Sarah Michelle Gellar Returns to the Emmys After 27 Years in a Backless Pink Gown That “Screams ’90s” (Excluisve)
SMG have the people what they want: a ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ reunion
Credit: Cameo Turner
After nearly three decades, Sarah Michelle Gellar finally made her return to Emmys 2026 – and rest assured, she did not disappoint. Not only did the Hollywood royalty serve a major look, but she gave the people what they want: a Buffy the Vampire Slayer reunion.
Gellar joined her former co-star of seven years, David Boreanaz, on stage to celebrate the horror show’s 30th anniversary, before presenting the award for Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie to Matthew Rhys. While Gellar left Buffy’s signature combat boots in her closet, she nodded to the iconic character in another way: by paying homage to the decade that made the monster-fighting teenager famous – the ’90s
“Nothing screams ’90s more than a bright Versace,” Gellar exclusively tells InStyle. She and her stylist, Tara Swennen, reached into the archives for a hot pink silk Versace gown that featured a high neckline, sleeveless constructions, floor-grazing column skirt, back slit, and sexy backless design that bared her rarely-seen dragon fly tattoos.
Credit: Getty Images
Planned or not, the statement-making centrepiece also appeared to pay tribute to her last Emmys appearance in 1999, when she turned heads in another sultry backless number, that time a sky blue Vera Wang gown.
For the September 14 awards show, Gellar layered on Gabriel and Co. diamonds, strapped on some sky high silver Jimmy Choo platforms, and tucked a reflective Simkhai clutch under her arm. As for beauty, the actress’s glam team – including hairstylist Justine Marjan and makeup artist Marissa Hurkman – pulled Gellar’s famous golden blonde locks into a low, side-parted pony and brought out her dewy, glowy skin with a healthy dose of peach-colored blush. With that, Gellar was ready to own the red carpet at Los Angeles’s Peacock Theater, drop a couple Buffy jokes on stage, and potentially attend some after-parties (she had back-to-school duties waiting for her at home).
Read ahead for InStyle‘s exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at how Gellar got dolled up for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
What She Loves About the Emmys
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“The best part of the Emmys is seeing all the people you never get to see. It’s like the high school reunion you actually want to attend.”
Her Emmys Look
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“Since I was attending in honor of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I really wanted a dress from the ’90s. Nothing screams ’90s more than a bright Versace. It’s truly amazing that somehow Versace vintage manages to still be current. It’s a testament to the genius of the designer.”
The Accessories
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“My jewelry is Gabriel and Co,. my clutch is Simkhai, and my shoes are Jimmy Choo.”
The Glam
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“I am spoiled – I have the best glam team. They are more like family. Tara Swennen has been dressing me for more years than I care to admit. She knows not only what will look best on me, but also what I will feel most comfortable in. [My hairstylist] Justine Marjan is truly a genius: She can do things with my hair that I didn’t think were possible. [My makeup artist] Melissa Hurkman makes me feel the most beautiful I have ever felt. Any day I get to spend with them is a good day. They make me feel beautiful inside and out.
Her Favorite Beauty Products
Credit Cameo Turner
“When it comes to my beauty products, I’m all about skincare. I just got back from an incredible trip, where I got to go inside the lab at Olay. It confirmed my belief that they work so hard to develop really effective formulas, while still managing to keep their products affordable. The Micro-Sculpting Cream is my go-to: I love how hydrated and plump it makes my skin look, and it’s the perfect base under makeup when I’m getting ready for a red carpet. I’ve also been using their Face & Neck Lifting Treatment, which has this cooling massage roller that feels amazing, especially when I’m feeling a little puffy.
Her Personal Style
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“I love fashion. I appreciate all facets of it, from the design process and the fabrics to the end statement. It’s also a big part of acting. Using costumes is an important part of defining and becoming a character.”
Her Favorite Designers
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“That’s like asking to pick a favorite child. I will say I want every piece from Monse’s latest collection. Fernando [Garcia] and Laura [Kim] do it right.”
Her Style Icons
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“Would it be weird to say I have been loving men’s fashion lately? For so long, [the focus was] geared towards women, and lately, I have been looking forward to the men on the carpet. Alan Cumming, Colman Domingo, Lee Pace, and so many more. Fashion is a powerful visual tool. You get the chance to say so much without having to utter a single word.”
The Bougiest Part of Her Red Carpet Prep
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“Ha, I get afraid to try new things. My biggest indulgence is a hotel room at the Ritz-Carlton, so I am not also managing kids, dogs, deliveries, etc.”
Who She’s Looking Forward to Seeing
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“I am really excited for my friend Sarah Pidgeon and the year she is having. I’m also rooting for my Ready or Not twin Shawn Hatosy.”
How She Unwinds
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“Honestly, with exercise. My body always hurts after wearing heels for so long, so I really need to move my body the next day.”
Her After-Party Plans
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“I am still deciding. I have back-to-school night the next day, so I have to be reasonable.”
Original article at InStyle.
