this romantic Christopher Kane dress. It features delicate lace contrasted with an almost chain mail design. The plunging neckline is balanced out with statement sleeves.

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Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman

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Kacey Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves opts for a youthful and daring pastel Christian Cowen power suit look. She leaves both shirt and bra at home and wears the jacket as her top. The jacket’s sleeves fan out beautifully and balance with the large flare of the pants.

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Kacey Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves

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Carrie Underwood, 2019

As always, Carrie Underwood shows off her powerful and toned legs in this Nicolas Jebran dress at the 2019 ACM Awards. Featuring a double thigh-high slit, the dress certainly accentuates Carrie’s most flattering features.

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Carrie Underwood 2019

Carrie Underwood 2019

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Maren Morris, 2019

Maren Morris stuns at the 2019 ACM Awards in this stunning, silky Christian Siriano dress. The mini dress features a long train and gorgeous ruffling at the top that helps evoke seashells and waves. She completes the look with silver heeled sandals.

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Maren Morris, 2019

Maren Morris, 2019

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Rebecca Romijn

Actress Rebecca Romijn attends the 2018 ACM Awards wearing this peacock-like Uel Camilo number. It’s clear that Camilo was thinking of the flashy bird while designing this dress. The sheer panels on the side add intrigue to the already visual dress.

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Rebecca Romijn

Rebecca Romijn

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Kelsea Ballerini, 2018

Kelsea Ballerini opts for this soft and feminine look for the 2018 ACM Awards. The Aadnevik dress features a corset top and a billowy skirt with stunning wavy edges. She completes the look with strappy sandals in an identical white color.

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Kelsea Ballerini, 2018

Kelsea Ballerini, 2018

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Nicole Kidman, 2018

For the 2018 ACM Awards, Nicole Kidman opted for a form-fitting Michael Kors gown. The gold sequined dress features a stunning open back, and the dress’s color matches perfectly with Kidman’s blonde tresses.

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Nicole Kidman, 2018

Nicole Kidman, 2018

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Miranda Lambert, 2018

Miranda Lambert’s 2018 ACM Awards look featured a bold Georges Chakra dress with a geometric paneling design up top that really draws the eye. The plain skirt allows the top of the dress to truly shine. She accessorized with a magenta clutch.

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Miranda Lambert, 2018

Miranda Lambert, 2018

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Lindsey Vonn

Olympic skiing star Lindsey Vonn really brightened up the room at the 2018 ACM Awards with this sunny Christian Siriano dress. The turtleneck form-fitting long-sleeved top is balanced out by a full, flouncy tulle skirt that is not to be missed. She wore her hair in an elegant top knot.

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Lindsey Vonn

Lindsey Vonn

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Jennifer Nettles

Singer Jennifer Nettles who makes up half of duo Sugarland opted for a tropical look for the 2018 ACM Awards in this J. Mendel dress. The form-fitting velveteen dress features an almost feather-looking leaf design.

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Jennifer Nettles

Jennifer Nettles

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Jana Kramer

Country singer Jana Kramer, who also appeared on TV series One Tree Hill, chose a plunging neckline for the 2015 ACM Awards. The chevron pattern added a geometric aspect to the dress.

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Jana Kramer

Jana Kramer

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Savannah Chrisley

Reality star Savannah Chrisley really went for drama with her 2017 ACM Awards dress. The sheer paneling gives a daring peek of skin, while the rest of the dress is form-fitting. The velvet-black also adds a dramatic flair and is reminiscent of Morticia Addams’ famous dress.

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Savannah Chrisley

Savannah Chrisley

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Julianne Hough

Country singer, actress, and professional dancer Julianne Hough stuns in this beautiful halter neckline Randi Rahm dress at the 2011 ACM Awards. The dark peach color complements her skin tone perfectly and her jade and gold cuff is a perfect complementing accessory.

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Julianne Hough

Julianne Hough

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Carrie Underwood, 2016

Carrie Underwood evokes flapper style dresses in this Davidson Zanine dress at the 2016 ACM Awards. The scallop design beading is absolutely breathtaking and is accentuated by the sheer top that gives the dress an elegant draping quality.

