Javascript is not enabled.

Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.

Skip to content
Content starts here
CLOSE ×

Search

Leaving AARP.org Website

You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

Best-Dressed Stars Over 50 at the Country Music Awards

Jo Dee Messina, Wynonna and Lionel Richie brought their A game to the all-star event

spinner image Side by side images of Jo Dee Messina, Wynonna Judd and Lionel Richie at the 56th annual CMA Awards
(Left to right) Jo Dee Messina, Wynonna Judd and Lionel Richie
Michael Loccisano/Getty Images; Terry Wyatt/WireImage; Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Sequins, fringe, plunging necklines and cowboy hats of all hues and styles took center stage at the 56th annual CMA Awards in Nashville. But the night’s most fashionable looks were not limited to the newcomers. Some of country music’s most-established names took the red carpet by storm.

spinner image Reba McEntire on the red carpet in a blue dress at the 56th annual CMA Awards
Sara Kauss/FilmMagic

Reba McEntire, 67

Country superstar McEntire was fancy indeed in a royal blue velvet gown with a plunging V neckline. The Big Sky actress performed in an opening medley with Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert dedicated to the late Loretta Lynn.

spinner image Image Alt Attribute

AARP Membership— $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

Join Now

spinner image Wynonna Judd on the red carpet in a shimmery gold dress at the 56th annual CMA Awards
Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Wynonna Judd, 58

Judd glittered in a shimmery gold ensemble with train from RVNG Couture. The songstress, who lost her mother and former duo partner Naomi Judd to suicide in April, tearfully thanked the audience for their support, saying, “I am humbled and honored tonight to still have a seat at the table of country music.”

spinner image Lionel Richie and Lisa Parigi on the red carpet at the 56th annual CMA Awards
Sara Kauss/FilmMagic

Lionel Richie, 73

Music icon and American Idol judge Richie was the night’s newest man in black, sporting a long jet-black dress jacket, black shirt and trim black trousers. The recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee was joined on the red carpet by girlfriend Lisa Parigi.

spinner image Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town on the red carpet in a pink gown at the 56th annual CMA Awards
Sara Kauss/FilmMagic

Kimberly Schlapman, 53

Pretty in pink: Little Big Town’s Schlapman turned heads in a monochromatic Azzi & Ostapale pink gown with lace overlay and matching elbow-length gloves.

spinner image Jo Dee Messina performing at the 56th annual CMA Awards
Mark Humphrey/AP Photo

Jo Dee Messina, 52

Messina went the short (and sexy) route. She took the stage for a surprise duet of “She Had Me at Heads Carolina” with Cole Swindell decked out in a brown leather jacket, suede fringe skirt and an animal print top.

spinner image Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town in an orange dress at the 56th annual CMA Awards
Jason Davis/WireImage

Karen Fairchild, 53

Fairchild stood out in a brilliant orange Alaia form-fitting illusion gown with a feathered skirt. The Little Big Town singer joined her bandmates in presenting the Vocal Duo of the Year award to the Brothers Osborne.

Honorable Mention:

spinner image Side by side images of Luke Bryan in a green suede blazer with Ashley Gorley, in a tuxedo on the red carpet and in a burgundy dress jacket at the 56th annual CMA Awards
John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA; Taylor Hill/FilmMagic; Terry Wyatt/WireImage

Luke Bryan, 46

Sure, he not quite 50. But the evening’s affable cohost (with retired football star Peyton Manning, 46) took home the MVP award for sartorial style on country’s biggest night. He sported multiple looks — from classic black tux to burgundy velvet dressing jacket to forest green suede blazer and matching tonal shirt — each look better than the last.

Discover AARP Members Only Access

Join AARP to Continue

Already a Member?