Fashion

Aubrey Plaza's Style Evolution Proves She's Anything But Awkward

An actress's red carpet styles are often selected to denote her individuality and singularity, from the height of her heel to the ornaments adorning her updo. Parks And Recreation's Aubrey Plaza is one such actress, and each of her chosen looks seems perfectly fitted to communicate her nonpareil quirkiness. Proportions are playful, patterns are optical and irreverent, and the colors Plaza favors? Well, they're anything but subtle as of late. Read on for some of Plaza's most memorable red carpet moments; in a shocking twist, the actress looks confident and poised in nearly every single one.

by Tyler Atwood

In A Ruched Satin Mini, 2009

Plaza’s navy ruched satin mini may have been a safe choice for the red carpet, but it perfectly complemented her dark fringe and smoky eye.

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In A Metallic Cocktail Dress, 2009

A scoop neck shift dress embellished with Art Deco-inspired silver sequins made a statement at the 2009 Gotham Awards.

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In A Pastel Cocktail Dress At The 2010 MTV Movie Awards

Plaza’s pastel strapless dress nearly blended into the wall paper at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards.

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In A Blazer And Mini Dress, 2010

Plaza’s modern rendition of black tie dressing — a white silk dress, oversized black tuxedo jacket, and opaque tight — struck a note of refined elegance in 2010.

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In A Black Cut Out Dress, 2010

A typically covered-up Plaza took on the cut-out trend in this daring black cocktail dress.

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In A Ruffled White Gown At The 2011 Emmys

An ethereal, ruffled Juan Carlos Obando gown struck a note of polished urbanity at the 2011 Emmys.

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In A Striped Shift At The 2011 GLAAD awards

A demure, striped, black-and-white beaded shift lent Plaza subtle sparkle at the 2011 GLAAD awards.

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In A Printed Mini Dress And Nude Blazer At The Our Idiot Brother Premiere, 2011

Plaza was the epitome of bohemian chic in this floral dress and nude blazer, paired with the pervasive grey bootie.

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In A White Multilayered Dress At The 2011 National Council Of Rada Awards

What could have been a simple, understated cocktail dress took a dramatic turn at the waist, exploding into frothy layers for an unforgettable look.

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In A Multicolored Mini At The 2012 Young Hollywood Awards

Plaza’s tweedy mini dress and side braid couldn’t have been more on-point for the 2012 Young Hollywood Awards.

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In A Pink Shift At The Damsels In Distress Premiere, 2012

A shocking pink shift with lime green accents gave Plaza a swinging ’60s vibe at the 2012 Damsels In Distress premiere.

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In A Cream Silk Sheath At The This Is 40 Premiere, 2012

The This Is 40 Premiere called for a modicum of sophistication, which Plaza supplied with this draped cream silk sheath.

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In A Perforated Leather Dress At The 2012 VH1 Do Something Awards

Laser-cut blue leather fused Plaza’s innate edge with her ladylike sartorial sensibility in 2012.

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In A Simple Black Slip Dress At The 2013 Kill Your Darlings Premiere

A black slip dress and crescent moon necklace were made less formal by Plaza’s pared-down makeup and hair at the 2013 Kill Your Darlings premiere.

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In An Embroidered Mock Neck Gown At The 2013 Emmys

A restrained black lace gown with a flower-studded collar was an unexpected choice for the perpetually mini-clad Plaza at the 2013 Emmys.

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In A Cream Mini Dress At The 2013 To Do List Premiere

A cream satin mini dress with a sweetheart neckline eschewed vamp in favor of romanticism at the 2013 To Do List premiere.

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In An Embroidered Floral Dress At The 2013 Independent Spirit Awards

A floaty floral-embroidered Valentino frock gave Plaza a confident glow at the 2013 Independent Spirit Awards.

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In A Crimson Shift At TheTribeca Film Festival

A striking crimson shift with a pussy bow collar paired with laid-back locks and a confident smile suited Plaza at the Tribeca Film Festival.

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In A Duo-Tone Gown At The 2014 Golden Globes

Plaza eschewed her typically edgy style in favor of unabashed femininity at the 2014 Golden Globes in this duo-toned orchid and amethyst Oscar de la Renta gown with matching peep-toe heels.

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In A Navy And Orange Fit-And-Flare Dress At The 2014 Independent Spirit Awards

What could be more refreshing on a warm March day than a navy Preen fit-and-flare with kicky orange piping?

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In A Red Silk Gown At The Vanity Fair Oscar Party

Emilio Pucci’s illusion-paneled, lace-embellished gown gave Plaza a showstopping entry into the 2014 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

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