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Carrie Underwood, 2016

Carrie Underwood, 2016

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Taylor Swift

Country and pop icon Taylor Swift stuns in this breathtaking top and skirt set from J. Mendel at the 2014 ACM Awards. The long skirt features a thigh-high slit that gives a hint of leg, while the top features cutouts that give the halter small sleeves.

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Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift

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Shania Twain

Original country pop princess Shania Twain shows up in stunning thigh high boots at the 2013 ACM Awards. She wears a loose-fitting strapless dress that features two long layers billowing behind. She wears her hair in loose waves and accessorized with a gold cuff and drop earrings.

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Shania Twain

Shania Twain

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Nicole Kidman, 2016

For the 2016 ACM Awards, Nicole Kidman certainly does not hold back. Wearing an Alexander McQueen dress that consists of a little black dress with a long-sleeved sheer overlay with lots of small designs, this is one dress that certainly cannot be ignored.

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Nicole Kidman, 2016

Nicole Kidman, 2016

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Miranda Lambert, 2014

For the 2014 ACM Awards, Miranda Lambert chose this classic Randi Rahm dress in a neutral tone. The mermaid dress is just form-fitting enough to still be elegant, but the daring aspect of this dress is the deep plunge up top.

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Miranda Lambert, 2014

Miranda Lambert, 2014

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Sheryl Crow

Sheryl Crow stuns in this Christian Siriano dress at the 2014 ACM Awards. The geometric design accentuates her figure, while she accessorizes with geometric gold earrings and a matching black clucth.

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Sheryl Crow

Sheryl Crow

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Kimberly Schlapman

Little Big Town singer Kimberly Shlapman really caught everyone’s eye at the 2015 ACM Awards with this hot pink dress. The design of the dress is simple and allows the color to do all the talking. She accessorized with a black and silver clutch.

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Sheryl Crow

Sheryl Crow

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Cassadee Pope

Cassadee Pope stuns in this gorgeous outfit at the 2017 ACM Awards. The sheer black overlay layers over an almost bikini-looking top and bottom set and features beautiful cherry blossoms adorning the dress throughout.

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Cassadee Pope

Cassadee Pope

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LeAnn Rimes

LeAnn Rimes gives off groovy 60’s and 70’s vibes with this Stella McCartney dress at the 2012 ACM Awards. The geometric circle pattern is accentuated by a white mesh panel. She wore tan platforms and accessorized with an equally geometric clutch.

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LeAnn Rimes

LeAnn Rimes

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Bebe Rexha

Bebe Rexha certainly brings the drama with this elegant Yanina Couture dress while attending the 2018 ACM Awards. The form-fitting black dress’s defining feature is a sheer, ruffled top that extends down to Bebe’s arms and leads into the sleeves adorned with branches.

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Bebe Rexha

Bebe Rexha

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Shakira

Pop star Shakira absolutely nailed it with her Zuhair Murad dress at the 2013 ACM Awards. The form-fitting teal dress featured bold cutouts throughout the hip-line and shoulders, creating a look that is reminiscent of butterfly wings.

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Shakira

Shakira

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Danielle Peck

Country singer Danielle Peck had everyone’s head turning in this bright yellow dress at the 2013 ACM Awards. The form-fitting mermaid dress featured a tulle mermaid tail. Peck accessorized with a layered diamond necklace and matching cuff.

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Danielle Peck

Danielle Peck

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Julianne Hough, 2010

Julianne Hough was really bringing the 2010 trends in this ACM Awards look. Her hair is styled with the classic “bumpit” bump that seemed to be everywhere at the time. Her simple white Basil Soda Couture dress features an interesting metallic corset-like overlay.

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Julianne Hough, 2010

Julianne Hough, 2010

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Carrie Underwood, 2018

Carrie Underwood is breathtaking as always in her 2018 ACM Awards dress. The metallic minidress features a flapper-style bottom that we’re sure was super fun to twirl around in.

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Carrie Underwood, 2018

Carrie Underwood, 2018

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Eve

Rapper, singer, and actress Even looks absolutely incredible in this baby pink Parabal Gurung dress at the 2018 ACM Awards. The simple dress features a thigh-high slit and a beautiful ruffled collar along with matching ruffled sleeves that look silky soft.

