While most of country music’s biggest stars often sing about things like pickup trucks, wide open spaces and line dancing, the attire spotted at the 2015 CMA Awards was a far cry from the rustic lifestyle idealized in the genre. Instead, we saw a sea of stars who really went for it in the embellishment department: sequins, feathers, lace applique, you name it. There was also a nod to summer (Carrie Underwood, we’re looking at you) and even some holiday party inspo (because it’s never too early to plan outfits, amiright?). Scroll on down to check out all the best looks from the 49th Annual CMA Awards.
1. Carrie Underwood: Carrie brought back the spirit of summer with sun-kissed skin and a coral dress that gives off almost a neon glow. (Photo via Michael Loccisano/Getty)
2. Cassadee Pope: Offering up a Beyoncé-at-the-Met-Gala vibe, Cassadee Pope is helping prove once and for all that the barely-there dress is a style that’s here to stay. (Photo via Michael Loccisano/Getty)
3. Danielle Bradbery: Halfway between a maxi and a mini, Danielle’s black number gown is kind of the best of both worlds. (Photo via Michael Loccisano/Getty)
4. Jewel: Living up to her name, Jewel’s mini dress lacked length but definitely not sparkle. (Photo via Michael Loccisano/Getty)
5. Hayley Orrantia: Holy holiday party inspiration! Even though Thanksgiving has yet to come and leave us in a food coma, we’re already thinking about how we can copy this look for our festive soirée. (Photo via Michael Loccisano/Getty)
6. Shawna Thompson: Shawna Thompson of the musical duo Thompson Square looked stunning with a dress covered in bling and a baby bump in tow. (Photo via Michael Loccisano/Getty)
7. Katie Armiger: Adding a little bit of extra dimension to her ensemble, songwriter Katie Armiger’s dress features not only sparkling embellishments but also some feathery fringe. (Photo via Michael Loccisano/Getty)
8. RaeLynn: With a style similar to Carrie’s, The Voice’s RaeLynn rocked a coral dress with a haltered neckline that was still dramatic but without the peplum detailing. (Photo via Michael Loccisano/Getty)
9. Aubrey Peeples: Nashville actress, Aubrey Peeples went for a color pallette much darker than most of the other attendees, but she didn’t skimp on the embellishments. With side cuts outs, a thing-high slit and a sleek hair do’ we think it’s safe to say Aubrey is definitely a contender for best dressed. (Photo via Michael Loccisano/Getty)
10. Scotty McCreery: Because who says the girls get to have all the fun? American Idol contestant Scott McCreery opted out of the classic black-and-white combo in favor of this luxe, gold jacket. (Photo via Michael Loccisano/Getty)
11. Kelsea Ballerini: If the ballet’s White Swan got a red carpet makeover we’re guessing it would look a lot like this sequined number by Paolo Sebastian. (Photo via Michael Loccisano/Getty)
12. Cam: Earlier this year Cam wore a yellow embroidered midi to the CMT Awards, we’re starting to think we might be able to guess her favorite color. (Photo via Michael Loccisano/Getty)
13. Lindsey Stirling: Violinist Lindsey Stirling (who performed at our annual creativity conference Re:Make!) glowed in this high collared gown striped with sparkle. (Photo via Michael Loccisano/Getty)
14. Jana Kramer: Apparently it’s baby season in country music land. Singer and actress Jana Kramer looked stunning in this midnight blue dress complete with a trailing train. (Photo via Michael Loccisano/Getty)
15. Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook: The band members of Little Big Town all totally rocked the red carpet this year. Kimberly Schlapman went for more of an origami-inspired style dress while Karen went for the trend of the evening: embellishments! (Photo via Michael Loccisano/Getty)
16. Kellie Pickler: Pickler totally wowed in this voluminous violet gown. Here’s to hoping a generous application of fashion tape was used up top before she headed out for the evening. (Photo via Michael Loccisano/Getty)
17. Neil Perry, Kimberly Perry and Reid Perry: The trio behind The Band Perry all coordinated in neutrals for their walk down the CMA red carpet. Major props to Kimberly for braving those epically high heels. (Photo via Michael Loccisano/Getty)
18. Kacey Musgraves: Kacey Musgraves went for some serious Angelina Jolie vibes in this low-cut, figure-hugging dress. Topped with red lips and soft waves this look was a total throwback in the best way. (Photo via Michael Loccisano/Getty)
19. Miranda Lambert: Miranda showed up looking gorgeous in an understated black Versace gown. Her hair however, told a different story. Her blonde locks were accessorized with a vivid pop of pink. (Photo via Michael Loccisano/Getty)
20. Hannah Davis: Ooh la la! While sparkling embellishments were definitely the winning trend of the evening, thigh-high slits trailed closely behind. And when it works as well as it does on model Hannah Davis it’s easy to see why. (Photo via Michael Loccisano/Getty)
21. Maddie and Tae: This musical duo showed up totally dipped in gold. We’re going to consider these two the sparkling toppers of the embellished cake that was this year’s CMA red carpet. (Photo via John Shearer/Getty)
What was your favorite look from this year’s CMA red carpet? Share with us in the comments below.