Mindy Kaling is more than a comedic actress. Through the years, the TV writer has garnered a reputation as a red carpet pro.
The Massachusetts native — whose real name is Vera Mindy Chokalingam — first wiggled her way into our hearts in 2005 when she was cast as Kelly Kapoor in The Office. In the sitcom, she starred as the sassy customer service representative, who had a passion for fashion.
The Mindy Project star has a love for style off screen, too. In a 2016 interview with Hello Giggles, Kaling revealed that “working on The Office changed [her] style.” She explained, “I love running very slowly, it’s like my version of therapy. Once I started on The Office, I would be jogging and sometimes people would say, ‘Hey! Kelly from The Office,’” which made her want to buy “chic gym clothes.”
Aside from workout gear, the Inside Out voice actress dazzles fans in gowns, too. At the 2023 Met Gala, Kaling had Us swooning in a Simkhai dress — which showed off her weight loss transformation. The Ocean’s 8 actress sparkled in a white ensemble featuring a strapless neckline, glitzy skirt and floral bodice. To top the look off, she sported diamond jewelry, long eyelashes, smokey eyeshadow, glossy lips and a timeless updo. (She opened up about her wellness journey in an April 2023 interview with Entertainment Tonight, saying I eat what I like to eat … I just eat less of it.”)
Another standout look from the Never Have I Ever creator came at the 34th Annual Producers Guild Awards in February 2023. Kaling rocked a custom Monique Lhuillier dress featuring a sweetheart neckline and mermaid fit. The A Wrinkle in Time star teamed the getup with Giuseppe Zanotti pumps and a diamond choker. Her brunette tresses were parted down the side and worn in loose waves. That night, she received the Norman Lear Achievement award for her work producing shows including The Mindy Project, The Sex Lives of College Girls, The Office, Never Have I Ever and Velma.
One of Kaling’s most talked about looks came at the 2022 Met Gala. For fashion’s biggest night, the Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? author beamed in a lavender Prabal Gurung design. The gorgeous frock included a plunging neckline, flowy skirt, thigh-high slit, 3-D floral embellishments on her straps with fabric attached that cascaded down her back. She teamed the outfit with her hair in bob, pink eyeshadow, luscious lashes, rosy cheeks and velour lips.
We’re taking a look back at Kaling’s most memorable red carpet moments. Keep scrolling to see these looks and more!
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May 2023
The bell of the ball! The Champions alum shimmered in a sparkling Simkhai gown at the annual Met Gala.
Credit: Matt Baron/Shutterstock
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March 2023
Gorgeous girl! Kaling looked whimsical in a white Vera Wang number — which featured a sheer corset — at the 95th Academy Awards.
Credit: David Fisher/Shutterstock
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February 2023
Beautiful in black! The Late Night actress wore a custom Monique Lhuillier number at the 34th Producers Guild Awards.
Credit: CraSH/imageSPACE/Shutterstock
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October 2022
Just her style! The mom of two stunned in a Naeem Khan glittery gown at the 2022 Academy Museum Gala.
Credit: Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock
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May 2022
A vision in purple! Kaling looked chic in a Prabal Gurung at fashion’s biggest night in New York City.
Credit: Photo Image Press/Shutterstock
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November 2021
Looking good! The No Strings Attached star arrived at the Baby2Baby gala in a one-shoulder frock finished with sequin details.
Credit: Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
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February 2020
The This Is the End actress stole our hearts in a fitted strapless Reem Acra number at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
Credit: Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock
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October 2019
Fashion guru! The Emmy award winner wore an Oscar de la Renta outfit at the Elle Women in Hollywood event. The midi dress included a thigh-high slit and rhinestone embellished sleeves.
Credit: Hahn Lionel/ABACA/Shutterstock
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May 2019
Golden girl! Kaling looked radiant at the Met Gala in a glimmery Moschino gown. She teamed the eye-catching number with a blonde wig and oversized earrings.
Credit: Photo by Broadimage/Shutterstock
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June 2018
At the Ocean’s 8 premiere, the Five-Year Engagement actress wore an airy garb by Alberta Ferretti.
Credit: Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock
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May 2017
Flirty in florals! The Velma procuder looked radiant in a vibrant Sachin & Babi number at the Hulu Upfront Presentation.
Credit: Kristina Bumphrey/Starpix/Shutterstock
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November 2016
Kaling arrived at the Glamour Woman of the Year Awards in a Gabriela Hearst ensembe — finished with a plunging neckline.
Credit: Jim Smeal/Shutterstock
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September 2015
Radiant in red! The Wreck-It Ralph voice actor dazzled Us in a Salvador Perez gown at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards.
Credit: Broadimage/Shutterstock
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November 2014
Effortlessly elegant! The comedian looked fabulous in a light blue mini dress at the Glamour Woman of the Year Awards.
Credit: Shutterstock
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September 2013
Pretty in plum! The Why Not Me? author wore a cutout getup by Georges Charka at the 65th Emmy Awards.
Credit: Stewart Cook/Shutterstock