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Eve

Eve

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Kaley Cuoco

Big Bang Theory actress Kaley Cuoco wore this stunning BCBG Max Azria dress to the 2013 ACM Awards. The black geometric dress features a halter neckline and designs that accentuate her curves. She wore matching geometeric triangular earrings and accessorized with a black clutch.

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Kaley Cuoco

Kaley Cuoco

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Carrie Underwood, 2017

Metallic dress lover Carrie Underwood is back at it again with her 2017 ACM Awards look. This stunning LaBourjoisie dress weaves together a sheer light peach tulle with bedazzled feather-shaped designs, as well as a gorgeous dramatic necjline.

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Carrie Underwood, 2017

Carrie Underwood, 2017

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Jennifer Nettles, 2012

Lead singer of Soul Miner’s Daughter and Jennifer Nettles Band, Jennifer Nettles looks stunning this in Max Azria Atelier dress at the 2012 ACM Awards. The delicate pink drink features geometric paneling and is accentuated with a bright yellow belt, cinching in at the waistline.

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Jennifer Nettles, 2012

Jennifer Nettles, 2012

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Katy Perry

Pop star Katy Perry channels her inner Dolly Parton while at the 2016 ACM Awards. Her Jeremy Scott Couture getup features the classic country look with a modern twist. Her fringed skirt and lather jacket are metallic blue, while her pink cowboy boots match her cow-hide patterned belt buckle.

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Katy Perry

Katy Perry

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Taylor Swift, 2012

Taylor Swift stuns in this simple yet elegant J. Mendel dress at the 2012 ACM Awards. The delicate dress features a Sabrina neckline and simple gold detailing to accentuate the dress. She accessorizes with a simple matching bracelet.

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Taylor Swift, 2012

Taylor Swift, 2012

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Nicole Kidman, 2011

Actress Nicole Kidman chose a snakeskin form-fitting L’Wren Scott dress with furry sleeve-straps for the 2011 ACM Awards. The dress features a small slit up the side, giving a glimpse of skin.

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Nicole Kidman, 2011

Nicole Kidman, 2011

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Carrie Underwood, 2011

For the 2011 ACM Awards, Carrie Underwood opted for this silky jewel-toned floor length gown. The classic dress is accentuates at the waistline with sequined flowers and gems. She accessorized simply with a few matching rings.

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Carrie Underwood, 2011

Carrie Underwood, 2011

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Taylor Swift, 2013

Taylor Swift went for an updated flapper style Dolce & Gabbana dress that featured intricate beading and lots of shine for the 2013 ACM Awards. No accessories were necessary, as the dress made enough of a statement on its own.

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Taylor Swift, 2013

Taylor Swift, 2013

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Lainey Wilson

Singer Lainey Wilson wore this beautifully bold olive green silk jumpsuit to the 2023 ACM Awards. She’s known for her flare pants, but she mixed things up with the jumpsuit and cape sleeves this time around. She accessorized with jewelry from Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott as well as a statement hat.

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Lainey Wilson

Lainey Wilson

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Mickey Guyton

Micky Guyton stunned with this daring glittery pinstripe suit that she wore with a beautiful chainlink bra and accessorized with a matching glittery silver bag. She finished the look with silver hoops and a half-up half-down hairdo.

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Mickey Guyton

Mickey Guyton

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Kimberly Perry

Kimberly Perry of The Band Perry stepped out in this amazing outfit comprised of a black mini dress with cutouts accented with shiny jewels along with a matching cape. She proudly showed up her growing baby bump in this amazing and daring look.

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Kimberly Perry

Kimberly Perry

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Nastia Liukin

Olympic gymnast Nastia Liukin absolutely wowed with this loook! The shimmery purple mini dress featured dramatic long sleeves and a jaw-dropping open back. She wore her hair up in a sweeping ponytail and finished the look with green strappy heels.

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Nastia Liukin

Nastia Liukin

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Tenille Townes

Tenille Townes is continuing the bra top trend in this beautiful shiny outfit. She wore a bright blue suit bedazzled with crystals all over, along with shimmery silver chunky heels and long silver earrings to match her silver bra top.

