Carrie Underwood’s 2016 CMA Awards Wardrobe Will Pay Tribute to Decades Past
Because it's the awards ceremony's 50th anniversary, the 2016 CMA Awards will also, in addition to recognizing the year's best in country music, look back on and honor the genre's history in a number of ways -- including Carrie Underwood's wardrobe. The show's co-host tells People that she'll be celebrating the CMA's five decades through fashion at Wednesday night's (Nov. 2) big event.
The magazine reports that Underwood has been working with her stylist, Marina Toybina, to come up with outfits that represent the 1960s, '70s, '80s, '90s and 2000s.
“There are some looks throughout our night that are very singular-artist inspired, and it should be evident,” Underwood explains. “But going back, there are just so many incredible, legendary ladies of country music. I didn’t wanna really completely pigeonhole myself to one artist. It’s about paying tribute as well.”
Underwood has been sharing a few hints about her CMA Awards looks on her Instagram account, but she admits that there's one decade-inspired getup in particular that's been harder to put together than the others.
“The ’80s are a little tougher, and we haven’t completely locked down my look for that,” Underwood confesses. “It seemed like the ’80s were a little more menswear-inspired, but in a less flattering way. Right now, we’re looking at something blue, and it reminds me of my sister’s prom dress. I need to get some matching satin shoes to match.”
But Underwood's decades duds aren't her only outfits for Wednesday night: The country star has five additional looks planned.
“My performance look is a more menswear-inspired-type outfit. And then I have a part in another tribute performance, and that one will be just sequins all the way,” Underwood shares. “Then, of course, there’s my [red] carpet dress which I’m very excited about because it’s just girly, princess-y and pretty.”
The Country Music Association has been encouraging 2016 CMA Awards attendees to go all out with their wardrobe selections this year, in honor of the show's golden anniversary. Even Underwood's co-host and good friend Brad Paisley will be dressing up more than he usually does!
“We want it to feel like the 50th year," Underwood says. "We want it to be big and be beautiful and be elegant."
The 2016 CMA Awards will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 2 beginning at 8PM ET on ABC. Underwood is nominated for four trophies, including Female Vocalist of the Year and the night’s highest honor, Entertainer of the Year, at the 2016 CMA Awards; she will also be performing during the ceremony, in addition to her co-hosting duties.
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