Megan Stalter arrived at the 2025 Emmy Awards in denim and a white T‑shirt and used the moment to call for a loosening of red‑carpet dress codes.
The 34‑year‑old comedian wore a simple white Hanes T‑shirt, Levi’s blue jeans, a black leather belt and pointed‑toe flats, and carried a handbag emblazoned with the words “Cease Fire!” She completed the look with sleek black sunglasses and classic red lipstick and nails while other nominees appeared in gowns and high jewelry.
On the red carpet, Stalter told a Variety reporter, “I think people need to bring back jeans on the red carpet!” and cited 1990s examples when denim appeared more frequently at awards events. When pressed on whether jeans were ever standard red‑carpet fare, she pointed to familiar pop culture moments, saying, “They were in the ’90s! I’m seeing Cameron Diaz with jeans, c’mon.” She also held up her message bag and added, “You need to speak up for what’s important to you.”
Stalter, who plays Kayla on HBO Max’s “Hacks,” is part of the series’ contingent at the awards; the show was nominated in the Outstanding Comedy category at the ceremony. Her appearance drew attention for its contrast with the typically formal attire seen on television’s biggest awards night and for its blend of casual styling with classic glamour touches.
Red‑carpet dress codes have long favored formal gowns and suits, but individual stars occasionally push against those expectations with unexpected choices. Stalter framed her outfit as both a style statement and a form of expression, drawing attention to the message on her bag as well as the sartorial point.
Observers noted the deliberate reference to ’90s fashion and the juxtaposition of jeans with more traditionally glamorous elements. Stalter’s unbothered demeanor and public comments about denim on the red carpet kept the focus on her choice rather than on industry norms.
Stalter’s remarks added to the evening’s broader mix of advocacy and celebration, as nominees and presenters often used the platform to highlight causes or make personal statements. Whether her call for a denim revival will influence future red‑carpet trends remains a matter for public and industry response, though her appearance underscored that awards night fashion can still be used to communicate outside the usual glamour cues.