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Tenille Townes

Tenille Townes

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Carly Pearce

Singer Carly Pearce kept it classic with this sunny silk dress with a bold slit that went all the way up her thigh. The peach dress was accessorized with strappy heels and a bold red lip.

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Carly Pearce

Carly Pearce

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Miranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert also chose a bold thigh high slit dress with this deep blue gown with a beautiful patterned top and plunging neckline. She wore matching blue heels.

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Miranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert

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Brittany Aldean

Brittany Aldean stunned with this gorgeous purple mini dress with its dramatic asymmetrical long sleeve, bold cutouts, and finished off the look with matching purple strappy heels.

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Brittany Aldean

Brittany Aldean

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Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood never misses a chance to show off her incredibly strong and toned legs, and we don’t blame her! She wore this beautiful glittery Dolce and Gabbana mini dress to the 2022 ACM Awards and carried a matching clutch and strappy heels to round out the look.

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Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood

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Cassie DiLaura

Entertainment Tonight host Cassie DiLaura wore this breathtaking sheer Nadine Merabi jumpsuit to the 2022 ACM Awards. It featured beautiful floral embroidered details, shimmery sequins, and belt-like lace details and collar. She kept the accessories simple to balance out the look.

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Cassie DiLaura

Cassie DiLaura

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Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton always amazes us! She wore this incredible dress to the 2022 ACM Awards. The gown featured a shiny fitted top with metallic art-deco inspired patterns and a fringed skirt, along with matching fringed sleeves.

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Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton

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Gabby Barrett

Gabby Barrett wore this incredible dramatic dress to the 2022 ACM Awards. The bold red dress featured 80’s inspired shoulder pads, a latex mock neck collar that matches the black latex jumpsuit that’s featured underneath the thigh high slit of the dress.

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Gabby Barrett

Gabby Barrett

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Gabi Daiagi

Gabi Daiagi wore an amazing two piece from Amazon Fashion to the 2022 ACM Awards. The glittery ensemble featured a long sleeve crop top and the matching skirt had a thigh high slit and amazing glittery high-waisted belt detail.

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Gabi Daiagi

Gabi Daiagi

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Kelsea Ballerini

Kelsea Ballerini channels Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s at the 2022 ACM Awards. The long elegant YSL down featured a bold plunging neckline with jeweled accents, and accessorized with long velvety gloves and a matching choker necklace.

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Kelsea Ballerini

Kelsea Ballerini

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Kristin Cavallari

Reality TV personality Kristin Cavallari wore this bold and elegant black Mugler gown to the 2022 ACM Awards. The dress featured geometric cutouts and a daring halter neckline as well as a high slit in the skirt. She wore strappy black heels to finish off the look.

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Kristin Cavallari

Kristin Cavallari

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Madi B Webb

Madi B Webb wore possibly what was the most daring outfit at the 2022 ACM Awards. The incredible coral Amazon Fashion dress featured long sleeves, a cutout in the back, and bold thigh high slit. The whole dress with trimmed with a bedazzled hem.

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Madi B Webb

Madi B Webb

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Nada Taha

Nada Taha wore this early 2000’s vibe outfit to the award show. The plum Mugler top features daring sheer panels all the way up and down the sleeves as well as throughout. She paired it with bold flared pants and platform sandals to really round out the whole look.

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Nada Taha

Nada Taha

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Scheana Shay

Vanderpump Rules star Scheana Shay stunned at the 2022 ACM Awards when she showed up in this brown Nookie velvet jumpsuit. The outfit featured a daring plunging neckline and trendy flared bottoms.

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Scheana Shay

Scheana Shay

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Lindsay Ell

Lindsay Ell wore this highlighter yellow dress to the 54th ACM Awards. The thigh high slit along with the neckline cutout make this dress bold and interesting. She wore silver pumps to round out the look.

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54th Academy Of Country Music Awards Arrivals

Lindsay Ell

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Cassidy Black

Cassidy Black wore this magenta mini dress to the 54th ACM Awards. The dress featured draped long sleeves and a daring twisted neckline. The silky dress definitely gives 1980’s vibes.

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54th Academy Of Country Music Awards Arrivals

54th Academy Of Country Music Awards Arrivals

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