Julianne Hough has brought one of Mariah Carey's most memorable fashion looks back into the spotlight, stepping out in the same glittering silver dress the music icon wore nearly two decades ago. The 38-year-old Dancing with the Stars co-host wore the vintage Roberto Cavalli minidress during the show's Mariah Carey-themed episode on 6 October 2026, transforming the nostalgic outfit into a fresh television fashion moment.
However, Hough did not simply recreate Carey's original appearance. Instead, she gave the dress her own twist, drawing inspiration from another famous face who had worn the design before the singer.
Julianne Hough Revives Mariah Carey's Iconic Silver Dress
Hough stepped onto the ballroom floor wearing the figure-hugging silver minidress, which featured a plunging neckline, delicate straps, and dramatic cutouts across the back. The shimmering metallic design captured the glamour of the late 2000s while fitting seamlessly into the show's celebratory atmosphere.
Celebrity stylist Brad Goreski discovered the vintage piece on luxury resale platform The RealReal, giving the dress another opportunity to shine nearly 20 years after its original celebrity appearances. Despite its age, the outfit reportedly arrived in excellent condition, leaving Hough pleasantly surprised. 'It's like pristine,' she said while discussing the vintage find.
The television personality completed her look with long, flowing blonde extensions styled by Clint Torres and glamorous makeup by Afton Williams. Her dramatic hair transformation became one of the defining features of the outfit, making the appearance feel like more than a simple recreation.
How Did Mariah Carey Style the Dress in 2008?
Carey wore the same Roberto Cavalli creation at the Time 100 Most Influential People Gala in New York City in 2008. The Grammy-winning singer paired the sparkling minidress with strappy silver Jimmy Choo sandals, embracing the bold metallic glamour associated with the era. The fitted silhouette, plunging neckline, and shimmering finish created a striking stage-ready look that reflected Carey's signature glamorous style.
Hough's interpretation retained the original dress but introduced a different beauty aesthetic, particularly through her voluminous blonde hairstyle. While Carey's appearance showcased the fashion trends of 2008, Hough's version leaned into vintage nostalgia with a contemporary red-carpet-inspired finish. Neither woman altered the dress's distinctive design, demonstrating how styling choices can transform the appearance of the same garment.
Gisele Bündchen Wore the Dress Before Both Stars
Interestingly, Carey was not the first celebrity to wear the Roberto Cavalli design. Supermodel Gisele Bündchen appeared in the same silver minidress for a September 2007 magazine cover, making her one of the earliest famous faces associated with the outfit. Bündchen's long blonde waves later became a major influence on Hough's transformation.
The dancer revealed that the supermodel's hairstyle inspired her decision to experiment with extensions, bringing back memories of her own longer-haired appearance during the late 2000s. This unexpected connection gave Hough's look an additional layer of fashion history, linking three celebrities through one memorable designer creation.
Julianne Hough's Vintage Look Attracts Celebrity Reactions
Following the episode, Hough shared photographs of her glamorous transformation on Instagram, paying tribute to Mariah Carey and Roberto Cavalli while showcasing her modern interpretation of the iconic silver dress. Actress Sophia Bush also showed her approval by leaving fire emojis beneath the post.
Hough has embraced more adventurous fashion choices throughout the show's 35th season, expressing her willingness to experiment with outfits that provoke different reactions. 'Y'all either love it or hate it,' she remarked while discussing her evolving style.
Ultimately, the silver minidress demonstrated the lasting appeal of vintage celebrity fashion. From Bündchen's 2007 appearance to Carey's 2008 performance and Hough's 2026 tribute, the Roberto Cavalli creation has continued to attract attention across nearly two decades.
And while each celebrity approached the look differently, Hough's revival proved that a memorable designer dress does not necessarily need a modern redesign to make another statement.
