Emmys 2026: low ponytails and blurred lips for a softer glamour

Grace Gummer’s hairstyle aligns with a broader trend observed since the start of the awards season. Who What Wear had already noted a rise in loose low buns and relaxed ponytails, with a shift away from ultra-slick styles in favor of a more mobile look around the face.

This style does not require straightening curly, frizzy, or coily hair. A ponytail positioned at the nape, a clean or slightly off-center part, and lengths kept in their natural texture allow for a refined silhouette while maintaining natural volume.

The rest of the red carpet demonstrated that softness does not equate to uniformity. Ciara Miller chose a deep side part, smoky eyes, and a classic French manicure, while Supriya Ganesh sported wavy, crimped hair with a center part. Lisa Rinna, on the other hand, swapped her typically spiky pixie cut for a sleeked-back version.

On the lips, Abby Elliott embraced the “petal lips” effect, already spotted during New York Fashion Week. The result features a more pronounced color at the center and less defined edges compared to a classic red, moving away from the sharp outlines that have dominated some recent trends.

To achieve this blurred effect, Marie Claire recommends using a matte lipstick with a diffused finish, applied without a strong outline and then lightly blotted with a tissue to remove excess. A brownish pink, rosewood, or soft plum can adapt the effect to deeper skin tones without aiming for a uniform pastel result.